Speaking Life: The Transformative Power of Our Words

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the transformative power of our words, particularly as they align with the truth of God's Word. We delved into the reality that our speech can either build up or tear down, not just in the lives of others, but also in our own spiritual walk. We are reminded that the resurrected Jesus forgives and restores us, even when we falter and speak in ways that are not aligned with His will. This is a profound truth that should embolden us to speak life into every situation.

We examined the story of Peter, who despite his denial of Christ, was not forsaken. Jesus had spoken a word over Peter, declaring him the rock upon which the Church would be built, and that word held true despite Peter's shortcomings. This demonstrates that the words Jesus speaks over us are more powerful than our mistakes. They are words that empower and define us, even when we stray.

We also considered the secular example of a baseball player who was booed by fans but then received a standing ovation, which led to a remarkable turnaround in his performance. This story illustrates the secular truth that our words have power, but how much more potent are they when combined with the Holy Spirit? Our words, when spoken in faith and aligned with God's will, can bring life and transformation.

We are called to be mindful of what we say and how we say it. Our words should reflect Jesus as the Christ over every aspect of our lives—our cities, our thoughts, our families, and our jobs. We must be cautious not to let emotions alone drive our expressions of faith, but rather ensure that our words align with the truth of God's Word and His lordship over every part of our lives.

In conclusion, we are encouraged to speak life, to use our words wisely, and to remember that our speech can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. Let us be intentional about what we say, always seeking to align our words with the wisdom and truth of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The words we speak can either construct or destruct; they carry the weight of life or death. As believers, we must harness this power responsibly, speaking life into situations and over people, just as Jesus did with Peter, affirming his identity and destiny despite his failures. Our words, when rooted in God's truth, have the power to shape realities and bring forth the Kingdom of God in our midst. [43:11]

- Jesus' restoration of Peter after his denial is a testament to the enduring truth of God's word over us. Even when we stumble and our words betray our faith, the word that Christ has spoken over us remains steadfast. This should give us confidence to rise above our mistakes, knowing that our identity in Christ is secure and His purposes for us are unshakable. [42:38]

- The example of the baseball player who thrived after receiving encouragement instead of criticism illustrates the secular understanding of the power of words. When we, as the Church, speak with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, our words carry even greater authority and creative power. We must be conscious of this divine potential in our everyday interactions. [39:08]

- Our declaration of Jesus as Lord should not be confined to our church gatherings but must resonate through every facet of our lives. How we speak about our circumstances, our communities, and ourselves should reflect our belief in Jesus' lordship. Our words should consistently proclaim His sovereignty and grace, influencing our actions and attitudes. [32:57]

- The practice of speaking life is not merely a concept but a biblical principle, as seen in Proverbs 12:18, where it is said that wise words bring healing. We are called to be agents of healing through our speech, choosing words that build up rather than tear down, thereby embodying the wisdom and love of Christ in a world that is often filled with sharp and destructive words. [35:03]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 4:17 - "As it is written: 'I have made you a father of many nations.' He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not."
2. Proverbs 12:18 - "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
3. Mark 11:22-23 - "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 4:17 say about God's ability to bring life and call things into being? How does this relate to the power of our words? [34:12]
2. According to Proverbs 12:18, what is the impact of reckless words versus wise words? [35:03]
3. In Mark 11:22-23, what does Jesus say about the power of faith and spoken words? How does this passage illustrate the importance of what we say? [46:54]
4. How did Jesus' words over Peter remain true despite Peter's denial? What does this tell us about the power and permanence of Jesus' words? [42:38]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Peter's restoration after his denial illustrate the enduring truth of God's word over us? [42:38]
2. What can we learn from the example of the baseball player who thrived after receiving encouragement instead of criticism? How does this secular example relate to the biblical principle of speaking life? [39:08]
3. How does the concept of speaking life align with the biblical principle found in Proverbs 12:18? What does it mean to be an agent of healing through our speech? [35:03]
4. How does Jesus' declaration over Peter ("You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church") demonstrate the power of words to shape identity and destiny? [43:11]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your words either built someone up or tore them down. How did your words impact that person and your relationship with them? What can you learn from that experience? [39:08]
2. In what areas of your life do you struggle to speak life and align your words with God's truth? How can you be more intentional about speaking words that bring healing and encouragement? [35:03]
3. How can you apply the principle of speaking life in your family, workplace, and community? Identify specific situations where you can choose to speak words of life and encouragement. [32:57]
4. Think about a person in your life who needs encouragement. What specific words can you speak to them this week to uplift and empower them? [39:08]
5. How can you ensure that your declaration of Jesus as Lord resonates through every aspect of your life, not just in church gatherings? What practical steps can you take to align your speech with your faith in everyday situations? [32:57]
6. Consider the story of Peter's restoration. How does knowing that Jesus' words over you remain true despite your mistakes give you confidence in your identity and purpose in Christ? [42:38]
7. How can you cultivate a habit of speaking life in your daily interactions? What changes do you need to make in your thought patterns and speech to reflect the wisdom and love of Christ? [35:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Harnessing the Power of Life-Giving Speech
Words carry the power to construct or destruct, and as believers, it is imperative to recognize the responsibility that comes with this ability. The tongue, though a small member, boasts of great things, as James 3:5 reminds us. It is through the spoken word that God created the heavens and the earth, and in the same way, our words have the potential to create or destroy. The story of Peter, who was affirmed by Jesus as the rock upon which the Church would be built, serves as a powerful example of how life-giving speech can affirm identity and destiny, even in the face of failure. When words are rooted in God's truth, they transcend mere sounds and become instruments of His will, capable of shaping realities and manifesting the Kingdom of God in our midst. It is a divine calling to use this power wisely, speaking blessings and hope into the lives of others and ourselves. [43:11]

