Overview of Don't Ignore The Warnings | Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen’s sermon "Don't Ignore The Warnings" (SiriusXM) centers on the idea that God warns us—through a still, small voice or an inner unrest—about dangers, poor choices, and people with hidden agendas. These warnings are protective, not punitive. Osteen urges listeners to develop a "holy fear" (reverent obedience), heed the alarms God gives, and make timely course corrections to avoid unnecessary heartache and lost opportunities.
Key points and main takeaways
- God can see what we cannot and will give warnings (an uneasiness, a whisper, a nudging) before danger or poor outcomes.
- Warnings are meant to protect and guide, not to limit dreams.
- Repeatedly overriding those warnings numbs us—like hitting the snooze button—until we no longer hear them.
- Obedience to warnings brings protection; ignoring them causes unnecessary pain, wasted time, and missed destiny.
- Humility and quick action are essential: don’t let pride, stubbornness, or public opinion keep you from changing course.
- God knows people’s motives; not every sincere-sounding voice has your best interests at heart.
Illustrative stories & examples used
- Biblical examples:
- Noah (Hebrews 11:7): Warned of a flood he could not see; moved with "holy fear" and built the ark, saving his family.
- The wise men: Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, then went home by another route—God protected them from Herod’s hidden agenda.
- Joseph: Warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod—he obeyed immediately.
- Secular example:
- Titanic: Multiple iceberg warnings were ignored by the captain due to pride and perceived invincibility; result—sinking and massive loss of life. Used as a caution against thinking “it won’t affect me.”
- Personal examples:
- Joel’s own business opportunity: He ignored an internal uneasiness and warnings, which led to unnecessary trouble when the venture didn’t perform as expected.
- A friend who almost lost his marriage: A vivid dream and sense of warning prompted immediate behavior change and restored the relationship.
Notable quotes & scriptural references
- “God can see things that we can't see.”
- “Don't be like a senseless mule and have to have a bit and bridle to stay under control.” (paraphrase from Psalm-like teaching quoted in the sermon)
- “Ignoring warnings doesn't make the danger disappear. It just means you're not prepared for it.”
- Scriptural references cited: Hebrews 11:7 (Noah), the Matthean accounts of the wise men and Joseph (dream warnings). Joel also quotes a Psalm-style promise about God guiding you along the best path.
Practical action items / recommended next steps
- Pay attention to inner unrest or uneasiness—treat it as a warning, not an annoyance.
- Don’t rationalize or repeatedly "snooze" the warning (avoid self-justification like “I can handle it”).
- Respond quickly and humbly when warned—make necessary course corrections.
- Seek counsel and be willing to change course despite public opinion or pride.
- Evaluate relationships and opportunities for hidden agendas; set appropriate boundaries.
- Apply specific changes: treat your spouse better, address personal habits/addictions, prioritize rest and healthy routines when those are the sources of unrest.
Ministry offers, closing & logistics
- Invitation to commit/repent: Joel leads a brief salvation prayer for those wanting to make Jesus Lord of their life.
- Resource offers: free materials for donors (Double for Your Trouble, God's Got You Restoration Duo, Double Portion Restoration Bible Collection).
- Contact: joelostein.com and phone 888-567-JOEL for resources and donation info.
- Invitation: Lakewood Church Homecoming Weekend (visit services in person).
- Joel and Victoria pray for listeners and emphasize the ministry’s global outreach and gratitude for supporters.
Sponsors & ads (brief)
- The transcript includes several sponsor and promotional spots: SmartLess podcast promo (Will Arnett), Lowe’s appliance sale, DSW, Pandora, Angie.com, GoToBank/TurboTax offers, plus ministry resource promotions.
If you want a one‑line takeaway: listen to the "still small voice"—heed God’s warnings quickly and humbly so you can avoid unnecessary pain and stay on the best path for your life.