The Power of Words

Mother's Day • Sermon • Submitted 7 years ago

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When we say things words matter. When we commit to things we are obligated. When we vow to God we are held by our promises and God is serious about the things we say. Hannah, The mother of Samuel is a great example of a person that keeps their vows to God.

Notes

Transcript

Introduction

Have you ever thought about the power of words. Wars have been started and stoped through the power of words.

People start new families with words as they covenant together.

What you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

Verbal agreements are just as binding as written ones as long as there is a witness.

Words have the power to set the chores of life for both yourself and other you speak into.

Words have the power to bring life and save souls.

Words can build up and tear down.

This is why the Bible spends so much time on watch the things that you say.

Ecclesiastes 5:5 ESV

5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.

“God, if you will just grant me this one request then I will follow you no questions asked.”

I have been helping Scooby build his deck.

The words you say matter. The vows you make bind you to fulfill them.

It’s like when Ringo picked a fight with Doc Holiday and Holiday replied, “I’ll be your Huckleberry.” When it came time to fight Ringo said, “I was just funnin’ about.” Holiday said, “I wasn’t.”

When you make a vow before God, because of his character of love he hopes all things, believes all things, endures all things.

God takes you at your word.

Ecclesiastes 5:6–7 ESV

6 Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.

or as Dad used to say, “Son, don’t let your mouth write a check your butt can’t cash.”

We take every Mother’s Day to celebrate the new babies God have given us and dedicate them to the Lord. The parents with make a promise to God to raise the children in the ways of the Lord and we as the Church will enter into that covenant to help and support them.

Today we are

I want to look at a Biblical example of a baby dedication this morning and very well could be the most famous baby dedication in the Bible. Let’s turn to 1 Samuel chapter one.

Hannah’s Dedication

Hannah was one of two wives of a man named Elkanah.

Hannah was barren and was made fun of because of it.

After many years of being barren, Hannah decided to make a vow to the Lord.

1 Samuel 1:11 ESV

11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”

If you want something from God it has to be for a kingdom purpose.

1 Samuel 1:16 ESV

16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.”

Hannah was dedicated to Lord.

Hannah was dedicated to the Lord’s work.

Hannah understood the principle of firstfruits.

When God opens the womb the first male is the Lords.

Hannah was willing to be faithful to the Lord.

When you make a vow with God you must live in expectation.

1 Samuel 1:17 ESV

17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.”

Hannah trusted the word of Eli just as if God had spoken Himself.

She got up expecting God to answer as the Priest had said.

1 Samuel 1:18 ESV

18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

to Hannah the word of Eli was the word of God.

God is looking for those that live by faith.

Matthew 21:21 ESV

21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.

God grants requests according to His Word and reputation.

John 14:13–14 ESV

13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

1 Samuel 1:19 ESV

19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her.

1 Sam 1:19

1 Samuel 1:18 ESV

And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

1 Samuel 1:20 ESV

20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”

When God comes through He expects you to.

1 Sam 1

Hannah was faithful with her vow.

1 Samuel 1:24 ESV

24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young.

1 Sam 1:24

1 Samuel 1:25–26 ESV

25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord.

1 Samuel 1:

1 Samuel 1:27–28 ESV

27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

Samuel became one of the greatest prophets in the Bible.

All because a mother kept her vow to the Lord.

Baby Dedication

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Accompanying them in making this commitment are (CHILD'S) godparents, (GODPARENT'S NAME). And witnessing this as well are (PARENT'S OTHER CHILDREN).

Study

(PARENTS), I call your attention to the commands of God recorded in Holy Scripture. tells us:

"Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on their children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

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says:

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"fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." God's instructions are plain.

Baby Dedication

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment in the presence of God and his people (Wife hands child to husband as a sign of his spiritual headship in the family). So that (CHILD) may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you (PARENTS) vow by God's help and in partnership with the church, to provide (CHILD) a Christian home of love and peace, to raise him

Introduction

It's exciting whenever a new child enters a family. There's no greater moment when parents sense that children are a gift from God. In these joyful moments, pastors have the privilege of sharing how parents can express their full appreciation to God through baby dedication. While some Christian ministers baptize babies, the following order of service is for those who prefer what J. I. Packer describes as "dry baptism."

Dedicating a child acknowledges God's sovereignty not only over the child, but also Mom and Dad. Parents present their child before God and His people asking for grace and wisdom in carrying out their responsibilities. Parents also come praying that their child might one day trust Jesus Christ as Savior for the forgiveness of sin.

