The Transformative Power of Words in Faith
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound power of words, as reflected in the wisdom of the Scriptures. I began by reminding us that God created the world with words, and it is by His words that life is sustained. The Bible teaches us that words have the power of life and death, a principle that is poignantly captured in Proverbs 18:21. This power is not only a divine attribute but also a human responsibility. We, being made in the image of God, have been endowed with the ability to use our words to either give life or bring destruction.
I delved into the idea that our words can incite love or provoke violence, and how they can be a source of shame or a means of mercy. The wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly Proverbs, emphasizes that our words have a significant impact not only on personal relationships but also on the broader community. The success and security of entire cities can hinge on the words of their influencers. Therefore, wise individuals are careful with their words, choosing to speak truth that endures and selecting the appropriate timing for their speech.
However, the problem we face is that our mouths often betray the true state of our hearts. Jesus taught that our words are a reflection of our inner being, and it is by our words that we will be judged. The sobering reality is that if every word we ever spoke were made public, we would be horrified and humiliated. But the Gospel brings us good news: Jesus' words are more powerful than ours. His perfect words bring life, and with His final words on the cross, "It is finished," He erased the stain of every evil, flippant, or careless word we have uttered.
By professing faith in Jesus, our words are removed from our reputation as far as the east is from the west. The same wise words that brought healing, life, and deliverance now reside within us. Our words no longer bring shame; instead, we are empowered to speak life and grace. We can approach God in prayer with boldness and confidence, knowing that He hears us and responds to our prayers.
The simplicity of the words "it is finished" and "I believe" may seem insignificant, yet they are the very words that God uses to grant us the gift of salvation. We are called to see God as the one who brought forth life with wise words and to recognize Jesus, the Word made flesh, who gives new life to us and transforms our words.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of our words is a reflection of the divine image within us, and with this power comes the responsibility to choose life-giving words over destructive ones. Just as God's words brought forth creation, our words have the potential to create or destroy in the lives of those around us. We must wield this power with the wisdom and discernment that comes from above. [49:33]
- Our speech reveals the condition of our hearts, as Jesus taught. This should inspire a deep introspection about the words we use and the attitudes they unveil. It is not enough to simply monitor our speech; we must allow the transformative power of the Gospel to renew our hearts, thereby changing our words. [49:33]
- Jesus' perfect words, culminating in "It is finished," offer us redemption from the failings of our own speech. His sacrifice on the cross has the power to nullify the negative impact of our words and to cleanse our verbal transgressions. This truth should lead us to a profound gratitude and a desire to align our words with His life-giving message. [49:33]
- The indwelling of Christ's words in believers empowers us to speak with grace and truth. As His words brought healing and life, so should ours. We are called to be conduits of His wisdom and compassion, using our speech to reflect His love and truth in a world that desperately needs it. [49:33]
- Prayer is a sacred space where our words meet God's ears, and we can approach this divine dialogue with confidence. The knowledge that Jesus intercedes for us should embolden our prayers and assure us of God's attentive and loving response. Our words in prayer are not trivial; they are heard by the God who created the universe with a word. [49:33]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 18:21 - "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
2. Matthew 12:34-37 - "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
3. John 19:30 - "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 18:21, what power does the tongue hold? How does this align with the sermon’s message about the impact of our words? [00:48]
2. In Matthew 12:34-37, what does Jesus say about the relationship between our words and our hearts? How does this reflect the sermon’s point about our speech revealing the condition of our hearts? [02:00]
3. What significance do Jesus' final words, "It is finished," hold in John 19:30? How does the sermon explain the impact of these words on our verbal transgressions? [02:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the power of words, as described in Proverbs 18:21, influence our daily interactions and relationships? What are some examples of life-giving and destructive words? [00:48]
2. Reflecting on Matthew 12:34-37, why do you think Jesus emphasizes that our words will be used to judge us? How does this understanding affect the way we speak? [02:00]
3. Considering John 19:30, how does Jesus' declaration "It is finished" provide redemption for our careless words? What does this mean for believers today? [02:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent conversation where your words either gave life or caused harm. How can you be more intentional about speaking life-giving words in your daily interactions? [00:48]
2. Jesus taught that our words reflect our hearts (Matthew 12:34-37). What steps can you take to allow the transformative power of the Gospel to renew your heart and, consequently, your speech? [02:00]
3. Reflect on a time when you felt ashamed of something you said. How does the truth that Jesus' words "It is finished" can erase our verbal transgressions change your perspective on that situation? [02:00]
4. How can you use your words to bring healing and life to someone in your community this week? Think of a specific person or situation where your words can make a positive impact. [02:00]
5. In your prayer life, how can you approach God with more boldness and confidence, knowing that He hears and responds to your words? What specific prayers will you bring to Him this week? [02:00]
6. The sermon mentioned that wise individuals choose their words and timing carefully. How can you practice this wisdom in your conversations, especially in challenging situations? [00:48]
7. How can you remind yourself daily of the power of Jesus' words and let them influence the way you speak to others? What practical steps can you take to align your words with His life-giving message? [02:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Harnessing the Creative Power of Words
Words carry the weight of creation and destruction, a truth deeply embedded in the fabric of our existence. Just as God spoke the universe into being, each individual possesses the profound ability to influence the world through their speech. This divine-like capacity bestows upon humanity a grave responsibility: to choose words that construct rather than demolish. The impact of one's language extends beyond the immediate; it shapes the reality of others, molding their experiences and perceptions. It is crucial, therefore, to exercise this power with the utmost care and wisdom, drawing from the divine source that originally breathed life into the void.
