Speaking Faith 7: Why Speaking Faith Works - Part 1
For seven weeks we’ve been studying and thinking about the concept of SPEAKING FAITH. My goal as your pastor is to help you see the benefits of and begin to practice in your daily life SPEAKING FAITH. Remember – we defined SPEAKING FAITH this way…
Defined: Speaking Faith is verbally declaring your confidence that what God has already promised will become true in your life!
Now, I want to talk with you today about WHY SPEAKING FAITH WORKS. Look at Romans 10:8…
“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:8-11
Notice what Paul says:
1. The word is near. – None of you are too far from God to be able to receive His Word.
2. The word is in your mouth and in your heart – That’s what brings it to life – speaking faith brings revelation to your heart.
3. It is a word of faith. – When you speak God’s Word, you are speaking according to your belief system! Paul says: “confess with you mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead…” Speaking the Word and Believing the Word go hand-in-hand.
4. The word of faith changes things. – “you will be saved.” – You aren’t saved from your sin until you open your mouth and confess what is true about Christ – and as you do, faith is created n your heart!
Now, this is one example of the impact of speaking faith. Paul uses this teaching to show how salvation is the result of speaking faith. But, speaking faith also impacts other areas of life – like health, relationships, finances, ministry and a myriad of other life issues.
Have you begun to speak faith to your finances? How about your health? How about your relationships? Or business dealings?
The cynic in us stands back and says: “How can what comes out of my mouth affect my financial condition? How can what I say determine health or relationships?”
Let me pose another question: “Do you believe that you will one day go to Heaven based upon your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Why do you believe that? – Because you have confessed your faith in Christ as the Savior of the World! The words of faith you spoke changed your eternal destiny.
Now, if you can believe that- can’t you believe that SPEAKING FAITH can impact these other lesser areas of life?
I want to show you today and next Sunday – SEVEN reasons why SPEAKING FAITH works.
1. SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it SOWS the SEEDS of God’s Kingdom. – Mark 4:26-29
“He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.
Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces corn--first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”” Mark 4:26-29
When you SPEAK FAITH in God’s Word – you are sowing seeds. Just as a farmer prepares for the harvest by planting seeds in the springtime, when you SPEAK FAITH in God’s Word, you are planting the seeds of harvest into your life.
Now, it is important that you realize – God’s doesn’t SOW the seeds, He simply provides them. The Word of God is the SEED that needs to be sown into your life. God expects you to SPEAK FAITH and to sow the seeds that He has provided.
So, what you confess with your mouth is of vital importance to you. If God said it, it is an established truth, but that truth will not necessarily be manifested or harvested in your life, unless you sow into your heart.
When I take what God has promised, SPEAK FAITH that His Promises will be true in my life, than the ground is prepared for harvest. The ground is my heart. Faith only works in the heart, for the heart is the place of revelation. When I SPEAK FAITH, God’s Kingdom is being established in my heart, and my life becomes a place where He can fulfill His promises!
SPEAK FAITH works because it sows the seeds of God’s Kingdom.
2. SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it causes FAITH to come to all areas of my life! Romans 10:17
When you SPEAK FAITH, you are setting the goal by sowing seeds that the Kingdom of God will come to you! It is your words of faith that cause faith to come!
Romans 10:17 says…
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17, NKJV.
Notice that this verse doesn’t say: “Faith comes by having heard…” – No, it says ‘faith comes by hearing…” – and the implication is this: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing, and hearing, and hearing…” – In other words, faith is built into every area of your life through a repeated process of taking God’s Word and Promises to heart!
One day, you need to take God’s Promises to Heart regarding your salvation. The next day take it to heart regarding your relationships, then regarding your finances – over time, as you SPEAK FAITH to these various areas of life, there will be FAITH residing in every area of you.
Now, I don’t know about you – but that gives me a great sense of joy and a present experience of Hope!
Remember we looked at Hebrews 11:1:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1, NKJV.
Faith connects the already spoken Promises of God with the Future Hope. And what kind of faith is it that does this? A “NOW” faith. Faith that is being SPOKEN and PURSUED today.
Do you know why TITHING is such a major hurdle for Christians to conquer? Because it requires NOW FAITH. The enemy says: “If you tithe, you’ll not have enough.” God says: “I will meet all your needs according to my riches in glory through Christ Jesus!” And when you SPEAK FAITH and say: “YES” to the Lord – He comes through!
SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it causes FAITH to come to all areas of my life!
3. SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it gives you the MIND of Christ! Romans 12:2
When you came to Christ – He forgives you all of your sin, He guarantees your inheritance and He gives you the Holy Spirit to live within. But, you and I still have defective ways of thinking. Ephesians 4:18 says that our minds have been “darkened in understanding” and 1 Corinthians 13 says:
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” 1 Corinthians 13:11, NIV.
The putting off of childish ways requires that we do what Romans 12:2 says…
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
We need to have our thinking straightened out – utterly transformed.
As you being to SPEAK FAITH – God transforms your way of thinking. You begin to says what God has said, and over time, you’ll begin to THINK LIKE God thinks.
2 Corinthians 2:16 says: “We have the mind of Christ.” – And as we SPEAK FAITH, He changes our ways of thinking.
I’ve addressed this before – and I’ll do it again: Most people struggle with FEAR. We are constantly in FEAR of this or that – and this FEAR is a STRONGHOLD of the enemy in our lives! When you begin to SPEAK FAITH in God’s Word concerning FEAR – the stronghold will be broken!
