• God to introduce Himself, instruct, empower, and extend salvation to the lost
• Satan to tempt us

There are others who are trying to get our ear as well, and this week we'll look more at the "who" and "why."

Please continue to bless this study, Father, as we seek to discern Your voice in the midst of all the noise around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Alright, let's review the answers from last week. Then we'll look at the answers to the final two questions and some scriptures that go to motive.

1. John 5:24, Matthew 2:12-13, and Isaiah 51:12 were cited last week as we looked at some of God's motives for speaking to us.
   • In John 5, He saves those who hear His voice when He calls. He gives them eternal life.
   • In Matthew 2, He warns the wise men not to return to Herod after their visit to worship to baby Jesus.
   • In Isaiah 51:12, He speaks to comfort.
     
     
2. Matthew 4:1-11 was used to explain Satan's purpose for speaking to us.
   • He tried to tempt Christ Himself to sin! Not once, but three times! If he had enough nerve to do that, we know he's not afraid to come after us again and again.
   • He even used scripture to validate his arguments! That's right: Satan knows scripture. He will use it to try and confuse us by saying things that sound spiritual, but, as he did with Jesus, he will use it out of context. He attacked with scripture, but Jesus rebutted him with the correct use for the Word. That's why it's so important to do as 2 Timothy 2:15 and James 1:5 say:
     
     • we must study so that we can rightly divide and apply God's word to our lives
     • whenever we're in doubt or unsure, we must diligently seek God's face and wisdom
       
       
3. So who is number three on the "trying to get our attention" list? The scriptures from week one were Luke 12:17-19, and James 1:14. Some other scriptures are Genesis 3:6a, and Philippians 2:21.
   • What is the motive found in these passages?
     
     
4. Now let's look at the last on the list from week one of our study. The cited passages were Job 2:9 and 1 Kings 12:7-8. Motives? There are many.
   • Job 2:11
   • 1 Samuel 19:1-6
   • In this one we have to dig a little deeper to find the motive. Ahithophel gave counsel to Absalom in 2 Samuel 16:15-23. His motive is found in 2 Sam. 11:3-16; 23:34.
     
     
5. What are some reasons you can think of for this group of people communicating with you?

In preparation for next week, let's think about – and mention – any other influences we have experienced that were not mentioned.





© Abby Phillips, Speak Life Ministries, 2007. Contact Minister Abby Phillips for permission to redistribute.