Listening to God, Part 2

Again, I give credit to a series Charles Stanley preached several years ago titled Listening to God. Here are my notes... and thank you for reading because I certainly appreciate the review. Comments below are appreciated.

How do I know that God is doing the talking?
How can we distinguish the voices?

If you are a believer, walking in the Spirit, it should be very easy for you to determine the voice of God.

1. Consistent with the Word of God, while not out of context.
2. Does it conflict with human reason. Usually God’s plan will conflict with natural way of doing things. And are often not rational and reasonable.
   1. Turn the other cheek
   2. Go two miles
   3. Sacrifice of Isaac (which would now contradict his Word)
3. Does it clash with the gratification of fleshly desires? God seeks to satisfy the yearning of the Spirit.
4. Will this challenge my faith? God is always up to challenging our faith.
5. Does this decision call for courage? Often, not always, what is spoken will require it.
   

   Example:
   Go back to Scripture. Imagine Jesus telling his disciples what's about to happen in regards to himself

   • Suffer
   • Killed
   • Rise from Dead

   Does this fit with the above Criteria? Yes. Each of the above criteria were true in the life of Christ.

6. Is it careless regarding it’s effect toward other people, crude toward others, or overly independent. Does it require a rushed or snap decision?
7. Consider the future consequences of what you do? Satan says “forget the future! You only live once! Eat, drink & be merry.” God will sometimes lead us to get advice, BUT we must check out the lifestyle of those we get advice from. Does not mean ignore it. BUT remember criteria 1-6 above.
8. Does it contribute to my spiritual growth or hinder?
9. A calmness develops in my spirit.