Hearing God: A Pure Heart

Hearing God: A Pure Heart

Matthew 5:6

The Grove | August 9, 2026


Introduction

Main question: How do we hear God? How do we develop a hunger for Him?

Remember: God speaks Spirit to spirit (John 16:13)

Warning: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8, 15; 4:7)


I. The Danger of a Hard Heart

A. Murmuring and complaining

B. Unbelief

C. Disobedience (the 10 spies vs. Joshua and Caleb)

D. Key truth: Obedience keeps the heart soft; God desires obedience more than repeated worship

II. Developing a Hearing Ear

A. The ability is given at new birth; the skill must be developed

B. First secret: Hearing God must become vital to you

C. Second secret: It requires exercise (F.I.T.)

Frequency – deliberately set your mind on God

Intensity – purposeful, regular time with Him

Time – bring every thought captive until it becomes reflex

D. There is no substitute (books, conferences, podcasts, counseling cannot replace direct hearing)


III. A Pure and Undivided Heart

A. Definition: Not only free from contamination, but single-minded (like pure gold)

B. Supporting texts: Jeremiah 29:13; James 4:7-8

C. Two necessary works:

Cleansing of the heart – dealing with the roots of sin, not just the surface (1 John 1:5-7)

Circumcision of the heart – cutting away even good things that crowd out God

Our part (Jeremiah 4:4)

God’s part (Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:28-29)

Conclusion

A hearing ear and a pure heart are the two basic necessities for hearing God’s voice.


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