The Two Voices

In today’s passage in the Exalted Christ series, we find ourselves observing a conversation that Jesus was having with the Pharisees. Jesus is loving, merciful, and compassionate, but in this passage we see a stern side of Jesus. Different situations call for different types of communication, and because of the nature of what he is discussing, his communication is very direct and intense.

Through his conversation with the Pharisees, Jesus teaches us that there are two voices in all of our lives: God’s voice – the voice of life – and the Devil’s voice – the voice of lies. Everyday, in every moment and for every situation, these voices battle for our ears. Our lives are consistent with the voice that we listen to. Mercifully, Jesus exposes how the voice of the enemy tries to deceive us in our lives by reminding us in his Word that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Questions for Meditation

1.  The devil’s voice is consistent with his character: he is a murderer because he wants to destroy life, and he is a liar because he wants to distort truth. How has the enemy tried to be a murderer or liar in your spiritual life?
2. The devil’s strategy of deception involves him using four different types of lies. One is fraud, which is him establishing demonic logic, structures, and reasoning. The second is fantasy, which is used to try and distract us by tempting us with useless dreams. The third is fear, as he tries to make us validate all of our worrisome feelings. The fourth is failure, which he uses to create a disposition of unbelief in our lives. How has the enemy attacked you in each of these four areas, and what is the Biblical response to them? 
3. The devil speaks to silence God’s voice. Often times, he doesn’t care what has our ears as long as it’s not God’s voice. What are some of the distractions the Devil has placed in our lives? 
4. How can we counteract some of those distractions and deceptions? 
5. Read 2 Corinthians 10:5-6. A stronghold is a “rebellious castle.” In other words, it is a demonic structure that has affixed itself in our hearts and minds that stops us from moving forward. Are there any areas – or, zip codes – in your heart that have become a stronghold of the devil? 
6. In an evil and fallen world, the Good News is that God’s voice is louder than the enemy’s, and Christ always speaks to those that are willing to listen. How can you become more sensitive to hearing God’s voice today and in the days to come?