INTRODUCTION

Isn’t it odd that we even have to talk about listening to God? If you believe that God created everything, then you have to believe that God created communication, which would lead to the assumption that God is the best communicator. So, why is it sometimes so hard to hear him speak? What if the issue isn’t whether or not God is speaking, but whether or not you are in the right position to hear him?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Most people agree that God speaks in several ways. What are some of these ways? Do you hear God more clearly in one of those ways than the others?
2. Read Ezekiel 12:2. In this passage, God is speaking to the prophet Ezekiel. Jesus would sometimes quote this passage after giving a sermon. What does this passage have to do with being in position to hear God?
3. What does it mean to have your “back turned to God” in an area of your life? How does this explain why brokenness is often the precursor to hearing God?
4. Read Matthew 6:8-10. What does this passage on prayer have to do with whether or not we hear God?
5. Oftentimes, we go to God for advice in a particular area of our lives without opening up our entire lives to him. Why, even though we are turning to God, do we sometimes not hear him when we approach him like this?
6. Read Psalm 46:10. What does this passage have to do with hearing God?

MOVING FORWARD

The ‘King’ reserves the right to speak only when we are in a position to listen. What is keeping you from being in that position? What are you clinging to that is keeping you from hearing him? Is it really worth missing the voice of God?

CHANGING YOUR MIND

They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people. Ezekiel 12:2

[all info and questions from www.groupcurriculum.org]

INTRODUCTION

In the previous session, we discussed the fact that what and who you listen to will ultimately influence what you do. That raises the question: What/who should we listen to? There are a myriad of voices that attempt to speak into our lives and shape our decisions. Some we listen to with fervor. Some we ignore as foolish. But is there one voice among the rest that should not be ignored? Is there one voice that demands our attention?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How do you define wisdom? Who is the wisest person you know?
2. Who are your most trusted advisors? Who do you go to when you need solid advice?
3. Read Proverbs 1:20-23. The Bible suggests that wisdom is more than willing to speak if we’re willing to listen. What exactly does that mean? How does wisdom “make known” its teachings? How do you hear from wisdom?
4. Read Proverbs 1:24-31. These proverbs reflect the way the world really works: if you don’t listen to wisdom, there will be consequences. What are some consequences that you have experienced as a result of ignoring the voice of wisdom?
5. Why do we often ignore the voice of wisdom?
6. A helpful question to ask when faced with a difficult decision is “What is the wise thing for me to do?” As you consider your finances, your marriage, your relationships . . . what is the wise thing for you to do?

MOVING FORWARD

At the end of the day, to ignore wisdom is to decide to enter a storm from which you may never fully recover. Because wisdom understands how the world works. Wisdom is not swayed by the voices of greed or discontent. Wisdom is shouting from the streets to live in a way that honours God.

Are you listening?
CHANGING YOUR MIND

For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear or harm.

Proverbs 1:32-33

[all info and questions from www.groupcurriculum.org]

Insert a CD and escape to the calming tones of a tropical rainforest. Push play on your iPod and take a front seat to the tunes of your favorite bands. Plug in your headphones and retreat to another world, a world filled only with the sounds and voices of your choosing. But what happens when all you tune into are your own selections, humming along to the songs of personal preference? What happens when you refuse to take off those headphones and listen to voices of reason?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Looking back on your life, what is the worst piece of advice that you received and followed through with?
2. What is the best piece of advice you received that you regret not following?
3. In 2 Chronicles 18, two kings strategize to wage war on a common enemy. But before doing so, they seek divine counsel and inquire of several prophets. In what ways do you normally seek help in making life decisions?
4. Who are you listening to these days? Who do you need to quit listening to? (i.e., Who have you been warned about?)
5. Read 2 Chronicles 18:1-7. What do you not want to hear, but you know you need to? Who should you be listening to?
6. What steps could you take to intentionally surround yourself with people to whom you could listen and learn?

MOVING FORWARD

This story from 2 Chronicles illustrates the king of Israel’s refusal to listen and learn. Because he only listened to voices he agreed with, he ended up suffering unfavorable consequences. He failed to realize that what and who you listen to influences what you do. Are you surrounding yourself with positive influences and wise counsel, or are you simply listening to voices that echo your own desires?

CHANGING YOUR MIND

But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 18:4

[all info and questions from www.groupcurriculum.org]

The beginning of a new series is a great opportunity to invite a friend . See you and you friend there.