Jesus said,
"My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them,
and they follow Me."
(John 10:27)
A friend and I recently attended a Bible study at the discipleship training center for the Haven of Rest mission. My friend was drawn to a picture on the wall of Jesus shepherding his sheep.
My friend said that is his favorite view of Jesus, noting that Jesus doesn't push us ahead, but that He personally leads us. In this way, my friend said, Jesus has been everywhere and has experienced everything before we do. And He is always there with us.
What a beautiful truth! Jesus knows each of us personally, and we can grow to hear His voice, to behold Him, and to follow Him, all of this through His Life indwelling us!
This Thursday through Saturday, I will be teaching verse-by-verse through Romans 5-8. These verses are the heart of the gospel and the foundation for discipleship. I pray attendees will personally hear Jesus.
Following are Bible study principles from the Introduction section of the workbook I prepared for the Romans study.
HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD
Bible study principles
Prayerfully observe and interpret Scriptures with as little prejudice as possible from previous teachings.
Realize Scriptures as the authoritative and only qualified source for interpreting Scriptures.
Use commentaries to affirm what God is speaking to you, not to interpret the Scriptures for you.
Be in awe with how God has so intricately woven His Word for you.
Recognize that Scriptures are rich only because your Lord and Savior is rich.
If you feel overwhelmed studying the Bible, by faith know the overwhelming love of God for you!
Simply read Scriptures as a child in precious relationship with the Father. He delights to speak to you.
BEHOLDING THE PERSON OF CHRIST
Bible study principles
Grow in sensing that you can truly sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him.
Meditate on Scriptures during special walks with Christ during each day, even if it is a 5-minute walk.
Claim by faith that Jesus is leading you and walking with you each minute of each day.
Sing hymns to Christ to savor Scriptural truths.
Beware of being impressed by man's teaching of Scriptures. However, as you read Scriptures, be pressed into Jesus' bosom as was the disciple John in John 13:23.
CLOSING
Some people hear God, but do not respond. They walk the other way in step with this world.
However, when we hear God and respond in faith to see and behold Christ, and then to follow Him, we become free to walk in the fullness of life...in His steps!
Hearing is Believing 