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." - Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent conversation where you could have used more life-giving words. How can you approach similar situations in the future to speak life into others?


Day 2: The Enduring Truth of God's Word Over Us
Despite our shortcomings and moments when our words betray our faith, the word that Christ has spoken over us remains steadfast. This enduring truth is exemplified in the restoration of Peter after his denial of Jesus. Peter's story is not one of permanent failure but of redemption and reaffirmation of his true identity in Christ. It is a reminder that our identity and purpose in God's plan are not negated by our mistakes. Instead, they are secured by the unwavering word of Christ, which stands firm through all our human frailties. This assurance allows believers to rise above their missteps, knowing that they are defined not by their failures but by the grace and purposes of Christ. [42:38]

"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." - Romans 11:29 (ESV)

Reflection: Can you think of a time when you felt defined by your mistakes? How does understanding your secure identity in Christ change your perspective on past failures?


Day 3: Divine Potential in Everyday Interactions
The secular world recognizes the power of words, as seen in the story of the baseball player whose performance was transformed by encouragement. However, when words are spoken with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, they carry an even greater authority and creative power. Believers are endowed with the divine potential to speak life and transformation into everyday situations. This potential is not to be taken lightly; it is a sacred trust that requires mindfulness and intentionality. When words are spoken in faith and aligned with God's will, they become a conduit for His presence and power, capable of bringing about change that reflects the heart of God. [39:08]

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." - Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you be more intentional about speaking words that are anointed by the Holy Spirit in your daily interactions?


Day 4: Proclaiming Jesus' Lordship in All Facets of Life
Declaring Jesus as Lord goes beyond the walls of the church; it must resonate through every aspect of our lives. The way we speak about our circumstances, our communities, and ourselves should reflect our belief in His sovereignty. Our words should consistently proclaim His lordship and grace, influencing not only our thoughts but also our actions and attitudes. This declaration is a powerful testament to our faith and a witness to those around us. It is a call to align our speech with the reality of Jesus' reign over every part of our existence, thereby allowing His transformative power to work through us. [32:57]

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can more boldly proclaim Jesus' lordship through your words and actions?


Day 5: Agents of Healing Through Our Speech
The practice of speaking life is a biblical principle that carries the promise of healing and restoration. Proverbs 12:18 tells us that wise words bring healing, suggesting that our speech can serve as a balm to the wounded. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of this healing, choosing words that edify and encourage rather than those that cause harm. In a world where harsh and destructive words are commonplace, the believer's call to speak with wisdom and love is countercultural and desperately needed. It is through such speech that the love of Christ is made tangible, and His healing power is made manifest in the lives of individuals and communities. [35:03]

"There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." - Proverbs 12:18 (ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life could use healing words today, and how can you offer them words that reflect the wisdom and love of Christ?

Quotes

1) "The resurrected Jesus still forgives, Hallelujah. The resurrected Jesus still restores and makes new even if you've walked away." [43:49] (Download)

2) "What if the Church of the Living God began to change what they said, how they said it, when they say it, or even if they should say it?" [45:56] (Download)

3) "I want you to be Lord over every aspect of me, and in church right now it's good... but then when I get out on a Monday and the Lord goes, 'Wait, I want to be Lord over...' Well, not that Lord." [32:57] (Download)

4) "I'm praying right now that this year God will begin to speak to you and you begin to hear him in a way, Hallelujah, like you have never heard him before in your spirit." [33:33] (Download)

5) "Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal." [35:03] (Download)

6) "There's power in your words. Can you imagine when you mingle the power of the Holy Spirit with what you say?" [39:08] (Download)

7) "Even though he had messed up and even though he had made a bad confession... the resurrected Jesus did not hold it against him." [42:38] (Download)

8) "The word that Jesus had spoken, 'You're no longer Simon Peter, now you're Peter,' and he empowered him by the words that he spoke." [43:11] (Download)

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Transcript
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