Study Guide: Finding Your Identity in Christ

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Finding Your Identity in Christ

Sermon Study Guide: "The Voice Behind You: Listening in a Noisy World"

 

Primary Scripture: Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV) – “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.”

Supporting Texts: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Genesis 32 (Jacob wrestling), 1 Kings 19 (Elijah in the cave), John 8 (Woman caught in adultery).

Sermon Summary: Pastor Ron shares a personal story of a divine appointment on an airplane and a hitchhiker to illustrate a crucial truth: God speaks to us in the ordinary moments of life. The sermon challenges believers to move beyond religious compartmentalization and cultivate a listening ear to the "voice behind us." It explores the conditions of a covenant relationship with God—specifically humility, prayer, and repentance (2 Chron 7:14)—and warns against the idols and pride that drown out the Holy Spirit's仍有.

Part 1: Opening Discussion (Icebreaker)

Before diving into the text, discuss this question to get the group thinking about the theme of "listening."

Question: Have you ever had a "divine appointment" or a random encounter (like the Pastor did on the airplane or with the hitchhiker) that you later realized was God setting up a conversation? What happened?

Part 2: The Habit of Listening (Isaiah 30:21)

Read Isaiah 30:21 aloud.

Pastor Ron notes that his habit is to look for open doors on airplanes. He emphasizes that Jesus respected people's right to say "no."

Discussion Questions:

  1. The "Gentle" Method: The pastor said, "If they really don't want to visit... I don't feel like it's my job to push myself on them. I believe in Christ's method alone." How does respecting someone's "no" actually make our witness stronger?

  2. Hindrances to Hearing: The pastor warns that "institutions" can callous our hearts. What are the specific weeds (busyness, urgency, or habits) that choke out your ability to hear that "still small voice" in your daily life?

Part 3: The Covenantal "If" (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Read 2 Chronicles 7:14.

The pastor makes a distinction between God's unconditional love (sun shines on good and evil) and the conditional blessings of a covenant relationship.

Key Quote: "God is not a tit-for-tat tyrant... but he also relates in covenant relationship to his people."

Discussion Questions:

  1. Contracts vs. Covenants: The pastor explains the difference between a contract (broken = ended) and a covenant (kept by God, even when we stumble). Why is this distinction vital for someone who feels like they have failed God too many times to be useful?

  2. The Hardest Truth: The pastor claims the hardest testing truth isn't about the Sabbath or Hell, but "when God holds the mirror up in front of you and says, 'Do you see what I see?'" Why is self-reflection (humility) harder than doctrinal debate?

Part 4: The Danger of Pride & The Value of Friends

Reference: 1 Kings 19 (Elijah running the wrong way) & The Pastor’s conversation with his wife.

Key Quotes:

  • "You sound bitter." (From the pastor's wife).

  • "The wounds of a friend can be trusted."

Discussion Questions:

  1. Critique vs. Condemnation: The pastor contrasts Grace (feeling loved) and Truth (being corrected). He says, "You can't bear to hear the truth until you've experienced grace." How can we create relationships (small group, marriage, friendship) where the balance of grace and truth exists?

  2. Checking Our Idols: The pastor shared the story of the pastor who realized the Sports section was an idol. Do you have a "harmless habit" that has become a First Place idol in your life? How can you tell when a good thing becomes a god-thing?

Part 5: Posture & Renewal (Application)

Reference: Samuel’s response: "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening."

Pastor Ron concludes with his recent trial of losing his job and trusting God’s "No."

Final Discussion Questions:

  1. The "Wrong Direction": Pastor notes that God gave Elijah energy to run 40 days in the wrong direction. Have you ever felt God empowering your plans, only to realize later He was actually leading you toward a wilderness experience to correct your course?

  2. The Sabbath as a Tumbler: The pastor beautifully described Sabbath fellowship as rocks tumbling together to become polished. How does regular Sabbath gathering serve as a safeguard against the "Proud Look" that God hates?

  3. Personal Covenant: The sermon ends with an invitation to renew the covenant. What is one specific area of your life (a relationship, a habit, a fear) where you need to stop arguing and simply say, "Speak, Lord, I am listening" this week?

Part 6: Closing Challenge & Prayer

Action Step: This week, practice "Airplane Mode Listening." Before you check your phone or turn on the radio in the car, sit in silence for 2 minutes. Ask God: "Is there a voice behind me? Am I turning right or left when I should be going straight?"

Closing Prayer Idea: Lord, we confess that we often treat You like a compartment in our carry-on luggage—important, but not always accessible. Forgive us for the pride that makes us defensive and the busyness that makes us deaf. Give us the courage of Jacob: to wrestle with You until we receive the blessing, and the humility of Samuel: to simply say, 'Speak, your servant is listening.' In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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