The Life Of A Disciple
Hearing The Voice Of God
What God Sounds Like
For LifeGroup Discussion
Main Theme:
Our view of God affects how we relate to Him, and in turn how we hear Him. Many of us view God as angry or distant — but God is love and He invites us into a loving relationship with Him. Before we try to be better or do more, God wants us to know our ‘Belovedness’ in him.
Icebreaker Question:
Share a time when you first felt truly loved by God. If you haven’t felt so, what’s the closest you’ve felt to God before?
Read Together:
Luke 15:11-32, Matthew 3:16-17, Songs of Solomon 2:10, 14, John 15:5-15
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think we tend to imagine God as angry or distant in His interactions with us?
When God has corrected you in the past, did it sound like gentle restoration, or wrathful judgement?
How do you usually discern God’s voice in a decision? Does God feel distant or with you in the process?
How can we practically ‘keep ourselves in the love of God’ (Jude 1:21) amidst the demands of life?
How can we grow in gentle correction or guidance of one another in a way that mirrors God’s nature?
Real Talk:
While emotions are not the only measure of spirituality, how in love with Jesus do you feel today? Is your heart on fire?
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you imagine what God thinks of you/how He sees you?
Group Reflection:
How can we be encouragers who remind each other of how God views us (deeply loved) amidst the triumphs and failures of life?
What can we do to cultivate a rhythm where we hear God and encourage/edify each other in the prophetic?
Practical Ideas:
Make it a practice to encourage amidst correction.
Practice listening prayer for a friend and sharing encouragement.
Activation:
Individual —
Take time to listen to the Lord on how He truly views and thinks of us.
Imagine yourself in the very presence of your loving Creator and let your heart speak. Name your aloneness and your struggle to find love, to give love, and to love yourself. Honestly identify how you have wounded others, and with confidence ask pardon. Express your heartfelt longing to rest secure again in the embrace of the One who loves you with an everlasting love. Be still, and listen for the response.
Group Ministry —
Break into pairs or triads. Ask the Holy Spirit: “Lord, what would You like to say to this person?”
Share simply what you sense — Scripture, picture, impression, word to encourage them.
Then pray for each other.
For Personal Devotion
This Week’s Shared Practice: Hearing God For Someone Else
Daily Devotion Rhythm:
Day 1: Read Luke 15:11-32 – Which son do I identify with in this Parable? What is the Father’s reaction to me?
Day 2: Read Matthew 3:16-17 – God says this before Jesus begins His ministry. How does God feel about me?
Day 3: Read Songs of Solomon 2:10, 14 – Am I surprised by the tone of voice of the Beloved? Can I accept God’s affection for me?
Day 4: John 15:5-15 - In what way have I not ‘remained’ in God’s love in pursuit of a goal or achievement?
Day 5: Pray: “Lord, who do You want to speak encouragement to through me today?”
Day 6: Try hearing God for a friend or family member. Ask for permission to share.
Day 7: Write a testimony: “This week, I experienced God’s love through”