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Hear the Voice of God - Be the Voice of God - Lesson 06

by Dr. Ray Self

Proclaim With Authority

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Proclaim With Authority

There is a time to petition God with your requests and there is a time to boldly proclaim with faith what we hear from God.

Proclamation of God’s word can move the mountains in your life.

God is waiting for us to use the authority He has already bestowed.

Godly authority is not earned. It is gifted.

Luke 10:19 - "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.”

Authority is powerless unless it is used properly. All true authority will be Godly authority.

To have authority you must be under authority.

Mat 8:9 - 10 "For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it." Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, "Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.

Mat 9:8 But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

There is a difference between a prayer and a proclamation.

A prayer is a conversation with God where requests and petitions are made to the Lord.
Proclamation is speaking what you know and have heard from God thru your prayer.

Sometimes prayer is just listening to the voice of God.

In the Greek the word “proclaim” used in context with scripture is defined - to herald divine truth.

A powerful proclamation can be made only after hearing God’s voice through prayer.

A divine proclamation is much like the gift of prophecy it must originate from standing in the counsel of the Lord.

Jesus spoke clearly about this - John 14:10 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.”

Because of Jesus’ abiding relationship with the Lord His words were proclamations of the truth received to Him by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus proclaimed what God was putting in Him by the Holy Spirit.

John 16:15 “All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.”

The chain of command for God's revelation. God – Jesus – The Holy Spirit - You

Revelation is needed in order to have powerful proclamations.

John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”

The principle of how the Holy Spirit speaks is the same principle as a proclamation. “He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak;”

The Holy Spirit only speaks what he hears from Christ.
When we speak what we hear from the Holy Spirit we speak for Jesus.

Prayer is a conversation with God. Within that conversation requests can be made and answers and instructions heard. When the Lord tells us something we can trust Him that is true and it will come to pass.

When we proclaim what the Lord has spoken to us it will come to pass.

Prophecy is similar to proclamation. It is simply hearing what the Lord says and then speaking it.

1 Corinthians 14:39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy,

The Bible says we should hold fast to our words from the Lord. Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching

Prophetic words should be repeatedly proclaimed.

Proclaiming our fleshly desires is fruitless and can even be dangerous.

If our desires are in alignment with the Devil’s desires our words can have disastrous results.

When our desires and our words are in line with God our words will have powerful results.

There is a time to ask God for something and there is a time to proclaim what the Lord has spoken to you.

Proclamation demonstrates our faith. When we proclaim something that is not seen we are practicing the definition of faith.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Jesus said to proclaim His words - Matthew 10:27 "What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops.”

Proclamation is making the word of God known. The world needs to hear the word of God.

The word of God proclaimed into the spirit realm will cause the manifestation of was spoken.

Isaiah 55:11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

Hear the Voice of God - Be the Voice of God - Lesson 05

by Dr. Ray Self

Impartation of Spiritual Gifts

Impartation of Spiritual Gifts

We can be imparted with spiritual gifts.

All spiritual gifts involve hearing God.

Hearing God is critical to your life and ministry.

1 Corinthians 12:4 -7 (NASB) Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Each one of us has a responsibility to seek after and desire spiritual gifts. These gifts are not to be desired selfishly but they are for the benefit of the body of Christ.

Gifts of the spirit are amazing builders of faith. We know that God requires faith and we know without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6).

The Holy Spirit who is the giver of spiritual gifts always gives glory to Jesus Christ. John 16:14 -15 - "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.

The ultimate test of any spiritual gift is the question; “does it glorify Jesus Christ?”

The bible is abundantly clear that believers are desire, covet and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the good of the body of Christ. 1Corinthians 14:1 - Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. NASB

Impartation and Activation Principles

1 Timothy 4:14 - Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

“Neglect not” is the call to activate. “Which was given thee” is the impartation.

1 Peter 4:10 - As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

We receive it (impartation), and then we employ it (activation). This scripture is a clear example of the principle of impartation and activation.

A Warning

1Thessalonians 5:19 -20 - Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances.

The word quench in the Greek means to go out, extinguish, stifle or suppress. The word despise in the Greek definition means - contemptible, despise utterly, set at naught, least esteemed.

How to Determine If It Is God Speaking to You

Pay special attention to thoughts that seem to come out of nowhere. Isaiah 55:8 - "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD
Is the word in agreement with scriptural principles?
Does the word contain the love of God?
Do the words bear witness with the Holy Spirit in you?
Know how to put it aside and wait to see if it becomes true.
If there is any doubt, submit the prophetic word to your pastor or an elder for judgment.
Wait for confirmation.
Is it something that Christ would say or do?
God’s voice does not use shame or condemnation
God’s voice will lead you with peace
God’s voice is not confusing

Hear the Voice of God - Be the Voice of God - Lesson 03

by Dr. Ray Self

When God Speaks

When God Speaks

Genesis 1:3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.

