Hearing God: Part 2- Hearing God’s Word in the Bible
Pastor Tim Inman
September 8, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Personal Story: A Divine Encounter
Moving Experience at 16:
Family's move from Vallejo to Southern California and initial excitement.
Concerns about job and friendships leading to a moment of reflection before sleep.
God's Guidance Through Proverbs 3:5-6:
Woke up with the words “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
Realization that God was speaking directly to his concerns through this scripture.
The Power of God's Word
Logos and Rhema:
Logos is the written word of God, while Rhema is God's living, active word.
God uses Logos (scripture) to give Rhema (personal guidance) for present circumstances.
Saturating Ourselves with Scripture:
Encouragement to fill our hearts and minds with God's written word.
Bible study is essential for anyone wanting to hear God’s voice.
Jesus and the Word of God
Jesus Relied on Scripture:
Jesus quoted scripture to resist temptation and confront challenges (e.g., Deuteronomy, Psalms).
His deep connection to scripture shows us the importance of immersing ourselves in God's word.
Scripture in Everyday Life:
King David emphasized meditating on God’s word day and night (Psalm 1).
Moses encouraged surrounding oneself with God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
Importance of Knowing and Understanding Scripture
Biblical Interpretation (Exegesis):
Understanding the context of scripture is essential for proper application to life.
Exegesis helps discern the original meaning and how it applies to us today.
Challenges in Reading the Bible:
Sometimes scripture can be difficult to understand or seem contradictory.
Encouragement to dig deeper, ask questions, and seek insight from biblical scholars.
Humility and Scripture Study
Avoiding Pride in Bible Knowledge:
We study scripture to know God, not to master Him.
Be wary of treating Bible knowledge as a source of pride, as the Pharisees did.
Jesus-Centered Understanding of the Bible:
The entire Bible points to Jesus and His sacrificial love for humanity.
Seeing Jesus in both the Old and New Testaments provides clarity on God's redemptive plan.
Praying Through Scripture
Lectio Divina:
An ancient practice of prayerfully reading and meditating on scripture.
Encouragement to integrate Bible reading with prayer to hear God’s voice.
Four Steps of Lectio Divina:
Lectio: Reading the scripture.
Meditatio: Meditating on the meaning and its implications.
Oratio: Praying in response to the scripture.
Contemplatio: Resting in God’s word and presence.
Responding to God’s Voice
Obeying God’s Direction:
Hearing from God requires a willingness to obey His words.
A lack of obedience to God’s last instruction may result in feeling distant from His voice.
Christina Keene’s Story:
Illustration of hearing and obeying God's voice in everyday life.
Importance of following through on God’s last direction before expecting new revelation.
Conclusion: God's Grace and Invitation
God's Call to Respond:
More than anything, God wants us to respond to His grace and mercy.
Trusting in Jesus and saturating life with His words leads to transformation.
Invitation to Reflect and Obey:
Encourage self-reflection on how we are living out God's last direction.
Assurance of God’s ongoing desire to speak and guide us through His word.
Communion: The Story of Jesus' Sacrifice
Pastor Terry's Reflection:
Communion as a "story meal" reminiscent of the Passover.
Jesus’ last meal with His disciples, emphasizing His coming sacrifice.
Lectio Divina of Luke 22:14-20:
Reflection on the passage where Jesus institutes communion.
Encouragement to participate in communion as a personal encounter with Christ's love and sacrifice.
Communion Participation:
Invitation to imagine being with Jesus at the Last Supper.
Partaking in the bread and wine as symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, given for us.
Final Reflection and Prayer
Response to God’s Love:
Acknowledge Jesus' love and sacrifice.
Reflect on how His words shape and guide our lives as we commune with Him.
Biblical References
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word from the mouth of the Lord.
Psalm 1:1-2 - Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Impress God's commandments on your children, talk about them in daily life, and display them in your home.
Ephesians 5:19 - Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Isaiah 56:7 / Jeremiah 7:11 - My house will be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.
Hosea 6:6 - I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
2 Timothy 2:15 - Present yourself to God as one approved, correctly handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching and training in righteousness.
Luke 22:14-20 - (The Last Supper) This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
Luke 11:27-28 - Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.
Reflection Questions
Have you experienced a moment where a specific Bible verse spoke directly to your situation, like Proverbs 3:5-6 did for Pastor Tim? If so, how did it impact your faith?
How can you better saturate your mind and heart with God's Word (Logos) so that you are more open to His personal guidance (Rhema) in everyday life?
Reflecting on Jesus’ use of scripture, how can you follow His example of relying on God’s Word to resist temptation and face challenges?
What current doubts or struggles are you facing that may be rooted in past disappointment or heartache? How can you bring those doubts before God for healing?
How can you integrate prayer and Bible reading (such as through Lectio Divina) into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with God and better discern His direction?
Daily Activities
Monday: Daily Scripture Memorization
Activity: Choose a meaningful scripture, like Proverbs 3:5-6, and commit to memorizing it over the next week. Repeat it throughout the day during quiet moments.
Application: This scripture will serve as a reminder to trust God in moments of doubt or uncertainty, reinforcing reliance on His guidance rather than personal understanding.
Tuesday: Lectio Divina Reflection
Activity: Spend 15 minutes practicing Lectio Divina using Psalm 1:1-2. Follow the four steps: read, meditate, pray, and contemplate.
Application: This meditative practice will help you connect deeply with God's Word, allowing His truth to speak directly to your current challenges or decisions, and providing spiritual clarity.
Wednesday: Weekly Bible Study with a Friend or Group
Activity: Start a small Bible study group or partner with a friend to study a book of the Bible together (e.g., the book of Proverbs). Meet once a week to discuss what you’ve learned.
Application: Studying Scripture with others allows you to deepen your understanding of God’s Word and apply it practically in your life, while also building accountability and spiritual community.
Thursday: Trust and Obedience Journal
Activity: Keep a journal where you write down moments when you sense God guiding you through Scripture (Logos or Rhema). Record your reflections on how you obeyed or struggled with trusting His guidance.
Application: This habit will help you actively recognize God’s voice in your life and track how obedience strengthens your relationship with Him, encouraging trust in areas where you are hesitant.
Friday: Prayer Walk with Scripture
Activity: Take a 10-15 minute walk daily while meditating on or reciting a passage of Scripture (such as Deuteronomy 6:6-9). During the walk, pray for guidance in your decisions and interactions.
Application: Integrating prayer and Scripture into your daily walk will encourage mindfulness of God's presence in your everyday life, helping you stay centered on His guidance throughout your day.
