Week 2 – How to Know if it’s Really God Speaking

Week 2: How to Know It’s Really God Speaking to You

 

 

4 Ways to know:

1. Is it Biblical?[We’ll get to this in a minute…]

2. Get the counsel of others who are trustworthy

Proverbs 15:22 (NLT2) Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

Proverbs 11:14 (NLT2) Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

 

3. Look for confirmation

• Say I have a sense that God wants me to do ABC, then (for example) I…
  • …read it in the scripture
  • …I hear it in a sermon
  • …get a text out of the blue
• Gideon asked God for confirmation in Judges 6:36-40 (NIV)

4. Do you have the Peace of God about it?

Colossians 3:15 (NLT2) And let the peace that comes from Christ rule (UMPIRE) in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

 

#1. Is it biblical? Is it consistent with the whole counsel of Scripture?

Is it consistent with God’s Character, God’s Truth, and God’s Purpose?

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT2) 16  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

 

How often should I read God’s Word?

Deuteronomy 17:18–20 (NLT) 18 “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees.

• What is the King of Israel copying? The .

 

20 This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.

• What 3 benefits come from reading the Scriptures daily?

 

SUGGESTIONS FOR HOW TO READ THE BIBLE

• Read it systematically.
• Make notes as you read.
• Underline or color code key verses.
• Sometimes use a Bible without notes.
• Read it in different translations. Some good translations for reading:
  • New International Version (NIV) (1984 edition)
  • English Standard Version (ESV)
  • New Living Translation (NLT)
• Read it aloud quietly to yourself.
• Choose a reading plan and stick with it.

 

If I read approximately minutes a day, I can read through the Bible once a year.

 

 

A BIBLE READING PLAN:

Through the New Testament in 30 Days

1. Matthew 1-9
2. Matthew 10-15
3. Matthew 16-22
4. Matthew 23-28
5. Mark 1-8
6. Mark 9-16
7. Luke 1-6
8. Luke 7-11
9. Luke 12-18
10. Luke 19-24
11. John 1-7
12. John 8-13
13. John 14-22
14. Acts 1-7
15. Acts 8-14
16. Acts 15-21
17. Acts 22-28
18. Romans 1-8
19. Romans 9-16
20. 1 Corinthians 1-9 
21. 1 Corinthians 10-16
22. 2 Corinthians 1-13
23. Galatians through Ephesians
24. Philippians through 2 Thess.
25. 1 Timothy through Philemon
26. Hebrews
27. James through 2 Peter
28. 1 John through 3 John
29. Revelation 1-11
30. Revelation 12-22

 

 Proverbs 2:3–6 (NLT)

3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.

4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.

5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

 Based on Pr. 2:3-6, what should be the mindset with which we read the Scriptures? 

 

2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)  Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

• What should be our goal in studying the Bible?

 

Study is more than just careful reading – it requires writing down what you discover. Reading is faster than study and gives you the overall picture. But study helps you think – and remember. The difference between reading and studying the Bible is that you when you study.

 

Wanna study deeply? https://biblehub.com/

 

How & Why to Memorize and Meditate on Scripture

 

“I know of no form of intake of the Word which pays greater dividends for the time invested than Scripture memorization.” – Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators

 

We remember what is to us.

 

Psalm 119:72 (NCV) Your teachings are worth more to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

 

After 24 hours you may accurately remember

     -5% of what you hear,

     -15% of what you read,

     -35% of what you study,

     -57% of what you see and hear

But you can remember 100% of what you memorize

 

Proverbs 7:2-3 (LB) Guard my words as your most precious possession.  Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart.

 

BENEFITS OF MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE

 

1. It helps me resist temptation.

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

 

Luke 4:5-8 (MSG) For the second test [the Devil] led him up and spread out all the kingdoms of the earth on display at once. 6 Then the Devil said, “… Worship me and they’re yours, the whole works.” 8 Jesus refused, again backing his refusal with Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God and only the Lord your God. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.”

 

2. It helps me make decisions.

Psalm 119:105 (NIV84) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

 

3. It strengthens me when I’m under stress.

Psalm 119:49 (LB) … Your promises to me are my hope.  They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me!

 

4. It comforts me when I’m sad.

Jeremiah 15:16 (LB) Your words are what sustain me … They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me.

