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How to Hear the Voice of God

Care deeply about what the Bible says

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. HEBREWS 4:12 NLT

Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD.” He gave it to Shaphan, who read it… Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. 2 KINGS 22:8-11 NIV

Turn to people you know that hear from God

He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.” 2 KINGS 22:12-13 NIV1984

Allow God to speak through whoever he chooses

Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophetess Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter. 2 KINGS 22:14 NIV

Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did — with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses. 2 KINGS 23:25 NIV

She said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, ‘This is what the LORD says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and aroused my anger by all the idols their hands have made, my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.’ 2 KINGS 22:15-17 NIV

Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the LORD. Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’” So they took her answer back to the king. 2 KINGS 22:18-20 NIV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Spend some time quieting yourself, laying any burdens from your day at the feet of Jesus. Invite God into this time, asking Him to lead you as you seek Him. Consider the following verse: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 ESV. What parts of this verse stand out to you? Spend some time in reflection, writing down your observations in the space below. After you have reflected, consider Josiah: What impresses you about Josiah’s response to the rebuke God gave him through the Word? How can you apply his example to your life? Are there any physical postures you could adopt that might aid in this? (eg. Going forward on the weekend, getting on your knees to pray, lifting your hands in worship, seeking godly advice.) Write down any action steps you feel God is leading you to. Close your time by thanking God that He sees you and loves you enough to give you His scripture so you can have a strong tether in a hectic world. Share your reflections with your group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to invite God to help you examine your approach to scripture. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
  2. REAL WITH SELF: How has God used the Bible to speak to you?
  3. REAL WITH GOD: Read 2 KINGS 22:8-11 NLT. Has there ever been a time where God’s Word convicted you like Josiah, where you realized you were terribly wrong about something? How did that process ultimately point you toward God?
  4. REAL WITH OTHERS: Who are the people in your life that you know speak for God? How can you work to be a better listener?
  5. REAL WITH OTHERS: Read 2 KINGS 23:35 NIV. Josiah, who was taught God’s ways by Huldah, was considered Israel’s best king; where might God need to use a woman’s voice to help you become the best version of yourself?
  6. TAKE ACTION: Close by praying for our church and its leaders, that we would always be a church that values God’s Word and is faithfully obedient to His voice!