Who Are You Listening To?

Anchor Scripture: John 10:3-4

In a world filled with opinions, social media, cultural pressures, fears, and endless information, one question becomes increasingly important: Who are you listening to?

Jesus said, "The sheep listen to his voice... and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:3-4)

Every day we hear countless voices. Some come from friends, family, and media. Others come from within—our fears, insecurities, past experiences, and emotions. While some voices offer encouragement and truth, others lead us away from God's best for our lives.

The reality is simple: the voice we follow determines the life we experience.

The Right Voice Leads to the Right Destination

Every voice is leading somewhere.

The people we surround ourselves with, the advice we accept, and the beliefs we embrace all influence our decisions and ultimately our future. Scripture reminds us that wisdom is found in godly counsel:

"The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice." (Proverbs 12:15)

God never intended us to navigate life by human opinion alone. He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and the example of Jesus Christ—the Wonderful Counselor.

Knowledge Is Not the Same as Wisdom

We live in an age overflowing with information. Answers are only a search away. Yet information alone cannot provide direction.

Knowledge comes from the world around us. Wisdom comes from God.

Biblical wisdom is the practical application of truth. It enables us to make decisions that align with God's purpose rather than simply reacting to circumstances.

King Solomon began his reign seeking God's wisdom, but later allowed other influences to pull his heart away from the Lord. His son Rehoboam ignored wise counsel and listened to the wrong voices, resulting in division throughout the kingdom.

The lesson is clear: hearing the wrong voice often produces painful consequences.

Not Every Pleasant Voice Is God's Voice

One of the most powerful moments in Scripture occurs when Peter attempts to discourage Jesus from going to the cross.

Peter's words sounded caring and compassionate, yet Jesus recognized the source behind them and responded, "Get behind me, Satan."

Not every voice that sounds encouraging is speaking God's will.

Some voices appeal to comfort rather than obedience. Others appeal to fear rather than faith. Discernment is essential for every believer.

The question is not whether a voice sounds pleasant. The question is whether it aligns with God's truth.

The First Deceptive Voice

In the Garden of Eden, God clearly spoke to Adam and Eve. Yet Satan introduced a competing voice filled with doubt:

"Has God indeed said?"

The enemy's strategy has not changed.

He still whispers doubt, confusion, insecurity, and fear.

Who told you that you aren't good enough?

Who told you God cannot restore your situation?

Who told you your future is hopeless?

Who told you your failures define you?

God asked Adam, "Who told you?" because the source matters.

When we listen to the wrong voice long enough, it shapes our identity. When we listen to God's voice, it shapes our faith.

Learning to Hear God's Voice

Proverbs 2 encourages believers to seek wisdom like hidden treasure. God's voice becomes clearer as we spend time in His Word, prayer, and fellowship with Him.

The more we store God's truth in our hearts, the more His voice rises above the noise.

God does not always speak through dramatic moments. Often He speaks through a gentle prompting, a Scripture passage, or a quiet conviction from the Holy Spirit.

His voice brings peace.

His voice brings wisdom.

His voice brings direction.

His voice brings hope.

A Simple Challenge

Every day we are presented with a choice.

Will we listen to fear or faith?

Will we listen to culture or Christ?

Will we listen to our circumstances or God's promises?

The Good Shepherd is still speaking.

The question remains: Who are you listening to?

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Click here: to watch the full message from Rev. Dr. Charles Shaheen on our YouTube channel and discover how to recognize God's voice above the noise of everyday life.

Join us every Sunday at 10:00 AM as we worship together, grow in God's Word, and learn to follow the voice of our Good Shepherd.