THE HEART OF A DISCIPLE

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18–20 (ESV)

A disciple follows Jesus — Follow Me.

A disciple is being changed by Jesus — I will make you.

A disciple is committed to the mission of Jesus - Fishers of men.

Called To Hear His Voice

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognise a stranger’s voice. John 10:3–5 (NIV)

"We are the sum total of the voices we hear in our lives." Sam Chand

The Voice Of The Enemy

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1 (NIV)

Eve’s demise and, ultimately, that of humanity started by her listening to the wrong voice. 

How much time do you spend in God’s Word listening for His voice?

He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 (NIV)

The Voice Of Our Father

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son. Hebrews 1:1–2 (NIV) 

A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 (NIV)

The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:3–4 (NIV)

Voices You Need To Hear

1. Encouraging Voices

Encouragement is like oxygen to the soul, and everyone needs it. John Maxwell

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. Acts 11:23–24 (NLT)

2. Challenging Voices

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) 

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 (NIV)

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

3. Celebrating Voices

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 (NIV)

4. Jesus’ Voice

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27 (NIV)

Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:17–18 (ESV)

A bruised reed He will not break, and a smouldering wick He will not snuff out. Matthew 12:20 (NIV)