Before the actual ceremony, it is crucial that pastors counsel parents about the meaning of dedication. The best passage for discussion is . First, it commands parents to love God; if they truly wish for their child to one day love and follow God, their lives must be an example. This is a good time to query parents about their own personal relationship with Christ.

Second, Deuteronomy makes clear that the duty of teaching children belongs to parents; Sunday schools can provide weekly instruction, but parents must seize the teachable moments that arise throughout life. Explain the value of prayer (for example, repetitious prayers like "Now I lay me down to sleep . . .") at meal times and before bed. Urge them to read aloud Bible stories for devotions. Give them practical ideas they can implement into their daily family routines.

Sometimes it is custom for parents to choose godparent(s). Often viewed simply as an honorary title, its value however can be greatly enhanced by defining how this role will be carried out. Many godparents assume responsibility to provide cards and gifts of a Christian nature for the child on birthdays and holidays. Some periodically ask the parents how they are doing in training their child (). Still others have arranged that in the event of the parents' unexpected death, the godparents will take the child into their home (This of course requires legal documentation).

Finally, keep in mind that babies are unpredictable. Some may sleep during the dedication, but others might cry, especially while you're holding them! Humor is a delightful way to make light of the situation and dissipate any of your own uneasiness. It is moments such as these that makes baby dedications so special. The sacred and the mundane collide. And through it, we see a glimpse of the glorious gospel--God being found in the appearance of man.

Be sure to recognize everyone who stands before the church, especially siblings. Though this is not their special day, it's important to confirm that they too are important participants. When grandparents stand, you may want to insert the following into the ceremony: "Standing before us are three generations. Seeing this brings to mind which tells us that 'Grandchildren are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of children.'

(NAME OF GRANDPARENTS), we know you're very proud of these grandkids. And (NAME OF PARENTS), we trust that the step of faith you're taking today will make (CHILD'S NAME) one day proud of your actions."

Service of Dedication

Children are a gift from God.

Psalm 127:3 ESV

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

As believers we are called to recognize that children belong first and foremost to God. God in his goodness gives children as gifts to parents. They not only have the awesome responsibility of caring for this gift, but also the wonderful privilege of enjoying the gift. Because children belong to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God.

proclaims that "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." As believers we are called to recognize that children belong first and foremost to God. God in his goodness gives children as gifts to parents. They not only have the awesome responsibility of caring for this gift, but also the wonderful privilege of enjoying the gift. Because children belong to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God.

We are told in that Hannah presented her son Samuel to the Lord.

Luke 2:22 ESV

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

In we read that Mary and Joseph brought their baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem in order to present him before the Lord.

In the same way, today we have the opportunity to dedicate many babies to the Lord. We take this very seriously.

Baby dedication is not salvation for the child.

They will not be baptized.

Baby dedication is a commitment from the parents and church body to raise the child in the ways of the Lord and bring them to the point of salvation.

Parents please bring your babies up on the stage.

Accompanying them in making this commitment are (CHILD'S) godparents, (GODPARENT'S NAME). And witnessing this as well are (PARENT'S OTHER CHILDREN).

Parent Dedication

(PARENTS), I call your attention to the commands of God recorded in Holy Scripture.

Deuteronomy 6:4–5 ESV

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 ESV

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

tells us:

says:

Ephesians 6:4 ESV

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

"fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." God's instructions are plain.

PARENTS, love God with every ounce and fiber of your energy and teach your CHILD to do the same. As you love God, and one another you will model before your CHILD a wonderful love for God that he or she will want for himself.

Ephesians 6:4 ESV

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

PARENTS, by coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your little ones to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying "we do."

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment in the presence of God and his people. So that your son or daughter may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help and in partnership with the church, to provide your child a Christian home of love and peace, to raise him in the truth of our Lord's instruction and discipline, and to encourage him to one day trust Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord? ("We do.")

Modeling this kind of love can not be done alone. It requires the help of others. For this reason, (PARENTS) call upon the help of (GODPARENTS). I now direct my questions to you. By coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to help PARENTS fulfill the vow they have just made by becoming (CHILD'S) godparents? If so, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment: So that (CHILD) may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help, to encourage, through praise and correction, (PARENTS) in their effort to raise (CHILD) in the fear of the Lord, to uphold them in prayer, and if anything should happen to (PARENTS), to assume responsibility in helping (CHILD) receive our Lord's guidance and instruction? ("We do.")

