The Hearing God Course at Gateway South Austin is a journey that will help you grow and deepen your relationship with God and discover His voice.
Hearing God begins not with technique, but surrender.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” —John 10:27
God is not silent.
The primary obstacle to hearing Him is not His unwillingness to speak, but our unwillingness to listen – due to distractions or not liking what we hear.
How do we discern His voice?
Remove Distractions, Listen, and Look for the Clues God Gives:
Supernatural Clues:
Seeking God (Prayer)
Seeking God (The Bible)
Spirit of God
Signs
External Clues:
Sage counsel
Circumstances
Internal Clues:
Significance
The Parable of the Soils
In front of one of the largest crowds Jesus ever had, what message did he choose to share?
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” – Matthew 13:1-9, 18-19
RECEPTIVITY – overcoming a hardened heart
Do you know God’s calling for your life?
If not, how have you heard God’s voice in the past?
If so, what are the supernatural, external, and internal clues God has given you?
John 10:3-6, Revelation 3:19-20
TENACITY – overcoming trials
What has happened to you that keeps you from making progress?
What are you experiencing now that keeps you from making progress?
1 Thessalonians 1:6-8, 2:11-12
INTENTIONALITY – overcoming temptations
What choices do you make that keep you from making progress?
What temptations seem to distract you from your calling?
Not sure?
Consider the following: Introspection, Ask others, Assessments
Titus 1:5, 12, 2:11-12, Ephesians 4:29, 2 Peter 1:3
PROACTIVITY – overcoming rebellion, doing what you know you ought to do
What do you need to do now to make progress?
Who can help you get there?
What sacrifices do you need to make to get there?
Genesis 11:31-12:1, Exodus 24:9-13, John 14:21
Next Steps:
Read: Matthew 13:1-23
Consider these questions:
- What is my calling?
- What are my trials?
- What are my temptations?
- What do I need to sacrifice?
To Do:
- Serve Others With Others
- Sign up for Caffeine Vibes
- Join a Group
Discussion Questions:
Which of the following is your best skill and why?
Receptivity, Tenacity, Intentionality, or Proactivity?
Which of the following is hardest for you and why?
Receptivity, Tenacity, Intentionality, or Proactivity?
What do you sense God has been saying to you throughout this series?
What are the next steps you hope to take in terms of serving or connecting or growing?
