REMAINING NEAR TO GOD HELPS US KNOW HIS VOICE. 

SCRIPTURE | 1 Samuel 3:1-19 

CENTRAL TRUTH 

Listening requires focus and attention, but in our culture, this is sometimes very difficult. If we’re going to follow Jesus, we have to slow down and intentionally listen for His voice. 

KEY QUESTION 

WHY DO WE STRUGGLE TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE? WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE? 

KEEP IN MIND 

Our students are listening to a lot of voices. Whose voices are they listening to the most? Is it the voice of social media? Is it the voice of the music industry? The diet industry? Is the loudest voice the one you hear from friends or family? Here’s the truth: they’ ll follow the voices they choose to listen to. And it is a choice. Students can choose to follow the voices they hear in culture and believe the version of truth they sell us. Or, they can choose to follow the voice of Christ through God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We can help them see that their entire life will be framed by the voice they choose to follow. Is it Jesus’s voice? Is it something else? Encourage them to take an honest look at their lives—their choices, their priorities, their words—and they’ll be able to tell whose voice is loudest. 

APPLICATION 

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO THIS WEEK TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE? 

THE WIN 

FOR THE STUDENT: To hear God, students must draw near to Him (James 4:8). They can do this by spending time intentionally getting quiet before Him. This can look like waking up a little earlier than normal to spend time in His Word, praying, or listening to worship music on their way to school. They can go on a prayer walk in their neighborhood and silence their phone. Encourage them to think of ways to hear God’s voice throughout the day. 

FOR THE LEADER: The world is loud. We’re surrounded by a lot of noise: work, family, school, social activities, social media, sports, and so on. As leaders, we must remain intentional in hearing from God. Find ways this week to get alone with God no matter how busy your schedule is.