STUDY GUIDE – Listen Up

Icebreaker: Share a time when truly “listening” to someone made a significant difference in your life.

Sermon Title: Holy Habits – “Listen Up” – Psalm 27:8

Group Discussion: (Note – Discussions below about listening to God’s voice will have some similarities)

Read John 15:5-6 – Keep the remain thing the main thing. Jesus wants us to remain (abide) in Him. How can we cultivate the habit of remaining in Jesus in our daily lives? What does it look like to keep the “remain thing” the “main thing” in your own life? Share how such practices can influence our fruitfulness for Jesus.

Read Psalm 19:1-4 & James 1:19 – Listen to God’s voice in creation. What are some practical ways we can align our hearts to hear God speaking through His creation? How might this deepen our relationship with Him? Share ways you have discovered to enjoy and experience God through creation and encourage engagement.

Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17 & Matthew 4:4 – Listen to God’s voice through Scripture. How can we develop the habit of actively listening to God’s voice through scripture in our daily lives? Share effective practices that help you not just read or hear scripture, but truly listen to what God is saying to you. Consider how we might struggle with listening, comprehension, and application. Discuss ways to make improvements in these areas.

Read John 10:27-28 & Hebrews 1:1-3 – Listen to God’s voice through Jesus. What can it look like to actively and consistently listen to Jesus? How can we discern Jesus’ voice from the daily noise in our lives? Examine ways to cultivate a deeper connection that will enable us to listen more clearly to, and follow, Jesus’ voice.

Read John 14:25-27, John 16:12-15, & I Corinthians 2:10-12 – Listen to God’s voice through the Holy Spirit. How can we become more attentive to the Holy Spirit’s voice in our daily lives? What practices help us distinguish the Spirit’s guidance from other influences? Consider how these practices can shape our understanding of God’s will for us including our daily behaviors and approach to life’s challenges and victories.

Spiritual Discipline: The Sermon Study Resources that support this message will help in grasping and applying the discussion prompts above. Access resources at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources

Action Steps: Practice cultivating a more perceptive ear to God’s voice by (1) Abiding in Jesus Daily: Prioritize time with Jesus through prayer, scripture, worship, and reflection to remain connected and fruitful (John 15:5-6), (2) Experiencing God in creation: Intentionally seek time each week to enjoy nature, such as taking a walk, going for a hike, or observing the day or night sky reflecting on how creation reveals God’s glory (Psalm 19:1-4), and (3) Following the Spirit’s Lead: Consistently ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, remain sensitive to His prompting, and respond in obedience (John 14:25-26, Acts 5:32, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12).