What’s in a word? What really is the power of the spoken word? What truly is behind words spoken in faith and why it is important for us to understand this? This chapter will explore what the Bible teaches about what we speak and why we should be very careful about that.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1. That verse in effect sums up how important the value of the word is in the Bible. The word was God. And John goes on to say further how the Word became flesh- indicating it is through the word of God Jesus came to us- And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.- John 1:14. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, John 6:68. The word that has been handed over to us through the Bible is essentially the word of God and hence as powerful as that. And when we speak our words with faith and in faith they do have the same potential. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16.
Throughout the Bible the word has been given the power of God. Words are the means by which God created this universe. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:3. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:3. And it is through words he has given us our salvation. Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;. 1 Peter 1:23. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Hebrews 1:3.
And when God made us in his own image and when Christ delivered us form our sins on the cross we were blessed with that same word and the same power of the word. But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); Romans 10:8. And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Words have the power to do anything when combined with faith. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21
Every word God spoke to us was with commitment, a covenant. And every word that was spoken by him was kept for eternity. Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Psalm 107:20. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17
Every word we speak too should be with faith and with commitment and firmly rooted in belief. And when filled with faith God promises us they can do anything…literally move mountains. I will not die, but live, And tell of the works of the Lord. Psalm 118:17. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, Acts 4:29. The words we speak in the name of God and through his faith have the power mightier than the sword. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Once we realise and understand that potential and importance of the Word we are not only empowered but liberated. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18. And Jesus confirms with no doubt the power of the word in this verse from Mathews17:20- “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
And never should one be ashamed or afraid to speak the word with faith. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16. It is imperative on us who know the word to spread the word. Speak the word. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:25. Words spoken with faith can cleanse us of our sins. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. John 15:3. God sent us out in this world to speak his words through us. And with a purpose. So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11. And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 1 Thessalonians 2:13. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. Receiving and living with the word of God empowers each one of us who believe to do God’s work. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32. The word of God has blessed us with eternal life. It is the living word in a living God. And as we are made in his true image we are the living bricks of his temple. Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 1 Peter 1:23
Words we speak with faith can heal, can nurture love, can move mountains, can do anything as they are received from the same creative power of God. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4. Words can be spoken by us and for us and on us. Yes we speak Gods word on ourselves to both redeem and to heal. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14. But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 25:11. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105. The Holy Spirit with in each of us is released through the words we speak and we bless others. It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
While the Bible reminds us the greatness of the words spoken it also cautions us repeatedly and quiet aggressively on the perils of the mis-spoken word. The words we speak can give life or kill. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21 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! James 3:5 Words are also destructive. The bible cautions us many time on the evil behind words spoken. 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. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:35-37.
Knowing the word is not enough. It is in full and complete belief in the word that sets us free. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. James 1:26 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 8:47. It is through God’s grace and the faith he gives us that we can receive and deliver the word. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14. But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:28. And when we believe and accept the word it is our shield. Our armour of protection. Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5
