La Razón Real Por La Que No Escuchas A Dios (Nee Lo Explicó)

How to Hear God's Voice Clearly

The Need for Sensitivity to God's Voice

• The speaker challenges the conventional belief that one must seek dramatic signs and confirmations to hear God, suggesting instead that God is always communicating with our spirits.

• Many Christians experience a chronic spiritual dryness not due to God's silence but because they lack the spiritual sensitivity needed to perceive His voice.

• Watchman Nee observed that those most spiritually hungry often struggle to hear God, while others maintain a supernatural intimacy with Him, highlighting the importance of human spiritual sensitivity.

Barriers to Spiritual Communication

• Factors such as carnality, sin, and misguided religiosity can dull one's ability to discern divine communication, akin to losing musical pitch over time.

• The discussion emphasizes restoring an innate function within believers that allows them to connect with God rather than relying on external formulas or mystical techniques.

Common Experiences in Devotional Life

• The speaker prompts self-reflection on common devotional struggles: prayers feeling ineffective, reading scripture without impact, and seeking guidance amidst silence.

• This disconnect between biblical promises and personal experiences is prevalent among many Hispanic Christians who fulfill religious duties yet feel spiritually unfulfilled.

Historical Context and Observations by Watchman Nee

• In 1920s China, Nee noted sincere Christians experiencing spiritual dryness despite trying various devotional methods; some justified this as normal Christian life while others blamed their faith or discipline.

• In Latin contexts, inherited Catholic traditions often lead believers to rely on intermediaries for communication with God even after converting to Protestantism.

Misconceptions About Divine Communication

• Many second or third-generation evangelicals fall into mechanical devotion—repeating prayers and songs without genuine connection—leading them to develop "carnal expectations" about how God should communicate.

• There’s a tendency among these believers to expect dramatic manifestations from God (like dreams or audible voices), which can result in overlooking subtle communications from Him.

Consequences of Spiritual Dullness

• While waiting for extraordinary signs from God, many miss out on ordinary yet profound interactions; this leads to prolonged periods of spiritual dryness not due to God's absence but their inability to listen effectively.

• A generation of theologically knowledgeable yet spiritually deaf Christians emerges—understanding doctrine without experiencing intimate relationships with God.

Identifying the Root Problem

• Watchman Nee identified that interference in believers' receptivity was at the heart of their struggles; recognizing what dullens spiritual sensitivity is crucial for restoration.

• The need arises for identifying and removing barriers caused by carnality that hinder effective communication with God.

Understanding Spiritual Sensitivity

The Nature of Human Spirit and Communication with God

• Watchman Nee emphasizes that the issue is not God's method of communication but rather a change in human sensitivity. Many Christians operate at a low level of spiritual awareness.

• In "The Spiritual Man," Nee explains that while regeneration allows for spiritual perception, this ability must be developed over time, similar to how a newborn's vision matures.

• Deliberate sin diminishes communion with God and reduces the spirit's capacity to perceive divine matters, akin to a foggy window obscuring clarity.

• A more subtle issue is religious carnality; many Christians rely on methods and structures instead of depending on the Holy Spirit, dulling their spiritual sensitivity.

Cultural Context and Challenges

• In Hispanic culture, prayer can become mere lists of requests, Bible reading may turn into intellectual exercises, and worship can devolve into emotional performances lacking genuine connection.

• Nee identifies "the noise of the soul" as a significant barrier; constant internal chatter from thoughts and emotions makes it difficult to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice.

The Impact of Modern Life on Spirituality

• Latin cultures often express deep emotions passionately; while this is not inherently negative, it can hinder spiritual sensitivity if not managed properly.

• Moments of inner stillness are essential for allowing the spirit to function without interference from an agitated soul.

• The urgency in modern life leads many Christians to remain perpetually busy without taking time for quiet reflection before God.

External Influences on Spiritual Growth

• Many Christians develop an unhealthy dependence on external confirmations rather than exercising personal spiritual discernment, which stunts growth—especially prevalent in cultures with strong authority structures.

