Big Idea

God communicates with us through his Spirit within us, who gently whispers to our hearts and our minds.

Scripture

1 Kings 19:1-18, Isaiah 30:21 and John 14:26

Series Overview

Our current series, Hearing God, is about equipping ourselves to hear from God to be disciples of Jesus. A disciple is someone who hears from God and does what He says.

Opening Questions

1. What’s the noisiest place you’ve ever been? How did you manage that, and could you still enjoy your experience?
2. Have you had your You+ conversation yet? If yes, share your biggest takeaway. If not, take some time right now to answer the nine questions at youplus.info. You don’t want to miss out on what God wants to say to you!

Bible Discussion

3. Elijah was a prophet in Israel when many people worshipped false gods. What happens before our 1 Kings 19 passage that prompts Jezebel to threaten Elijah’s life, causing him to flee to Horeb? (Refer to 1 Kings 18.)
4. Read 1 Kings 19:1-18. How does God speak to Elijah? Discuss the significance of this.
5. The same God who whispered to Elijah is the God who whispers to us through His Holy Spirit today. What comes to mind when you think of the Holy Spirit? Read Isaiah 30:21. How do the phrases “turn to the right or to the left” and “This is the way” relate to how the Holy Spirit speaks to us?
6. Read John 14:26 in several Bible translations, such as the NIV and the ESV. What are the different names given to the Holy Spirit? What is the significance of each name?

Life Application

7. Elijah goes from the high of experiencing an amazing miracle of God to the low of running for his life. Can you relate? If so, in what way(s)?
8. Have you ever experienced a whisper (or nudge or prompting) from the Holy Spirit? If yes, share your experience. If not, consider what may be affecting your communication with God. Could it be physical noise? If so, take a prayer walk this week and simply ask God to speak to you through His creation. It’s the perfect time of year to do this!
9. End your group time together in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help open our ears to hear God’s whisper more and more.