As a child, did you have a cat or a dog [or another pet of some kind]?
How did your cat/dog respond when it heard your voice or when it saw you?
What did this response reveal about your pet?
How did your pet's response [or lack of response] make you feel?
We are going to talk about listening for and listening to the voice of God.
Do you find it easy to discern the voice of God in your life?
Are their circumstances or situations that make it more difficult to discern God's voice?
HAVE SOMEONE PRAY FOR GOD TO LEAD YOUR TIME TOGETHER
READ: John 10:1-6
What do the sheep, the shepherd, and the stranger represent in this passage?
What is the relationship between the sheep and the shepherd?
How does the shepherd tend to the sheep?
How do the sheep respond to the shepherd? How do the sheep respond to the stranger?
How do you make sure that you are able to discern Jesus' voice from the stranger's?
How can you help others to better discern Jesus' voice from the stranger's?
READ: John 10:7-10
What does Jesus meaning by likening Himself to the gate for the sheep?
How is He unlike the thieves and the robbers who come in?
In this context, who are the thieves and the robbers?
How do you guard against thieves and robbers entering your presence?
How can you help other "sheep" from being stolen, killed, or destroyed?
READ: John 10:14-15
Why does Jesus identify Himself as the "good shepherd"? What does this mean?
How does what Jesus said here relate to what He said in verse 10?
READ: John 10:16-18
Who are the "other sheep" that he must bring also?
What characterizes Jesus' flock?
How do you discern the voice of Jesus - "the good shepherd" - from the voice of the stranger, the thief, and so many other voices in our world today?
On Sunday we considered shame, temptation, and sin. How might this passage help you - and those around you - to better guard against shame, temptation, and sin?
How can this group help you better discern and obey God's voice?
How do you need God to help you as you strive to listen for and listen to His voice?
HAVE SOMEONE PRAY FOR THE NEEDS OF ONE ANOTHER AND OTHERS