The Word of God

Review

Sermon 1: Blessed Are Those Who Walk in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 119:1–8)

Theme: Obedience to God’s Word brings blessing. Key Points:

The Blessing of Walking in God’s Law – Those who seek the Lord with their whole heart find joy and purpose in obedience. (Psalm 119:1–3) The Call to Diligent Obedience – God’s commands require careful attention, not out of legalism but from a heart of gratitude. (Psalm 119:4–6) The Heart-Cry for Grace and Strength – The psalmist prays for God’s sustaining grace to keep His Word. (Psalm 119:7–8)

Sermon 2: Strengthened by the Word of God (Psalm 119:25–32)

Theme: God’s Word revives and strengthens us in times of affliction and trial. Key Points:

God’s Word Revives the Soul – In moments of despair, the psalmist cries out for God’s Word to bring life. (Psalm 119:25–27) God’s Word Directs in Truth – The psalmist prays for deliverance from falsehood and to walk in God’s ways. (Psalm 119:28–30) God’s Word Strengthens to Obey – The psalmist clings to God’s testimonies and runs the path of His commands. (Psalm 119:31–32)

Sermon 3: Open My Eyes, That I May Behold Wondrous Things (Psalm 119:17–24)

Theme: God’s Word grants understanding, guidance, and comfort amid life’s challenges. Key Points:

A Prayer for God’s Favor and Purpose – The psalmist prays for life to obey God’s Word faithfully. (Psalm 119:17) The Cry for Spiritual Illumination – The psalmist asks God to open his eyes to the wonders of His law. (Psalm 119:18) Living as a Sojourner Guided by God’s Word – The psalmist confesses his dependence on God’s Word as he navigates life as a stranger on earth. (Psalm 119:19–20) Finding Delight and Counsel in God’s Word – Despite opposition, the psalmist finds delight and guidance in God’s testimonies. (Psalm 119:21–24)

Here’s the full sermon outline, incorporating Proverbs 18:21 into the introduction and everything else as requested:

Sermon

“The Power of God’s Word: When He Speaks, Things Happen”

PRIMARY TEXT

Genesis 1:1–3

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.”

INTRODUCTION

Hook:

Words have power. Human words can inspire, hurt, or encourage, but the power of God’s Word goes beyond human comprehension—it creates, heals, commands, and sustains. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” If human words can hold such weight, how much more powerful is the Word of God, who spoke the universe into existence? God’s Word doesn’t just describe reality—it defines it. When He speaks, things happen.

Thesis:

From Genesis to the Gospels, Scripture reveals the power of God’s Word. In creation, redemption, and restoration, His Word brings life and light. Today, we’ll explore how God’s spoken Word demonstrates His unmatched authority and calls us to trust in its power.

SERMON OUTLINE

1. The Creative Power of God’s Word (Genesis 1)

Key Text: Genesis 1:3 – “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.”

Main Point:

God’s Word is the source of creation. He speaks, and the formless void becomes an ordered cosmos. The repeated phrase, “And God said… and it was so,” reveals that His Word is effective and sovereign. Psalm 33:6, 9 affirms this:

“By the word of Yahweh the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host… For He spoke, and it was; He commanded, and it stood firm.”

Illustration:

Imagine an artist painting with a brush—carefully crafting over time. But God doesn’t need tools. He simply speaks, and galaxies, oceans, and life itself come into existence.

2. The Life-Giving Power of God’s Word (Ezekiel 37)

Key Text: Ezekiel 37:4–5 – “Prophesy over these bones and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of Yahweh.’ Thus says Lord Yahweh to these bones, ‘Behold, I will cause breath to enter you so that you may come to life.’”

Main Point:

God’s Word brings life where there is death. In the valley of dry bones, Ezekiel speaks God’s Word, and the lifeless bones are resurrected into a mighty army. This passage shows that God’s Word doesn’t just create—it restores and revives.

Illustration:

Think of someone spiritually “dry” or far from God. His Word has the power to breathe new life into their heart, no matter how hopeless the situation seems.

3. The Authority of Jesus’ Words (Gospels)

Key Texts:

John 11:43 – “When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth.’” Mark 4:39 – “And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:8 – The centurion says, “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.”

Main Point:

When Jesus speaks, the dead rise, storms are stilled, and sickness vanishes. His words have power because He is the eternal Word of God (John 1:1–3). Hebrews 1:3 confirms this:

“He upholds all things by the word of His power.”

Illustration:

Picture Lazarus in the tomb, wrapped in burial cloths, lifeless for four days. Jesus doesn’t touch him or even enter the tomb—He simply speaks, and life obeys His command.

4. The Transformative Power of God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12)

Key Text: Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword…”

Main Point:

God’s Word isn’t just powerful—it’s personal. It pierces our hearts, convicts us of sin, and transforms us into Christ’s likeness. Isaiah 55:11 promises:

“So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire.”

Illustration:

Think of a seed planted in the ground. It may take time, but eventually, it grows and bears fruit. God’s Word works in the same way in our hearts, producing transformation over time.

CONCLUSION

Summary:

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals the unmatched power of God’s Word:

It creates (Genesis 1). It revives (Ezekiel 37). It commands (Jesus’ miracles). It transforms (Hebrews 4:12).

Gospel Connection:

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the power of God’s Word. As the Word made flesh (John 1:14), He speaks life into dead hearts, just as He spoke to Lazarus. His words are not only powerful—they are life-giving and eternal.

Call to Worship:

Encourage the congregation to meditate on the awe-inspiring power of God’s Word and place their faith in the One whose Word brings creation, life, and redemption.

HYMN SUGGESTION

“Thy Word” (Baptist Hymnal)

Why This Hymn?

This hymn reflects the power and guidance of God’s Word:

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”