The Power of Words in Spiritual Growth and Unity

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound impact of our words, especially in the context of spiritual growth and warfare. Growth, whether in our personal lives or within our church community, often requires us to adapt and change our thinking and actions. This can be challenging, but it is essential for our development and the fulfillment of God's plans for us. We reflected on how our words can either create chaos or bring life, emphasizing the importance of speaking with intention and faith.

We celebrated the growth of our church community, including the integration of our Congolese families. This growth has brought new challenges, particularly in communication, but it has also enriched our fellowship. We are committed to finding ways to bridge language barriers, such as through translation services and learning each other's customs, to ensure that everyone feels included and understood.

Our words hold the power of life and death, as highlighted in Proverbs 18:21. In times of spiritual warfare, the way we speak can either align us with God's promises or with the enemy's lies. We must learn to respond with words of faith and life, rather than reacting out of emotion or hurt. This principle is crucial not only for our personal battles but also for the collective growth and unity of our church.

We also discussed the importance of speaking prophetically, declaring God's promises even when our current circumstances don't reflect them. This act of faith can release miracles and bring about God's will in our lives. The story of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-10 illustrates the power of authoritative words spoken in faith, showing that we can trust in God's word to bring about change.

Finally, we acknowledged that our words can shield us from sin and temptation. Jesus' use of scripture to counter the devil's temptations in the wilderness serves as a model for us. By storing God's word in our hearts, we can effectively combat the enemy's attacks and live in righteousness.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Words in Spiritual Warfare: Our words can either align us with God's promises or with the enemy's lies. In times of spiritual warfare, it is crucial to respond with words of faith and life, rather than reacting out of emotion or hurt. This principle is essential for overcoming the enemy and experiencing God's victory in our lives. [46:22]

2. Words Create or Quell Chaos: Proverbs 18:21 teaches that our words hold the power of life and death. Negative words can open the door for the enemy to sow chaos, while words spoken in faith can bring peace and order. We must be vigilant over our tongues, knowing that what we say today can either build up or tear down. [50:15]

3. Speaking Prophetically Releases Miracles: Declaring God's promises, even when our circumstances don't reflect them, can release miracles. The story of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-10 shows the power of authoritative words spoken in faith. By agreeing with God's word, we can see His will manifest in our lives. [01:05:54]

4. Words as a Shield Against Temptation: Jesus' use of scripture to counter the devil's temptations in the wilderness demonstrates the power of God's word. By storing God's word in our hearts, we can effectively combat the enemy's attacks and live in righteousness. This practice is essential for spiritual growth and victory. [01:21:48]

5. Effective Communication in Church Growth: As our church grows, especially with the integration of diverse cultures, effective communication becomes vital. Bridging language barriers and understanding each other's customs are essential for unity and growth. This commitment to communication reflects our dedication to living out God's love and grace. [01:32:13]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[37:41] - Introduction to Growth
[38:18] - Reflecting on Personal Growth
[38:54] - Church Growth and Challenges
[39:26] - Welcoming New Members
[39:58] - Cultural Integration
[40:39] - Translation Efforts
[41:21] - Joy in Unity
[41:50] - Communion with New Members
[42:21] - Invitation to Visitors
[42:49] - Personal Health and Preaching
[43:16] - Importance of Words
[44:09] - Communication Challenges
[45:12] - Effective Communication
[46:22] - Words in Spiritual Warfare
[47:39] - Power of the Tongue
[50:15] - Words Create Chaos
[55:58] - Words and Miracles
[01:05:54] - Speaking Prophetically
[01:21:48] - Words Shield from Temptation
[01:32:13] - Effective Communication in Church Growth
[01:38:36] - Closing Prayer and Unity

