THE VOICE OF THE SON OF GOD

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. One's voice betrays many things about him - whether he is old  
      or young, male or female.
      1. It can reveal one's dialect, education, confidence,         
         feelings, emotions, and so forth.
      2. One's voice often reveals what kind of Christian he is.
   B. The voice of man has many limitations.
      1. It is limited to this earth.
      2. Its sounds soon vanish.
      3. It cannot reach beyond the grave.
      4. It is never the infallible authority in religion.
   C. In this lesson, we want to study about, not the voice of man   
      with its frailties and weaknesses, but one absolute, supreme   
      voice - the voice of the Son of God.

I. THE VOICE OF THE SON OF GOD IS THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY.  Matt.     
   7:28-29
   A. We see the weakness of man's voice at the Mount of
      Transfiguration in what Peter said.  Matt. 17:4.
      1. However, the voice from heaven said - Matt. 17:5b.
      2. Indeed, the voice of the Son of God is to be heard.  Heb.
         12:18-25
   B. Moses predicted in Deut. 18:15 that one with supreme authority
      would come, and Peter, by the Holy Spirit, quotes it and       
      applies it to Christ.  Acts 3:22-23
      1. It is abundantly clear as to what will happen to those who
         will not hear this Prophet.
   C. The failure to recognize the voice of Christ as the voice of
      authority is a basic cause for "do as you please" in religion.
      1. We need to have awesome respect for His voice.
      2. His voice is the voice of authority in the church, in our
         families, and in our lives.

II. THE VOICE OF THE SON OF GOD IS THE VOICE OF POWER AND MIGHT.
   A. Men often can't back up what they say.
      1. They often make great boastful claims that they will do this
         or that, only to find out later that they were not capable  
         of doing it after all.
   B. However, with the voice of the Son of God, there is power and
      might to back up what He has promised.
      1. He spoke the world into existence.  John 1:1-2; Heb. 11:3;
         Psalm 33:6-9
      2. At the word of Christ, storms ceased, demons obeyed, the
         blind saw, the deaf heard, the dead came forth.  John 11:43-
         44
         a. These things were done to show that He has power and
            authority.
      3. Notice the power in His voice.  John 5:28-29

III. THE VOICE OF THE SON OF GOD IS THE VOICE OF INSTRUCTION.
   A. John 14:6
      1. Christ's voice is the only certain voice in an uncertain    
         age.
         a. His voice is a light in a world of darkness.
         b. His voice is a true compass in the voyage of life.
         c. His voice is a true path in the wilderness of confusion.
         d. His voice gives light to guide us, food to support us,
            and comfort to cheer us.
         e. His voice is the traveler's map, the pilgrims staff, the
            pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's
            charter.
      2. Anyone who listens to His voice is safe, and anyone who
         doesn't, is standing on the ever sifting sand.
         a. Those who heed His voice, His instructions, are building
            on a solid rock foundation; those who don't are sure to
            collapse.
   B. The voice of Christ instructs regarding how to become a
      Christian, how to worship, and how to live.
      1. Remember, the New Testament of Christ is the voice of
         Christ.
      2. Before we accept anything or do anything in religion, we
         should ask, "Is this the voice of the Son or God, or is it  
         the voice of man?"

IV. THE VOICE OF THE SON OF GOD IS THE VOICE OF THE SHEPHERD.
   A. The good shepherd gently leads.  Isa. 40:11
      1. The Son of God is the good shepherd who gave His life for
         His sheep.  John 10:11-16
      2. His sheep hear His voice and follow Him.  John 10:26-29;
         Ezek. 37:24
   B. In many ways, men are like sheep: apt to stray, senseless to  
      real danger, dependant upon a leader.  Matt. 9:36; Isa. 53:6  
C. Let us return to the shepherd and bishop of our souls.  1 Pet.    
   2:25

V. THE VOICE OF THE SON OF GOD IS THE VOICE OF JUDGMENT.
   A. John 12:48; Acts 17:30-31; 2 Cor. 5:10
   B. Yes, there's coming a great day when the voice of the Son of
      God will be the voice of judgment.
      1. His voice will either say to us: "Come..." or "Depart..."
         Matt. 25:34,41
   C. If we do His will, we will have boldness in the day of         
      judgment.  1 John 2:28; Luke 21:36
      1. If we do not do His will, there is only a fearful           
         expectation of judgment and fiery indignation.  Heb.        
         10:26-27; Rom. 2:5
   D. It will be wonderful to hear from the Son of God in that great
      day, "Well done..."  Matt. 25:21

VI. THE VOICE OF THE SON OF GOD IS THE VOICE OF ENTREATY.
   A. Rev. 3:20; Matt. 11:28-30
      1. Christ makes an earnest appeal for people to hear his voice
         and enter the fold of safety.
      2. We need to be like blind Bartimaes on the Jericho road. 
         Mark 10:46-52
         a. We, too, are like Bartimaes - blind, helpless, and in    
            need of the great physician.
         b. Remember, Jesus is not just passing by, but is knocking
            at the door.
      3. God told Noah: "Come thou and all thy house into the ark." 
         Gen. 7:1
         a. Do you think they would have hesitated about going in?
         b. Likewise, Jesus is now entreating, "Enter the fold of
            safety."
            (1) Many today are like the people of Noah's day, and
                they will perish in the same way those people did. 
                Matt. 24:37-39
      4. We plead with everyone, please do not harden your hearts
         against the voice of the Son of God.  Heb. 3:7-11; 2:2-3a

Concl.
   A. The following chart gives a summary of what we have studied:
      1. The Voice of the Son of God is the Voice of:
         a. Authority - Matt. 28:18
         b. Power - John 5:28-29
         c. Instruction - John 14:6
         d. The Shepherd - John 10:16,27
         e. Judgment - John 12:48
         f. Entreaty - Rev. 3:20
   B. Let us heed the voice of the Son of God!

Chart:
The Voice of the Son of God is the Voice of:

Authority - Matt. 28:18
                    
Power - John 5:28-29
                        
Instruction - John 14:6
                        
The Shepherd - John 10:16,27
                        
Judgment - John 12:48
                        
Entreaty - Rev. 3:20