 

5. It helps me to unbelievers.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV84) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…

 

HOW TO MEMORIZE A VERSE

1. Pick a verse that speaks to you.
2. Say the reference before and after the verse.
3. Read the verse aloud many times. [We learn things like the Lord’s Prayer just by repeating them over and over.]
4. Break the verse into natural phrases.
5. Emphasize key words when quoting the verse.
6. Write down the verse and erase a word one at a time.
7. Write out the verse on a flash card.
8. Carry some cards with you at all times for review.
9. Display your verses in prominent places.
10. Always memorize the verse word perfect.
11. Put the verse to music. Write a song!
12. Get a partner so you can check each other.

 

 Suggested beginning rate:  2 new verses a week.

 

Three Keys to Memorizing:

 

 

SCRIPTURE MEMORY COURSE

The following verses suggest a “balance” in Scripture Memory. The verses selected are key verses in understanding the foundations of the Christian Life and Christian Growth. Do not feel tied-down to this suggested list. This is only a tool to lead you in an understanding of the importance of memorizing “key” verses.

 

Live the New Life:

Christ the Center II Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20

Obedience to Christ Rom. 12:1; John 14:21

The Word II Tim. 3:16; Josh. 1:8

Prayer John 15:7; Phil. 4:6-7

Fellowship Matt. 18:20; Heb. 10:24

Witnessing Matt. 4:19; Rom. 1:16

 

Proclaim Christ:

All Have Sinned Rom. 3:23; Isa. 53:6

Sin’s Penalty Rom. 6:23; Heb. 9:27

Christ Paid the Penalty Rom. 5:8; I Peter 3:18

Salvation Not by Works Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5

Must Receive Christ John 1:12; Rev. 3:20

Assurance of Salvation I John 5:13; John 5:24

 

Rely on God’s Resources:

His Spirit I Cor. 3:16; I Cor. 2:12

His Strength Isa. 41:10; Phil. 4:13

His Faithfulness Lam. 3:22; Num. 23:19

His Peace Isa. 26:3; I Peter 5:7

His Provision Rom. 8:32; Phil 4:19

His Help in Temptation Heb. 2:18; Ps. 119:9, 11

 

Be Christ’s Disciple:

Put Christ First Matt. 6:33; Luke 9:23

Separate fm the World I Jn. 2:15-16; Rom. 12:2

Be Steadfast I Cor. 15:58; Heb. 12:3

Serve Others Mark 10:45; II Cor. 4:5

Give Generously Prv. 3:9-10; II Cor. 9:6-7

Develop World Vision Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20

 

Grow in Christ likeness:

Love                  John 13:34-35; I Jn. 3:18

Humility           Phil. 2:3-4; I Peter 5:5-6

Purity                Eph. 5:3; I Peter 2:11

Honesty           Lev. 19:11; Acts 24:16

Faith                 Heb. 11:6; Rom. 4:20-21

Good Works   Gal. 6:9-10; Matt. 5:16

 

 

 HOW TO MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD

Psalm 1:2-3 (LB) (Those) who are always meditating on His Laws … are like trees along a river bank bearing fruit… they never wither and whatever they do prospers.

 

Meditation is focused about a Bible verse in order to discover how I can apply its truth to my own life.

 

WHY MEDITATE ON SCRIPTURE?

1. It is the key to becoming like Christ.

Proverbs 4:23 (GNB) Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

Romans 12:2 (NLT2) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

 

2. It is the key to answered prayer.

John 15:7 (NIV84) If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

 

3. 3. It is the key to successful living.

Joshua 1:8 (NIV) [The LORD said…] 8  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

 

NINE WAYS TO MEDITATE ON A VERSE

1. Imagine it! Visualize the scene in your mind. What’s going on? What’s NOT in the picture you might expect?
2. Consider the context. What did it mean when it was written?
3. Emphasize each word as you read the verse aloud multiple times.
4. Rewrite (paraphrase) the verse in your own words.
5. Personalize it by replacing the pronouns or people in the verse with your own name (where appropriate).
6. Pray! Turn the verse into a prayer and say it back to God. Ask God questions about the verse. (Even questions you don’t think he may ever answer!)

 

7. Ask the following nine “SPACEPETS” questions:

                 Is there any …

                      Sin to confess?                 

                      Promise to claim?            

                      Attitude to change?        

                      Command to keep?

                      Example to follow?       

 

                      Prayer to pray?

                      Error to avoid?

                      Truth to believe?

                      Something to thank God for?

8. Ask “How does this apply to me now?” “What does this say to me and my circumstances?”
9. You may be the creative type, so create with it: draw or paint what you’ve learned, compose a song or a poem. God may show you more as you work on it!

 

  

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.

Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

– James 1:22 (NLT)