Church Dedication

Finally, I ask that the church make a vow as well. There's an old proverb that says "it takes a village to raise a child." Parents have first responsibility. But parents need the help and support of the community.

So I direct my questions now to the church. By being present in God's house today, do you hereby declare yourselves to be the children of God because you trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life? If this is true, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

I would ask the Rkids teachers that are in the service to come forward and place a hand on one of the parents standing here today. Now, would you please stand?

Having come freely, I ask now that you make the following commitment to those who stand before you: So that The children may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help, to be faithful in your calling as members of the body of Christ, to help these PARENTS be faithful to God, and to help teach and train these children dedicated here today in the ways of the Lord so that they might one day trust Jesus as Savior and Lord? If you accept this responsibility, please respond by saying "we do."

(Pastor prays over all the babies at the same time.)

(Presentation of Certificate and Gift)

(May wish to sing dedication hymn)

God delights in children. He takes great pleasure in them. They are one of the greatest gifts He gives to husbands and wives. proclaims that "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." Because children are a gift from God, it is natural that Christian parents present and dedicate their child to God. In the Gospels we read that people brought little children and babies to Jesus so that he might place his hands on them and pray for them.

In the same way, (PARENTS) today bring their (SON/DAUGHTER + CHILD'S NAME), presenting first themselves and then (CHILD) before the Lord our God. Accompanying them in making this commitment are (GRANDPARENTS). And witnessing this as well is (OTHER SIBLINGS).

(PARENTS), I call your attention to the commands of God recorded in Holy Scripture. tells us:

Years ago the music group Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young had a hit song with the words "teach your children well." Indeed there is no higher calling for parents. :1reminds us that "a wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother." The best thing Moms and Dads can teach their child is the "fear of the Lord," for tells us this is "the beginning of knowledge." In other words, the successful application of all that (CHILD) learns in life depends on him first learning to fear and follow God. So the church urges you (PARENTS) to love God with every ounce and fiber of your being and teach (CHILD) to do the same. As you love God, one another, and (OTHER SIBLINGS), you will model before (CHILD) a wonderful love for God that he will want for himself.

(PARENTS), by coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your (CHILD) to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment in the presence of God and his people (Wife hands child to husband as a sign of his spiritual headship in the family).

So that (CHILD) may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you (PARENTS) vow by God's help and in partnership with the church, to provide (CHILD) a Christian home of love and peace, to raise him in the truth of our Lord's instruction and discipline, and to encourage him to one day trust Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord? ("We do.")

For encouragement in fulfilling these vows, (PARENTS) call upon (GRANDPARENTS). declares how "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged." There is great pride in seeing a new generation of family. And how that joy is reinforced when children are raised to fear God. To this end, I ask you the following questions.

By coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to help (PARENTS) fulfill the vow they have just made by becoming (CHILD's) godparents? If so, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment: So that (CHILD) may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help, to pray for and encourage (PARENTS) in their effort to raise (CHILD) in the fear of the Lord, so that (CHILD) might receive our Lord's guidance and instruction? ("We do.")

Finally, I ask that the church make a vow as well. As believers in the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to teach the Gospel story to our younger generation. In fact, the Old Testament prophet Joel commands us to tell of God's work "to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation" (1:3). So I direct my questions now to the congregation.

Being present in God's house today, do you hereby declare yourselves to be the children of God because you trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life? If this is true, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

Would you please stand? Having come freely, I ask now that you make the following commitment before God and those who stand before you: So that (CHILD) may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help, to be faithful in your calling as members of the body of Christ, to help (PARENTS) be faithful to God, and to help teach and train (CHILD) in the ways of the Lord so that he might one day trust him as Savior and Lord? If you accept this responsibility, please respond by saying "we do."

(Dad hands child to pastor for prayer of dedication)

(Presentation of Certificate and Gift)

Related Topics: Christian Home, Administrative and Organization

Ted Weis

📷Ted Weis is pastor of the Congregational Church in Little River, KS and adjunct instructor in biblical studies at Sterling College in Sterling, KS. He holds a B.S. from Ohio University and a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary. Ted and his wife Melissa have three children.

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The Power of Words

Hannah’s Dedication

If you want something from God it has to be for a kingdom purpose.

When you make a vow with God you must live in expectation.

When God comes through He expects you to.

WHERE THE WORLD COMES TO STUDY THE BIBLE

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Baby Dedication

Introduction

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Service of Dedication

Parent Dedication

Church Dedication

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