Scripture References: Genesis 1:26-27; Hebrews 1:1; Matthew 3:17; John 14/16 (Spirit's role); Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:16

Intro: Hearing God's voice is a vital topic, often clouded by apprehension—fear of weirdness, intellectual barriers, or spiritual pride. This sermon explores hearing God not through the lens of our own struggles or abilities, but through the reality of God's relational heart and His innate desire to communicate with us.

Key Points:

1. Resistance Isn't the End: Many hesitate to pursue hearing God due to fear (becoming odd, pride) or over-intellectualizing. It feels risky or unattainable. We need to shift focus beyond these common barriers.
2. God is a Communicating God: The foundation isn't our ability to hear, but God's ability and desire to speak. His essential nature, revealed from Genesis 1 ("God said..."), is communicative. He speaks because He longs for connection with us (Heb 1:1).
3. Created for Connection (Imago Dei): We are made "in God's image" (Gen 1:26-27), reflecting the relational Trinity. This means we were uniquely designed for communion with God; hearing His voice is part of that intended relationship.
4. Jesus: Our Model & Provision: Jesus perfectly modeled hearing the Father, anchored in His identity as the beloved Son (Matt 3:17) and focused on serving others. Critically, His obedient life wasn't just an example, but a provision—His connection with the Father makes our connection possible.
5. The Holy Spirit Enables Connection: The Spirit connects us to Jesus' experience. He assures us of our adoption and the Father's deep love ("Abba Father" - Gal 4:6, Rom 8:16). Hearing God flows naturally from this secure place of being loved, empowering service, not self-validation.

Conclusion: Hearing God's voice is less about striving or spiritual performance and more about resting in His communicating nature and His affectionate love for us as His children. We were made for this connection. Jesus secured it, and the Holy Spirit facilitates it, reminding us we are deeply loved ("Abba"). From this place of acceptance, we can listen for His voice in our lives.

Call to Action: Let go of fear and intellectual barriers to hearing God. Focus on His unchanging, communicating nature and His desire to connect with you. Embrace your identity as His beloved child ("Abba"). Cultivate openness and expectation to hear His voice, not for status, but for deepening relationship and loving service.

with Doug Richardson

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