POWER WORDS OF THE SPIRIT Week 2 – Hearing the Voice of God “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.” 1 Corinthians 12:1 Focus This series, Power Words of the Spirit, builds on our church-wide study of the gospel of Mark by exploring how we can follow Jesus not only in character, but also in the way He operated in the gifts of the Spirit. Jesus spoke words of wisdom, knowledge, healing, prophecy, and love—always with the aim of revealing the Father and building up others. Across the next seven weeks, we’ll ask: How did Jesus operate in the spiritual gifts and speak powerful words of love? What should we, as His disciples, expect and desire to do ourselves? What often holds us back? Drawing primarily from 1 Corinthians 12–14, we will explore: Theology – a shared biblical understanding of the Spirit The Model – how gifts can work in our local church context The Practice – safe spaces to grow in these gifts Our prayer is that we would learn to use our words—and all the gifts God gives—in ways that honour Him and bless others. Study by Charis Button Sermons related to each study can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel. 1. Look Back Sharing Our Journey | 10–20 minutes Praise, Thanks and Encouraging Accountability Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. This can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus? Has anything happened in the lives of those on your relational map who are far from God? (Relational Map Video) Care Share any concerns you have for yourself or others Pray Capture the things you have shared above in prayer 2. Look Up Opening God’s Word | 20–30 minutes Setting the Scene Throughout Scripture, we see that God speaks to His people in a variety of ways. Sometimes His voice is unmistakably clear—like the audible words spoken to Moses from the burning bush or to Samuel in the night. At other times, His leading comes as a gentle whisper, like Elijah heard on the mountain. God also speaks through visions, dreams, prophetic words, wise counsel, Scripture itself, and even through circumstances and creation. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible paints a picture of a God who desires to be known and who speaks in ways both extraordinary and everyday. One of the most common questions every believer wrestles with is: “How can I hear the voice of God for myself?” This is such an important question for a growing disciple, and it will continue to be something you develop over a lifetime of following Jesus. This study offers resources and ways to take your next step in learning to discern the voice of God. We encourage you to talk regularly with your Life Group, mentor, prayer buddy, or other trusted Christian about your experiences in this vital area of discipleship. Watch Video 1 What resonated with you? Which of the ways mentioned has God used to speak to you? Was there anything that challenged or stretched your thinking? Watch Video 2 What continues to resonate with you? Was there anything that challenged or stretched your thinking? What invitation do you sense the Holy Spirit making to you as you reflect on these resources? Scripture Reading Read: 1 Samuel 3:1–11 Invite the group to take turns reading one verse at a time. Discuss: What can we practically learn from Samuel’s experience about discerning the voice of God? As Christians under the New Covenant, what should we expect to be different in hearing God’s voice? (See John 10:27; Hebrews 1:1–2; Ephesians 1:13–14) The Holy Spirit speaks to guide us into truth, glorify Jesus, and build up the Church—bringing encouragement, comfort, and wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 14:3; John 16:13–14). What practical steps can we take to discern whether a prompting reflects God’s character and aligns with His purposes? Resources for Deeper Study Hearing God by Dallas Willard (free audiobook on Spotify) The Lectio Course by 24-7 Prayer Videos: How to Differentiate Between Your Voice and God’s Voice How to Know When God is Speaking How to Discern the Voice of God Disclaimer Throughout this series, we will link to various external resources. These are shared to help you grow in your walk with Jesus. Their inclusion does not imply full agreement with all positions or teachings. We encourage you to practice discernment by testing everything against Scripture. 3. Look Forward Living Out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes Throughout this series, we want to create safe spaces to grow in spiritual gifts. In our church model, Life Groups are one of those spaces. At Hope Valley Church, we believe our God is a loving Father who desires to speak to all His children. Take some time together now to practice hearing His voice. This Week’s Spiritual Practice Play a worship song quietly in the background (optional) Ask Father God a question and pay attention to your first thoughts: How much do you love me? What do you think about me? How much do you love [name]? How would you have me encourage someone else today? Write down the impressions (words, pictures, Bible verses) that come to mind In pairs or threes, share what you sensed God saying and weigh it against Scripture If appropriate, share your encouraging word for someone in obedience to God Personal Commitment Choose one resource for deeper study this week Share what you discover with your prayer buddy or another Life Group member Pray Together Pray for a growing intimacy with God in daily life Pray for confidence in hearing and discerning God’s voice Pray for those on your Relational Map Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: 📧 scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au