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
2. Matthew 8:5-10 - The story of the centurion who demonstrated faith in Jesus' authoritative word.
3. Psalm 119:11 - "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 18:21, what are the two outcomes that our words can produce? How does this align with the sermon's message about the power of words? [47:39]
2. In Matthew 8:5-10, what did the centurion believe about Jesus' words, and how did Jesus respond to his faith? [01:11:44]
3. How did Jesus use scripture to counter the devil's temptations in the wilderness, as described in Psalm 119:11 and the sermon? [21:48]
4. What specific challenges did the church face with the integration of the Congolese families, and how did they address these challenges? [39:58]

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to speak words of faith and life during times of spiritual warfare, as highlighted in the sermon? [46:22]
2. How can negative words create chaos in our lives and in the church community, according to Proverbs 18:21 and the sermon's discussion? [50:15]
3. What does it mean to speak prophetically, and how can this practice release miracles in our lives, as illustrated by the centurion's story in Matthew 8:5-10? [01:05:54]
4. How can storing God's word in our hearts, as mentioned in Psalm 119:11, help us combat temptation and live righteously? [21:48]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where your words either created chaos or brought peace. How could you have responded differently to align with Proverbs 18:21? [50:15]
2. Think about a time when you faced a spiritual battle. How did your words either help or hinder your victory? What can you do to ensure your words align with God's promises in future battles? [46:22]
3. The centurion in Matthew 8:5-10 demonstrated great faith in Jesus' words. How can you cultivate a similar faith in your daily life, especially when circumstances seem challenging? [01:11:44]
4. Jesus used scripture to counter the devil's temptations. What specific scriptures can you memorize and use to combat common temptations you face? [21:48]
5. As our church grows and integrates diverse cultures, what practical steps can you take to improve communication and foster unity within the community? [39:58]
6. How can you practice speaking prophetically in your life, declaring God's promises even when your current circumstances don't reflect them? Share a specific promise you will declare this week. [01:05:54]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to store more of God's word in your heart. What steps will you take to immerse yourself in scripture and be prepared for spiritual battles? [21:48]

Devotional

### 5-Day Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Words in Spiritual Warfare
Our words can either align us with God's promises or with the enemy's lies. In times of spiritual warfare, it is crucial to respond with words of faith and life, rather than reacting out of emotion or hurt. This principle is essential for overcoming the enemy and experiencing God's victory in our lives. When we speak words of faith, we declare our trust in God's promises and His power to deliver us. Conversely, when we speak out of fear or anger, we give the enemy a foothold in our lives.

Consider the impact of your words in your daily battles. Are you speaking life and faith, or are you allowing negative emotions to dictate your speech? By choosing to speak words that align with God's truth, you can experience His peace and victory, even in the midst of spiritual warfare. [46:22]

Ephesians 6:16-17 (ESV): "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did your words reflect your faith or fear? How can you intentionally speak words of faith in similar situations moving forward?

Day 2: Words Create or Quell Chaos
Proverbs 18:21 teaches that our words hold the power of life and death. Negative words can open the door for the enemy to sow chaos, while words spoken in faith can bring peace and order. We must be vigilant over our tongues, knowing that what we say today can either build up or tear down. Our words have the power to influence our environment and the people around us.

Reflect on the words you use daily. Are they contributing to peace and order, or are they creating chaos and confusion? By choosing to speak life-giving words, you can create an atmosphere of peace and positivity, both in your personal life and within your community. [50:15]

James 3:5-6 (ESV): "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."

Reflection: Think about a recent conversation where your words either created peace or chaos. How can you be more mindful of the power of your words in future interactions?

Day 3: Speaking Prophetically Releases Miracles
Declaring God's promises, even when our circumstances don't reflect them, can release miracles. The story of the centurion in Matthew 8:5-10 shows the power of authoritative words spoken in faith. By agreeing with God's word, we can see His will manifest in our lives. Speaking prophetically means declaring God's truth and promises over our lives and situations, even when we don't see immediate results.

Consider the promises of God that you need to declare over your life. Are there areas where you need to speak prophetically, trusting that God will bring about His will in His perfect timing? By speaking God's promises, you align yourself with His power and purpose, opening the door for miracles. [01:05:54]

Romans 4:17 (ESV): "As it is written, 'I have made you the father of many nations'—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist."

