How to Hear From God
How does God speak to us?
“1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. —Hebrews 1:1–2
After Jesus’ resurrection & enthronement, He sent the Holy Spirit to convey His Message
“7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” —John 16:7–13
God spoke to more people than just the 12 Apostles
Philip the Evangelist
“29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”” —Acts 8:29
Disciples in Tyre
“4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there [Tyre] for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.” —Acts 21:4
Philip the Evangelist’s daughters
“9 He [Philip the evangelist] had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.” —Acts 21:9
Agabus the Prophet
“10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”” —Acts 21:10
Paul could “hear” God’s voice through the voices of the crowd
“22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.” —Acts 20:22–23
We learn what the Holy Spirit “sounds like” by reading or hearing lots and lots of the Book the Holy Spirit wrote
“16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16–17
- if the voice sounds like selfishness, self-indulgence, or self-exaltation, rather
than selflessness and service, you should definitely re-investigate (1 John 2:16)
The Holy Spirit will never contradict God’s Word (look back at John 16:13)
“8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed” —Galatians 1:8–9
Warnings, cautions, and considerations: This is subjective and therefor dangerous
Using “God told me” to justify your own agenda invites opposition from God
“6 They have seen false visions and lying divinations. They say, ‘Declares Yahweh,’ when Yahweh has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word. 7 Have you not seen a false vision and uttered a lying divination, whenever you have said, ‘Declares Yahweh,’ although I have not spoken?” 8 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Because you have uttered falsehood and seen lying visions, therefore behold, I am against you, declares Yahweh God.” —Ezekiel 13:6–8
Demons talk too
“1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” —1 John 4:1
Fools use their feelings to test Scripture, rather than using Scripture to test their feelings.
“9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 10 “I Yahweh search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”” —Jeremiah 17:9–10
How can I pray for God to “speak” to me?
1. “God guide me to passages in the Bible related to the decision I’m trying to make.”
2. “God show me how to apply what you’ve said in Your Word to the decision I have
to make.”
One Missoula Church gives back to God through sacraficial giving that we use to help others discover and strengthen a relationship with Jesus Christ. We’ve removed every barrier and inconvenience to make this sacrificial act as accessible and simple as possible. At present, here are the avenues avialable to us:
- Sunday Morning - offering boxes on the communion tables at theback
- Snail Mail - postage-paid envelope included in the handout
- Text “1MSO” to 888-364-4483
- Online at https://onemissoulachurch.com/give
- Via the One Missoula App under the “Giving” tab
