DIGGING DEEPER

Hear & Obey:

Listening & Guidance

Principles for listening to God for guidance:

1. Start slow
2. Goal = closeness with Jesus
3. Beware of rushing the listening process
4. Involve spiritual disciplines such as Scripture, fasting, solitude, silence, sabbath, community, etc
5. Cultivate a posture of quiet surrender
6. Start small and simple
7. Learn to hear God in the everyday before asking life-altering questions
8. Ask simple questions
9. Ask the next question
10. Ask both “what?” and “when?”
11. Stay focused on Jesus
12. Hebrews 12
13. Be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s movement in consolations and desolations
14. Desolations = respect, identify, and wait
15. Consolations = ask questions, try it on
16. Receive confirmation through community

Podcast: 5 Questions to Guide You in Decision Making



Have you ever had an experience where you sought God for guidance? What was that like?

What have been your indicators for God guiding you both towards and away from a new opportunity? Were these indicators challenged or affirmed by the teaching this week?

Read Acts 2.14-21. In his teaching, Peter quotes Joel 2, indicating that the time has been fulfilled where God would pour out his Spirit on all who call on his name.

• Do you believe that the Spirit operates today in the same ways that Joel spoke of (prophecies, dreams, visions, etc.)?
• What are the implications for our lives?

Which of the five principles for listening to God for guidance was most helpful for you, and why? (1) start slow, (2) start small and simple, (3) stay focused on Jesus, (4) be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s movement in consolations and desolations, (5) receive confirmation through community

Identify some ways that you need to grow in order to listen to God for guidance.

What are ways in which your community/network can grow in helping each other discern the voice of God and obey him?

How can you train your children to hear God for guidance?

Looking for questions based on a past sermon?