The Glorious Voice of the Lord
In order to navigate the last days, it is crucial to know and recognize God's voice, which is distinct from Satan's voice.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the voice of the Lord amidst the loud and fear-inducing voices of the enemy. He illustrates how Satan attempts to instill fear and assert power, as seen in the synagogue when he interrupted Jesus. Wilkerson encourages believers to be vigilant and to seek a personal relationship with God to discern His voice, highlighting that God will make His glorious voice known. He reminds us that just as sheep know their shepherd's voice, we too must learn to recognize and follow God's voice in our lives. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to commune directly with God to understand His heart and guidance.
Text
The devil does everything in his power to make his voice heard in this world. At one point he even had the audacity to interrupt Jesus while the Lord was speaking in the synagogue: "Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, 'Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth?' ... But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be quiet, and come out of him!'" (Mark 1:23-25).
Satan had only one purpose in mind when he cried out loudly in the voice of the man and that was to send fear through the entire congregation. He wanted every person within the sound of his voice to believe he had power and authority.
Peter warns believers that Satan will come to them with a loud voice, trying to bring fear: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). If Satan is making his voice known in these last days, showing his power to the masses of lost souls, how much more important is it for God's people to know their Father's voice? Don't think for a moment that the Lord is going to sit by and remain silent while Satan roars. Isaiah said, "The Lord will cause His glorious voice to be heard" (Isaiah 30:30).
From Genesis onward through the New Testament, God made his voice known to his people. Jesus used the example of the Good Shepherd: "The sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out ... he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger" (John 10:3-5).
During your time of prayer you may wonder, "How can I distinguish the voice of God? How can I be sure it is God speaking?" One key factor is not to depend on the voice of another person, no matter how much you admire his or her teaching. Go directly to the Lord and commune with him. In his presence, shut in with him alone, you will get to know him -- his fragrance, his ways, his heart. And you will learn to know his sweet voice!
Sermon Outline
- I. The Devil's Voice
- A. Satan's purpose in interrupting Jesus
- B. The fear he wanted to instill in the congregation
- II. Satan's Tactics
- A. Coming with a loud voice to bring fear
- B. Seeking to devour the lost
- III. The Importance of Knowing God's Voice
- A. The Lord's voice will be heard in the last days
- B. God's people must know their Father's voice
- IV. Distinguishing God's Voice
- A. Not depending on the voice of another person
- B. Communing with God directly
Key Quotes
“The Lord will cause His glorious voice to be heard.” — David Wilkerson
“The sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out ... he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” — David Wilkerson
“You will get to know him -- his fragrance, his ways, his heart. And you will learn to know his sweet voice!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- To know God's voice, you must commune with him directly and get to know his ways, heart, and fragrance.
- Distinguishing God's voice is essential to following him and not being led astray by a stranger.
- In the last days, it is crucial to know and recognize God's voice in order to navigate the spiritual landscape.