Zechariah 12:1 (NKJV) “Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of a man within him.”
“He who has ears to hear let him hear” (Mt. 11:15)
We hear Jesus because of WHO we are and because of WHOSE we are.
John 10:1-5 (TLB) “Anyone refusing to walk through the gate into a sheepfold, who sneaks over the wall, must surely be a thief.” (v.1) “For a shepherd comes through the gate.” (v.2) “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice and come to him; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (v.3) “He walks ahead of them; and they follow him, for they recognize his voice. ” (v.4) “They won’t follow a stranger but will run from him, for they don’t recognize his voice. (v.5)
- Who is the Good Shepherd?
- What are we?
- How does the Good Shepherd guide His sheep?
Born-again with spiritual ears to hear: (3) Truths
- Our Ability to Hear His Voice is INNATE –
(a) If something is innate it is a part of our DNA.
(b) Built in means it is a part of our instinct or should come naturally to us.
(c) Sheep are born as sheep.
(d) Sheep are born with the innate ability to hear a shepherd.
We can innately hear the voice of the Good Shepherd in our spirit.
- Our Ability to Hear His Voice is LEARNED –
(a) This is a balance of two truths.
Just like we innately know how to pray yet we need to learn to pray.
(b) We learn to pray as we grow in our faith.
(c) We should not compare our ability to hear by others experience and years of ability that they have learned.
- Our Ability to Hear His Voice can and should MATURE –
How do we know we are hearing His Voice?
(a) By the Witness of The Word. (It lines up with the Bible/God’s Word)
(b) Witness by Wise Counsel of Others. (Who also know the Word)
Walls and a Gate –
Multiple shepherds and mixing of flocks-
NOISE – Stranger’s Voice – NAME
God’s “thoughts” towards you – Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus is calling you by name,
Lord, WHAT are you saying to me?