Hypocrisy is defined as the "practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform." There are some subtle and some not-so-subtle ways to walk in hypocrisy. Ultimately, when the rubber meets the road, when you're facing the giant, when you're faith is challenged, the proof of what you believe is in your actions.

1 Cor. 2:12 says, " Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." God does not want his children blind, confused, or constantly second-guessing His will. As we continue for a third Sunday talking about God's voice, we will see that one of the major hindrances to hearing God is having the affections of our heart set on the wrong things.

This week, we continue talking about hearing God's voice. It has often confused me to watch people hear God so well in some areas, but so poorly in others. Why is this? Amos 3:3 asks us the question, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" God wants to have a voice in all areas of our life, not just the ones we're comfortable with. If we learn to listen, He will expose our blind spots.

Hearing God's voice is more than just the mechanics of recognizing when, where and how He speaks to us. It is also dependent on the condition of our heart, what we believe, and the priority we put on His voice in our own life. James 4:8 says "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." There are whole areas of God's wisdom just waiting to be explored, if you will take the time to listen.

In Colossians 3:2-3 Paul says "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." A dead man doesn't worry about his reputation. A dead man doesn't have ambition, or pride. He doesn't fuss about what he wears, or drives. He cannot be bought. Jesus said "You cannot serve two masters." Let's get off the fence and decide who we serve.

Before the cross, Jesus prayed three times "Not my will, but thine be done." The surrendering of Christ's own will caused such an internal struggle that it caused him to sweat blood in the garden. Jesus taught His disciples, "if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross." Surrendering to God's will is a fight, and our greatest opponent is often ourselves. If Christ had to fight to surrender, so do we.

Change is a product of making different choices. Before Christ, we were slaves to a sin nature that dominated our choices even though we may have desired righteousness. But now that Christ has set us free, we have the power to choose a life of change and transformation to the Word of God. You don't have to stay bound to your past - you are free in Christ to grow!

Guest speaker Nathan Varble shares on how transformation to God's Word is available for every believer, but it requires a life of obedience to the conscience that tells us right from wrong . Knowledge is good, but transformation requires obedience.