Hearing the Voice of Jesus

Spiritual Discernment: On Hearing the Voice of Jesus
Lecture by Darrell Johnson at Regent College on November 22, 2004

約翰福音 10:14-15
我是好牧人．我認識我的羊、我的羊也認識我。
正如父認識我、我也認識父一樣．並且我為羊捨命。

10:3-5
看門的就給他開門．羊也聽他的聲音．他按著名叫自己的羊、把羊領出來。
既放出自己的羊來、就在前頭走、羊也跟著他、因為認得他的聲音。
羊不跟著生人、因為不認得他的聲音．必要逃跑。

How does the Good Shepherd speak to us? What means does He use?

1. Written word. Scripture
2. The preached word. Proclamation
3. Unique gifts of the Spirit: prophecy, wisdom
4. Books, human authors
5. Trusted friends, mentors, counsellors
6. Dreams, visions
7. Circumstances
8. Holy discontent. Restlessness
9. Conscience, developed through training by Scripture
10. Inner voices, some may come from the Shepherd

Any one of the above is not a sufficient, sure indication of the voice of God (except number 1).

How can I discern His voice from all the others I hear in my mind and spirit? Are there some objective safeguards to ensure that the voice I am hearing is the voice of Jesus?

1. Inner voice always speak in concert with scripture
2. Inner voice always speak in concert with the character of Jesus
3. Inner voice always tell us to do the Jesus-like thing (in truth and love)
4. Inner voice always draw us closer to Himself
5. Inner voice does not argue. It is quietly authoritative. Its command is self-authenticating.
6. Inner voice is usually the quietest