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We encourage you to jot down what you hear God speaking to you about today as you listen to the teaching. Plan on diving deeper into the message by downloading the study guide on Sunday night so you can compare your notes with the guide as a path for deeper spiritual commitment. Once posted, the teaching video and study guide can be found under the Media tab.
Loud and Clear - Week Three
GOD WANTS you to hear His voice even more than YOU DESIRE to hear it.
The clearest way to hear from God is through the Bible.
The most personal way to hear from God is through Prayer.
The most common way to hear from God is through People.
“Your father was a hard master,” they said. “Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects.” Rehoboam replied, “Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer.” So the people went away.
Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?” The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.” —1 Kings 12:4-7 (NLT)
1) Pursue Godly WISDOM from others who can be of help.
We should never try to make important decisions in isolation.
Wisdom vs. Knowledge
The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice. —Proverbs 10:31 (NLT)
But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers. —1 Kings 12:8 (NLT)
2) If you’re really not open to changing your mind, then don’t bother asking for input.
The young turks he’d grown up with said, “These people who complain, ‘Your father was too hard on us; lighten up’—well, tell them this: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. If you think life under my father was hard, you haven’t seen the half of it. My father thrashed you with whips; I’ll beat you bloody with chains!’” —1 Kings 12:10-11 (MSG)
3) You can always find a fool to support your folly.
But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. —1 Kings 12:13-14 (NLT)
4) The right advice, not carried out, will always lead down the wrong path.
Four tips for hearing from God through other people… What do you look for in others, and how do you identify the Godly influences around you?
Seek advisors with both EXPERIENCE and HUMILITY
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. —Proverbs 18:2 (NLT)
We should seek advisors who have both the experience, and the humility to communicate advice in an honoring and loving way.
Expand your NETWORK
Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having MANY advisers. —Proverbs 11:14 (NLT)
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; MANY advisers bring success. —Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)
Make AUTHENTICITY a non-negotiable
We should look for consistency in both character and behavior.
Get Up, Get Here, and FIND YOUR PEOPLE
What is the NEXT STEP you need to take in order to position yourself to hear from God through the people God has placed around you?
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