Barriers to Divine Communication

• Practical unbelief poses perhaps the greatest challenge; believers may theoretically accept that God communicates but live as if He has ceased speaking since biblical times.

• This mindset creates psychological barriers preventing the spirit from receiving divine messages because they believe such communication is impossible or irrelevant to them.

Conclusion: The Condition of the Spirit

• Nee describes a "calloused spirit," where continuous exposure to carnal distractions leads to insensitivity. While spiritually alive, such individuals may struggle with spiritual deafness.

• He notes that humans are designed with three distinct parts (spirit, soul, body), each serving specific functions in Christian life. The human spirit is uniquely created for divine communication.

Understanding the Communication Between God and Humanity

The Role of the Spirit in Divine Communication

• In Hebrews 4:12, it is stated that God's Word penetrates "to divide soul and spirit," emphasizing the distinction between human faculties.

• Nee explains that when a person is born again, their human spirit is regenerated, becoming the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit and the primary point of contact for divine communication.

• He reveals that God continuously communicates guidance, love, correction, consolation, and revelation; however, issues arise not from God but from our spiritual receptivity.

Functions of the Human Spirit

• The human spirit has several functions related to perceiving divine realities:

• Communion: The ability to sense God's presence and respond accordingly.

• Spiritual Consciousness: Discernment between what comes from God versus other sources.

• Spiritual Intuition: Receiving direct divine knowledge without mental mediation.

Direct Communication with God

• Nee challenges traditional views by asserting that every believer possesses an internal organ for direct communication with God—no external mediators are necessary.

• He emphasizes that sensitivity in one's spirit can be restored and developed through practice; it's not a fixed state but a capacity to be exercised for deeper intimacy with God.

Discernment in Spiritual Communication

• Christians who walk closely with God learn to distinguish between their own thoughts/emotions and God's voice through what Nee calls "spiritual discernment." This involves recognizing specific ways in which God communicates with our spirits rather than through strong emotions or brilliant thoughts.

• Key characteristics of spiritual impressions include:

• A sense of peace and calmness.

• Consistency with God's character as revealed in Scripture.

• A lasting quality that remains as deep convictions rather than fleeting ideas.

• Producing spiritual fruit when obeyed.

Continuous Conversation with God

• Nee asserts that life as a Christian should involve ongoing dialogue between the Holy Spirit and our human spirit—this includes receiving guidance moment-to-moment without interruption. This continuous communion allows believers to experience constant comfort and direction from God.

Practical Application: Exercising the Spirit

• To effectively communicate with God, believers must engage in practical exercises designed by Nee to restore sensitivity within their spirits:

• One foundational exercise is learning to be still before God (Psalm 46:10), which many Christians struggle to achieve due to mental noise and emotional turmoil.

• Starting small—perhaps five or ten minutes—of quieting all internal activity creates space for God's voice amidst silence rather than empty meditation; it fosters expectation for divine communication without distractions.

Understanding Spiritual Sensitivity

The Challenge of Inner Stillness

• In Hispanic cultures, expressing emotions is common, making it challenging to cultivate inner stillness necessary for spiritual sensitivity.

• Nee emphasizes that without learning this quietude, one cannot clearly hear God's voice.

Discernment of Sources

• Nee instructs his disciples to examine thoughts and feelings during prayer or Bible reading by asking their origin: "Is this from my mind? My emotions? My spirit?"

• Thoughts from the mind are logical; feelings stem from external circumstances or memories; impressions from the spirit arise spontaneously with peace and certainty.

Obeying Small Impressions

• The third exercise involves responding to small divine communications, which can lead to greater responsibilities if followed faithfully.

• Ignoring these small impressions dulls one's spiritual sensitivity; examples include feeling prompted to pray for someone or read a specific scripture.

Purifying the Conscience

• Maintaining a clean conscience is crucial as unresolved sin or conflict blocks divine communication. This is particularly relevant in Hispanic families where resentments may linger across generations.

• Nee teaches that forgiveness and resolving offenses are essential for spiritual clarity and sensitivity.

