How to Hear God’s Voice (It’s Probably Not What You Think)

“18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away. 19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.”21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:18-21)

That’s a striking command. Be careful how you hear. There’s hearing, and then there’s listening. Any parent knows this instinctively. 

In a church culture where sermons, podcasts, and Bible resources are always within reach, it’s easy to confuse hearing with listening, considering with receiving, knowing with responding. You can sit under faithful preaching every week and still walk away unchanged. You can nod in agreement, take notes, even say “amen” — and yet never actually hear God’s Word in the biblical sense. You can read your Bible every day and still not truly listen to God’s Word. 

The Bible is clear: faith without works (action) is dead (James 2:17). The Word of God is meant to be received, believed, and obeyed. True listening is not passive consumption. It is active trust and surrender. It says, “Lord, I believe your Word — and by your grace, I will align my life with it. 

Knowledge alone doesn’t transform us. In fact, Scripture warns that knowledge by itself puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). The Pharisees knew the Scriptures inside and out, but they rejected God’s Word and God’s Messiah. They missed Jesus standing right in front of them. Why? Because their knowledge was not joined with humble faith and repentance. They heard but did not receive the written Word or the incarnate Word standing right in front of them. This happens all the time. This can happen to you and me. Are you just hearing the Word or are you truly listening, paying careful attention to, adhering to, trusting in, and applying God’s Word to your life?

We want to be doers of the Word, not just hearers who deceive themselves (James 1:22-25). When the Word promises us grace in Jesus, we trust. When the Word rebukes us, we repent. When it commands us, we obey. When it corrects us we follow. When it warns us, we heed. When it encourages us, we rejoice and give thanks.

Even this heart posture is a gift. The ability to understand, believe, and do God’s Word is a gift from the Holy Spirit. God is the one who gives ears to hear. God is the One who grants repentance and faith. So before we open our Bibles or gather on Sunday, we should pray: “Lord, give me ears to hear. Give me a heart that understands and believes. Help me truly listen with faith and be a doer of your Word.”

We are not saved by our obedience. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We are not saved by our works but by the works of Jesus Christ – He obeyed, died our death, and rose again. But the grace that saves us never leaves us deaf or indifferent to God’s Word. The same Jesus who died for our sins also gives us a new heart that hungers for the pure milk and the rich meat found in His Word.

So make sure you listen — to understand, trust, and obey. Receive the Word with faith. And by the power of the Spirit, put it into practice.

What part of your life is out of line with God’s Word? What have you been ignoring or quietly justifying — something you know God’s Word calls you to believe or do, but you’ve delayed, softened, or explained it away?

Ask the Lord for grace today to act on what you know by the power of the Holy Spirit as you stand on the firm foundation of the finished work of Christ.

For His glory,

Chad Kettler

Lewisville Campus Pastor