Hearing and Identifying the Voice of God — Didi-Omah Augustine Chinazaekpere

Hearing and Identifying the Voice of God — Didi-Omah Augustine Chinazaekpere 

1. Foundation: God Speaks

From Genesis to Revelation, God has always spoken to His people.

Hebrews 1 vs. 1–2 – “In the past God spoke… through the prophets… but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.”

John 10 vs. 27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

✅ This means: God still speaks today, and His children can recognize His voice.

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2. Ways God Speaks (Biblically)

God’s voice doesn’t always sound like thunder. He speaks in different ways:

1. Through the Scriptures (His Written Word)

The Bible is God’s primary voice.

2 Timothy 3 vs. 16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed…”

When you read the Bible prayerfully, the Holy Spirit makes verses “come alive” as direct guidance.

2. Through the Holy Spirit (Inner Witness)

Romans 8 vs. 16 – “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit…”

God’s Spirit speaks softly to your spirit – often as thoughts, impressions, or conviction of truth.

3. Through Peace or Restlessness

Colossians 3 vs. 15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

God’s voice brings peace, even in correction. Confusion, anxiety, and fear are not from Him.

4. Through Circumstances

Acts 16 vs. 6–10 – Paul was redirected by closed doors and a vision (the “Macedonian call”).

God can guide by opening or closing opportunities.

5. Through Dreams and Visions

Joel 2 vs. 28, Acts 2 vs. 17 – “Your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”

6. Through Godly Counsel

Proverbs 11 vs. 14 – “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

God can use mature believers to confirm His will.

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3. How to Identify God’s Voice (Not the Enemy or Your Flesh)

Here are the tests of truth:

1. Does it agree with Scripture?

God never contradicts His written Word.

Example: God will never tell you to lie, steal, commit immorality, or hate.

2. Does it exalt Jesus?

John 16 vs. 14 – The Spirit always glorifies Christ, not self or man.

3. Does it bring peace?

Philippians 4 vs. 7 – The peace of God guards your heart when the message is from Him.

4. Does it convict, not condemn?

John 16 vs. 8 – The Spirit convicts us of sin with hope for repentance.

Satan condemns, leaving guilt and hopelessness.

5. Does it align with God’s character?

God’s voice is consistent with His nature: holy, loving, just, merciful.

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4. Practical Steps to Hearing God’s Voice

1. Be Born Again

John 3 vs. 3 – Spiritual birth is the doorway. Without Christ in your heart, His voice is unclear.

2. Spend Time in the Word

Daily reading trains your spiritual ears. The more Scripture you know, the easier you discern His voice.

3. Develop a Prayer Life

Prayer is a two-way conversation. Don’t just talk – wait and listen. (Psalm 46 vs. 10)

4. Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit

Quiet your mind, shut out distractions. God’s voice is often “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19 vs. 12).

5. Obey What You Hear

John 14 vs. 23 – Obedience increases clarity. If you ignore God’s voice, it becomes harder to recognize.

6. Keep a Journal

Write down impressions, verses, or dreams. Over time, you’ll see patterns of how God speaks to you.

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5. Mistakes to Avoid

Chasing Voices without Discernment – The devil can imitate (2 Cor. 11 vs. 14). Always test with the Word.

Impatience – God may not answer immediately. Wait in faith.

Neglecting Scripture – If you ignore the Bible, you’ll be vulnerable to deception.

Forcing Answers – Don’t twist Scripture or circumstances to fit your desires.

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6. Exercise: Training Your Ear

Step 1: Read John 10 slowly. Pray: “Lord, help me hear You.”

Step 2: Sit in silence 5–10 minutes. Note any verse, thought, or peace that comes.

Step 3: Test it by Scripture, character of God, and peace.

Step 4: Act in obedience, even if small (like forgiving someone or helping).

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7. Final Assurance

God wants you to hear Him more than you want to hear Him.

Matthew 7 vs. 11 – If earthly fathers give good gifts, how much more will your Heavenly Father guide you?

Stay close, stay humble, stay obedient — and His voice will become clearer with time.

✅ Summary:

Hearing God’s voice is not mystical; it’s relational. Start with the Bible, stay filled with the Holy Spirit, live in obedience, and you will gradually grow confident in recognizing His gentle yet powerful voice.