Deeper Still [God's Voice] Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon focuses on learning to recognize and listen to God's voice in our daily lives. Using the story of young Samuel from 1 Samuel 3 and Simon's encounter with Jesus in Luke 5, Jonathan emphasizes that hearing God's voice is not a mystery, but a promise for believers. The key is positioning ourselves near where God is already present; staying grounded in His Word, connected to His community, and making space for His presence. The sermon concludes with the important truth that hearing God is only the beginning; we must also obey what He says, just as Simon obeyed Jesus' command to cast his nets into deeper waters despite having worked all night without success.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, knowing that You desire to speak to us and have relationship with us. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us through this discussion. Help us to set aside the distractions and noise of our daily lives so we can truly hear Your voice. Give us ears to hear and hearts ready to respond to Your leading. We pray that this time together would draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

Share about someone in your life who has a very recognizable voice; maybe a family member, friend, or even a celebrity. What makes their voice so distinctive to you?

Key Verses

- Luke 5:1-5
- John 10:27
- 1 Samuel 3:1-10
- Psalm 119:105
- Hebrews 4:12
- Hebrews 10:23-25
- Psalm 119:15-16
- James 1:22-25

Questions

- In the story of Samuel, why do you think God chose to speak to a young boy rather than the experienced priest Eli? What does this teach us about who God chooses to speak to?
- The sermon mentions that 'messages from the Lord were very rare' in Samuel's time because people weren't listening. What are some things in our modern world that might prevent us from hearing God's voice?
- Samuel positioned himself near the lamp (God's Word), in the temple (God's community), next to the Ark (God's presence). Which of these three areas do you feel strongest in, and which needs the most attention in your life?
- Jonathan said 'You cannot hurry a conversation and call it connection.' How would you describe your current prayer life; more like a quick conversation or an intimate dialogue? What would need to change?
- Simon had good reasons not to obey Jesus' command to cast his nets again (he was tired, had worked all night, caught nothing). What are some 'good reasons' we might use to avoid obeying God's voice in our lives?
- The sermon emphasizes that hearing God's Word is only the beginning, we must also obey it. Can you share about a time when you heard God clearly but struggled with obedience? What was the outcome?
- How can we help each other become better listeners to God's voice? What role should community play in discerning God's voice?
- Jonathan mentioned that God's spoken word will always align with His written Word. Why is this important, and how can we use Scripture to test what we think we're hearing from God?

Life Application

This week, commit to repositioning yourself to better hear God's voice. Choose one specific way to stay grounded in God's Word (perhaps a daily reading plan), one way to stay connected to God's community (maybe reaching out to a mentor or joining a Bible study), and one way to make more space for God's presence in prayer (such as adding 5 minutes of silent listening after you pray). Practice the discipline of listening, not just speaking in your prayer time.

Key Takeaways

- God wants us to know His voice intimately, like a child knows their parent's voice, and this is a promise for all believers
- To hear God clearly, we must position ourselves near where He is already present: in His Word, His community, and His presence through prayer
- True listening requires intentionality and creating space - True listening is about cultivating relationship, not just collecting information
- Hearing God's voice is only the beginning; we must also obey what He says, even when it doesn't make sense to us
- Prayer should be intimate conversation with God, not rushed or efficient, but deliberate and tender with space for listening

Ending Prayer

Father, thank You for speaking to us today about the importance of hearing and obeying Your voice. We confess that too often we rush through our conversations with You or allow the noise of life to drown out Your gentle whispers. Help us to position ourselves near Your Word, Your people, and Your presence this week. Give us the courage to obey what we hear, even when it challenges us or doesn't make sense. We want deeper relationship with You, Lord. Teach us to listen with hearts ready to respond. May we be like Samuel, saying 'Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening.' In Jesus' precious name, Amen.