Reflection: Identify a promise from God that you need to declare over your life. How can you speak this promise with faith and authority, trusting God to bring it to pass?

Day 4: Words as a Shield Against Temptation
Jesus' use of scripture to counter the devil's temptations in the wilderness demonstrates the power of God's word. By storing God's word in our hearts, we can effectively combat the enemy's attacks and live in righteousness. This practice is essential for spiritual growth and victory. When we know and speak God's word, we have a powerful weapon against temptation and sin.

Reflect on the scriptures that you have stored in your heart. Are you equipped with God's word to counter the enemy's attacks? By immersing yourself in scripture and speaking it in times of temptation, you can stand firm in your faith and live a life of righteousness. [01:21:48]

Psalm 119:11 (ESV): "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Reflection: What scriptures do you need to memorize and store in your heart to combat specific temptations you face? How can you make a habit of speaking God's word in times of trial?

Day 5: Effective Communication in Church Growth
As our church grows, especially with the integration of diverse cultures, effective communication becomes vital. Bridging language barriers and understanding each other's customs are essential for unity and growth. This commitment to communication reflects our dedication to living out God's love and grace. Effective communication fosters a sense of belonging and unity within the church community.

Consider the ways you can contribute to effective communication within your church. Are there language barriers or cultural differences that need to be addressed? By making an effort to understand and communicate with others, you can help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the church. [01:32:13]

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to effective communication and cultural understanding within your church community? What steps can you take to ensure that everyone feels included and valued?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "How many of you know that cultures can be different, but we serve the same God? Amen. And so we find ways to blend those cultures. And I'm so thankful for what God is doing. We don't know what the future holds, but we want to be faithful to what God is asking us to do in this season and in these moments." [39:58] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "How many of you know that our words matter? And so as we're dealing with the circumstances that we are and the growth that we're having, then words become important. And to be able to speak to others in a language that they can understand or in a way that they can interpret is extremely important if we're going to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively." [44:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How many of you need a miracle in your life? You need to start agreeing with God. You need to start agreeing with the word of God. Because if God said it, all it takes is for you to believe it and it can come to pass." [01:20:26] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We have the opportunity to release miracle working power into our lives. Look at Matthew chapter 8 verses 5 through 10. It says and when he had entered Capernaum a centurion came forward to him appealing to him Lord my servant is lying paralyzed at home. He is suffering terribly and he said to him I will come and heal him." [01:10:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Our words are more than mere expressions. They are powerful tools in the realm of spiritual warfare. They can create chaos or they can birth miracles. They can lead us into sin or they can keep us walking in sin. They can lead us in righteousness. What a thought. It's true." [01:30:15] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The way that you act and the way that you live and the way that you speak right now will not only affect your life but it will impact a generation to come. You know, God is blessing us. Our nursery is jam-packed. We're trying to find volunteers to help Miss Emily back there because she's absolutely overrun with babies." [01:01:41] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Our words can create chaos. Now have you ever known anybody that they are their own worst enemy? Did you ever know anybody that just seemingly could not be blessed for any length of time at all because they are constantly keeping the pot stirred with their own words?" [51:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Words can shield us from sin and temptation. Words shield us from sin and temptation. Now I want you to notice Matthew chapter 4 verses 4 through 11. This is what we understand is the great temptation of God. Jesus. When Satan met him out in the desert and decided that he was going to tempt him." [01:21:48] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We Pentecostals through the years we've discovered this way of worshiping like Pentecostals. We get loud. We get crazy sometimes. We sometimes walk around because we're feeling it you know and we think well if the Lord is going to do a work it's got to be done a certain way." [01:13:35] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We have to believe even if God said it because if God said it it takes faith to activate it. Did you hear that? It takes faith to activate it in your life and in our lives. And so that's why it's important for us to talk in such a way that faith is activated. Faith can release miracles." [01:21:17] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?