Learning the Language of the Spirit

• The Holy Spirit communicates through various means: deep peace confirming decisions, spiritual unrest warning about issues, intercessory burdens prompting prayer, and special anointings for ministry tasks.

• Developing familiarity with these different forms of communication enhances one's ability to engage with God naturally over time.

Walking According to the Spirit

• Walking according to the spirit means allowing it to govern all life decisions rather than being led by logic or external pressures. Peace or unrest felt in one's spirit should guide actions instead.

Transformation Through Communion

• A restored human spirit leads to a transformed Christian experience characterized by natural communion with God rather than constant struggle for His will. This shift changes prayer into genuine conversation and worship into spontaneous expression from the heart.

• For Latinos, discovering a direct relationship with God fulfills deep relational desires, replacing external religiosity with internal intimacy that satisfies soul longings.

Distinctive Characteristics of Sensitive Christians

• Christians who walk in spiritual sensitivity exhibit supernatural peace even amidst difficulties, showcasing how true communion alters their approach to life's challenges and relationships within their communities.

The Power of Spiritual Sensitivity

The Role of Divine Comfort and Strength

• Many Christians receive comfort and strength directly from God, which serves as a powerful testimony in Latin American contexts where families face economic and social pressures.

Practical Wisdom in Life Decisions

• These Christians develop extraordinary practical wisdom through divine guidance, leading to decisions that may seem illogical but yield long-term blessings. This phenomenon was observed by Watchman Nee in China.

Unique Capacity for Ministry

• Constant communication with God enables these believers to effectively minister to others, knowing how to pray, what words to speak, and when to act or wait.

Authority Through Intimacy with God

• Nee describes "spiritual authority" as arising from a close walk with God, where His thoughts become their thoughts. Their prayers carry weight and power due to this connection.

Living Proactively from Within

• Unlike most Christians who react based on external circumstances, spiritually sensitive individuals respond proactively by relying on internal divine guidance. This is exemplified by a Latina mother or Hispanic entrepreneur making decisions based on spiritual insight rather than solely on tradition or market analysis.

Community Dynamics Transformed

Functioning as a Living Organism

• When multiple community members develop spiritual sensitivity, they operate more like a living organism than a traditional organization, spontaneously ministering to one another based on divine impressions.

Decision-Making Based on Spiritual Consensus

• Community decisions are made through spiritual consensus rather than democratic voting. This can revolutionize congregational dynamics in Hispanic churches.

Genuine Encounters Over Performances

• Services transform into authentic encounters with God instead of mere religious performances; leadership is exercised through spiritual anointing rather than institutional appointment.

The Call for Personal Transformation

Becoming Channels for Others' Growth

• Those who cultivate spiritual sensitivity naturally inspire others towards the same growth; their presence ignites hunger for deeper devotion among fellow believers.

Embracing the Holy Spirit's Work

• The discomfort felt regarding one's relationship with God often indicates the Holy Spirit's prompting towards seeking deeper intimacy that has been lacking.

Practical Steps Towards Spiritual Sensitivity

Immediate Action: Practicing Stillness

• For the next 24 hours, dedicate ten minutes to being completely silent before God—no distractions or agendas—just waiting in His presence.

Deepening Integration: Discernment of Sources

• In your daily devotional time over the next week, practice discerning the sources of your thoughts and feelings during prayer.

Spiritual Sensitivity and Personal Relationship with God

Developing Spiritual Sensitivity

• The speaker encourages practicing the ability to discern spiritual impressions, emphasizing that this skill develops over time with practice.

• A key practice for systemic transformation is to "obey small impressions" felt in one's spirit, committing to act on these feelings immediately, regardless of their perceived significance.

• The distinction between knowing about God and knowing Him personally is highlighted as a crucial aspect of spiritual sensitivity; it reflects the difference between having information and an intimate relationship.

Intimacy with God

• The speaker asserts that God desires believers to know His will directly rather than relying on external signs, fostering a familiar relationship akin to that of close friends.

• This intimacy is not exclusive to certain individuals but is available to all children of God willing to cultivate their inherent spiritual sensitivity, which was instilled at salvation.