Typical responses to God’s voice:

Not listen
Hear but ignore
Hear but get distracted
Hear but forget
Wonder if it was God speaking
Ask for confirmation
Wait for confirmation
Submit what was heard to an elder
Pray and listen more
Ask God for clarification
Thank Him and obey

Jesus’ entire ministry was governed by the voice of God

John 5:30 "I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me."

Jesus only did was He was instructed to do. He had the most successful ministry in the history of the world.

John 12:49 For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak.

Jesus only spoke what He was commanded to speak.

John 12:50 "I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me."

Your words are powerful especially when the word that you speak is from God.

Isaiah 55:11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Accomplishing what God’s will for our lives is all that matters. Apart from Christ all of our efforts will amount to nothing.

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."

John 15:7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."

Abiding is spending quality time
Quality time with God will give you His words and His desires
Then you can ask what you wish and it will be granted

If you are delighted about someone then you spend time with them.

If you delight and spend time with God He promises you the desires of your heart.

Psalms 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Doing the same works as Christ means to model our self after Him.

John 14:12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father."

Jesus listened to and obeyed God’s voice therefore we should listen to and obey God’s voice.

When you hear and obey God you can expect:

Peace
Joy
Love
Contentment
Success
Power
Miracles

Hear the Voice of God - Be the Voice of God - Lesson 04

by Dr. Ray Self

Ministering God’s Voice

Ministering God’s Voice

It is critical to be able to hear God in ministry.

Each time we minister the question should be – “God, what is the message you have for this person?” Or “God what is the message you have for this church?”

Study and prepare your words but be available for God’s interruptions.

But never prepare so much that there is no room for God to speak.

When praying for another person leave room for God in your prayer.

The model of Christ is to listen to God for specific instructions in all ministry.

To be led by the Spirit is not optional - Rom 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

God has a message for everyone.

You are His messenger.

Mat 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit"

The great commission makes each of us a messenger.

A messenger carries the message of the one who sent him.

The first thing is to receive the message by hearing God
The second thing is to deliver the message at the right time to the right people

When a message from God is delivered it is important not to add to it.

Remember the message is not for you.

In Spirit led ministry most of the time we are messengers caring a message that is not originally from us.

You may not understand the meaning or the purpose of the message God has given you. That is because the message was not intended for you.

Enhancing or adding to a message can cause the message to be lost
Try to be a deliverer of the message not a creator of the message

Do not ignore your own natural wisdom gained through bible study and the church. But be available for additional revelation at any time as the Lord speaks in a particular situation.

The Holy Spirit will interrupt your thoughts.

Be attentive to divine interruptions.

Sometimes the message will come in the form of an impression.

It may be difficult to put words to the feeling
As you speak the impression will become clear

Often the first time you hear the message is when it leaves your mouth.

God’s words flow from your inner most being therefore they will flow out of your mouth from your heart.

John 7:38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"

Some overly analytical people can struggle with the principle of words flowing from the heart.

The living water represents the working of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of God flows from our heart which is our ‘innermost being.”

In ministry the goal is to minister with your heart.

When you are ministering to another, one word from God can accomplish more than a thousand of your own words.

Hear the Voice of God - Be the Voice of God - Lesson 02

by Dr. Ray Self

Keys to Hearing God

Keys to Hearing God

Radio and television stations transmit twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; but we only hear them when we turn the receiver on and tune it in. Failure to hear the signal doesn’t mean the station isn’t transmitting. Likewise, God is constantly transmitting His voice to His sheep, but few are turned on and tuned in. Most Christians are busy pleading with God in prayer to transmit when the problem is with their receivers. — Andrew Womack

Learn How to Tune In:

God speaks a lot more than we listen
It is possible to hear God even when you are busy

Be Born Again - John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Be baptized with the Holy Spirit - Acts 1:5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

Believe that God loves you and wants a relationship with you.

Believe that God made a way for this relationship to happen by the sacrifice of Christ.

Believe that God is concerned about you – Matthew 6:31 -33 "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Believe that God’s spirit lives within you – 1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

Believe that the Spirit of God is alive and speaking - Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Believe that you are a child of God and your Father wants to speak to you - Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

Believe that God always has your best interest in mind - Galatians 3:14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles,

Believe that God will guide you into more that you could ever imagine if you will listen to Him - Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

Learn to be still - Psalms 46:10 "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Open your mind to God

An open mind is not an empty mind
Let your mind be available for God despite distractions

Renew your mind –

Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

1Co 2:16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.

God will speak through thoughts in our mind

Learn the difference between your thoughts and His
Isaiah 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.
Pay close attention to thoughts that seem to come out of nowhere
Pay attention to thoughts at are messages or ideas you would not have thought of your self

As you read your bible ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you.

As you read scripture pay attention to scriptures that seem to “pop off” the page.
Read with faith

Pray and listen

Prayer should be a two way conversation
Pause and listen

Pay attention to divine appointments

You meet a stranger who says something to you that touches your heart in an unusual way
You receive a call from a friend at the exact right moment
You connect with a person in an unexpected way that turns into a blessing.

God speaks to us in many ways.

Our obligation as His children is to listen and obey.

AMEN.