Hearing God’s voice
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 ESV)
Hearing the voice of God
Occasionally I hear someone say, “God spoke to me and said...” And then they proceed to tell what He said to them. This practice used to bother me because I’ve never heard God speak to me in an audible voice. I don’t doubt that God has spoken audibly to people on occasion. There are many examples of it in the Bible, such as when God called out to Adam in the garden of Eden (Gen. 3:9), called audibly several times to Samuel (1 Sam. 3:8), and spoke to Moses from the burning bush (Exo. 3:1-4:17). However, I believe it is more usual today for God to speak to us through His written Word. That’s how He often “speaks” to me. As I read the Bible and meditate (think deeply) on what I have read, Scripture comes to my mind as I make daily decisions. Recently, a salesman at an auto parts store gave me too much money back at the sales counter. I caught the mistake and handed him back the overpaid amount. The clerk said, “Wow! Thank you! You are a very honest man!” I said, “Thanks, I am a Christian, and God would never allow me to cheat you.” I’m familiar with what God’s Word says about dealing honestly with people.
“But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!’” (Luke 11:28 ESV)
God’s people hear His words
“Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (John 8:47 ESV)
Hearing the Word of Christ
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17 ESV)
God’s Words are spirit and life
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63 ESV)
The Holy Spirit brings God’s Words to your remembrance
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)
Therefore
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 ESV)
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Rev. 3:20 ESV)
Quote
“One of the greatest benefits of our salvation has to be that of hearing God speak to us personally. There can be no intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father without it. But, as easy as it is for us to speak to Him, the average Christian has a hard time hearing His voice. This is not the way the Lord intended it to be.” - Andrew Wommack