The Scriptures are replete with examples of the potency of speech. From the declarations of the prophets to the affirmations of the psalmists, the Bible underscores the enduring nature of words spoken in truth and love. In the same way, individuals are called to reflect this biblical principle in their daily interactions, ensuring that their words serve as a fountain of life, nurturing and edifying those who hear them. It is a call to be stewards of the spoken word, to harness its creative power for the flourishing of all.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." - Proverbs 18:21 ESV
Reflection: How can you use your words today to create a positive impact in someone's life?
Day 2: Revealing the Heart Through Speech
The words that escape one's lips are more than mere sounds; they are the emissaries of the heart, revealing its true condition. This intimate connection between speech and the inner self was emphasized by Jesus, who taught that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. It is a sobering thought that prompts introspection, urging individuals to examine not just their words but the attitudes and emotions that give rise to them.
The transformative power of the Gospel offers a path to renewal, not only of the heart but consequently of the spoken word. As the heart is aligned with the divine, so too will the words reflect the grace and truth of the Creator. This process of transformation is not instantaneous but a journey of continual growth and reflection, where one's language becomes increasingly infused with the love and wisdom of God.
"But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person." - Matthew 15:18 ESV
Reflection: What do your recent conversations reveal about the state of your heart, and what steps can you take to align your words with the character of Christ?
Day 3: Redemption Through Christ's Words
The final words of Jesus on the cross, "It is finished," encapsulate the redemptive power of His perfect speech. These words signify the completion of a divine mission, the erasure of humanity's transgressions, including those committed through careless or harmful speech. The weight of one's verbal missteps is lifted, and in its place is the opportunity to embrace a new narrative, one that is characterized by life-giving words.
This gift of redemption is not to be taken lightly but cherished and allowed to permeate one's entire being. It is a call to align one's speech with the redemptive message of the Gospel, to be an ambassador of the hope and healing that Christ's words bring. In doing so, individuals become vessels of His grace, speaking words that resonate with the transformative power of His sacrifice.
"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." - Matthew 12:37 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your words did not reflect Christ's love. How can you seek forgiveness and make amends for those instances today?
Day 4: Empowered to Speak Life
The indwelling of Christ's words in believers is a profound truth that empowers them to speak with authority and compassion. As His words brought healing and life to those who heard them, so are followers of Christ called to be conduits of His wisdom and love. This empowerment is not for personal glorification but for the service of others, to use one's speech to uplift, encourage, and guide according to the principles of the Gospel.
The challenge is to remain conscious of this divine empowerment, to resist the temptation to revert to old patterns of destructive speech. Instead, believers are to continually seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, allowing their words to be seasoned with grace and truth, reflecting the character of Jesus in every conversation.
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Reflection: How can you ensure that your words today will build up and give grace to those who hear them?
Day 5: Prayer as Divine Dialogue
Prayer is the sacred space where human words meet the divine ear, a place of intimate communication with the Creator. Approaching this dialogue with confidence is a testament to the believer's faith in the intercessory role of Jesus, who bridges the gap between humanity and God. It is in prayer that one's deepest thoughts, needs, and gratitude are expressed, knowing that they are heard and valued by the One who spoke the stars into existence.
This assurance of being heard should embolden believers to approach God with honesty and openness, to share their hearts without reservation. Prayer becomes not just a ritual but a lifeline, a means of sustaining and nurturing one's relationship with God. It is a reminder that the words spoken in the quiet of one's soul are as significant as those proclaimed from the mountaintops.
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." - 1 John 5:14 ESV
Reflection: What is one specific concern or desire you can bring to God in prayer today, trusting that He hears you and cares about every detail of your life?
Quotes
"God made the world by words. He spoke—and everything we know was born. It is only by God’s wise words that we and our planet have life. And it was by God’s words that the world was cursed. Proverbs 18:21 says it this way: 'The tongue has the power of life and death.' This ultimately applies to God, but it also applies to us. God has given humans the unique power of giving life and death through our words." [00:48]
"Our words have the power to incite either love or violence. 'The lips of fools … invite a beating … and their lips are a snare to their very lives'. Our words can shame and judge others or they can be a means of mercy. 'Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended'. Proverbs understands that humans made in the image of their God carry great power." [00:48]
"Wise people choose their words carefully because 'truthful lips endure forever'. Wise people also chose their timing carefully. No matter how beautiful someone sings, nobody wants to hear it at 5AM. The inclination to share the right words at the right occasion is wisdom; it’s the way you and your tongue were meant to work." [00:48]
"Our problem is that our mouth gives us away. Like the book of Proverbs taught, Jesus said that words are all you needed to tell the state of a person’s heart. Jesus even warns us that it will be our own words that are used to save or condemn us. We would all be horrified and humiliated if every word we ever said was uploaded to the Internet." [02:00]
"But the good news is that Jesus' words are more powerful than ours. His words are always perfect, and they always give life. And at Jesus’ last words on the cross—'It is finished'—every evil, flippant, or careless word we’ve said is deleted. For anyone who says, 'I believe,' Jesus removes our words from our reputation as far as the east is from the west." [02:00]
"And because of Jesus, the wise words that spoke healing into withered hands, lifeless bodies, demonized minds, and dead hearts now live inside of us. Our words no longer bring shame, but we are given the power to speak life and grace to those who hear us. Now we can boldly pray in God’s presence without worrying about saying the wrong thing." [02:00]
"While the words 'it is finished' and 'I believe' might sound insignificant, praise God that he is willing to use simple words to grant us his great salvation. May the Holy Spirit open your eyes to see the God who brought forth life and creation with wise words. And may you see Jesus, the Word made flesh, who gives new life to us and our words." [02:00]
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