What does God’s Word says about fear?
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” 1 John 4:18
Do we believe it? Then let’s SPEAK FAITH!
“God, I take you at your Word. I will not be afraid, because I am loved. You love me with a perfect love. You love me with a perfect love. Therefore, FEAR – you must leave! Spirit of Fear, in the Name of Jesus Christ – leave! I will live a life of CONFIDENCE AND FAITH, because the God Who Made Me, Loves Me! This I believe! This I cling to! This is what I will live! In Jesus’ Name – Amen!”
You see what just happened? You SPEAK FAITH – and it changed your thinking!
SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it gives you the MIND of Christ!
Here’s a fourth reason that SPEAK FAITH works…
4. SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it keeps God’s SOLUTION right in front of you! Philippians 4:6-8
You see, we get focused on the problem – and then the problem takes center stage! You don’t want that – you want to change your focus to God’s Solution. Far too many Christians pray the problem instead of praying the solution!
Look at Philippians 4:6ff
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:6-8
Why do we get anxious? Because we forget that God is still in control. So what is the solution? SPEAK FAITH – and wait for the Lord to grant you His peace. And as you are Speaking Faith – focus on that which is TRUE, NOBLE, RIGHT, PURE, LOVELY, ADMIRABLE, EXCELLENT OR PRAISEWORTHY! In fact – this is so important – Paul gives a command: “Think about such things!”
When I think about those things – when I SPEAK FAITH that truth, nobility, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy things are going to take place in my life – I begin to see differently – rather than focusing on the problem, His Holy Spirit begins to work in me, and the SOLUTION becomes clearer and clearer.
CONCLUSION:
I SAID that we were going to look at seven reasons why SPEAK FAITH works – and we are – but not all today…
I want to conclude with a quick look at some of JESUS’ words concerning this:
Look at Mark 11:24… Jesus says…
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24, NIV.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7, NIV.
“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8, NIV.
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”” Matthew 21:22, NIV.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”
John 15:7, NIV.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14, 15, NIV.
If you want to ignore the clear teaching of scripture – and continue to live a life of defeat, sickness, lousy relationships and held captive by fear – you are coming to the wrong church. For one of the things that God is doing in this church is CHANGING us to become a people who SPEAK FAITH.
WHY? Because we want to have the abundant life that Christ promised.
Defined: Speaking Faith is verbally declaring your confidence that what God has already promised will become true in your life!
Now, I want to talk with you today about WHY SPEAKING FAITH WORKS. Look at Romans 10:8…
“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:8-11
Notice what Paul says:
1. The word is near. – None of you are too far from God to be able to receive His Word.
2. The word is in your mouth and in your heart – That’s what brings it to life – speaking faith brings revelation to your heart.
3. It is a word of faith. – When you speak God’s Word, you are speaking according to your belief system! Paul says: “confess with you mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead…” Speaking the Word and Believing the Word go hand-in-hand.
4. The word of faith changes things. – “you will be saved.” – You aren’t saved from your sin until you open your mouth and confess what is true about Christ – and as you do, faith is created n your heart!
Now, this is one example of the impact of speaking faith. Paul uses this teaching to show how salvation is the result of speaking faith. But, speaking faith also impacts other areas of life – like health, relationships, finances, ministry and a myriad of other life issues.
Have you begun to speak faith to your finances? How about your health? How about your relationships? Or business dealings?
The cynic in us stands back and says: “How can what comes out of my mouth affect my financial condition? How can what I say determine health or relationships?”
Let me pose another question: “Do you believe that you will one day go to Heaven based upon your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Why do you believe that? – Because you have confessed your faith in Christ as the Savior of the World! The words of faith you spoke changed your eternal destiny.
Now, if you can believe that- can’t you believe that SPEAKING FAITH can impact these other lesser areas of life?
I want to show you today and next Sunday – SEVEN reasons why SPEAKING FAITH works.
1. SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it SOWS the SEEDS of God’s Kingdom. – Mark 4:26-29
“He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.
Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces corn--first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”” Mark 4:26-29
When you SPEAK FAITH in God’s Word – you are sowing seeds. Just as a farmer prepares for the harvest by planting seeds in the springtime, when you SPEAK FAITH in God’s Word, you are planting the seeds of harvest into your life.
Now, it is important that you realize – God’s doesn’t SOW the seeds, He simply provides them. The Word of God is the SEED that needs to be sown into your life. God expects you to SPEAK FAITH and to sow the seeds that He has provided.
So, what you confess with your mouth is of vital importance to you. If God said it, it is an established truth, but that truth will not necessarily be manifested or harvested in your life, unless you sow into your heart.
When I take what God has promised, SPEAK FAITH that His Promises will be true in my life, than the ground is prepared for harvest. The ground is my heart. Faith only works in the heart, for the heart is the place of revelation. When I SPEAK FAITH, God’s Kingdom is being established in my heart, and my life becomes a place where He can fulfill His promises!
SPEAK FAITH works because it sows the seeds of God’s Kingdom.
2. SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it causes FAITH to come to all areas of my life! Romans 10:17
When you SPEAK FAITH, you are setting the goal by sowing seeds that the Kingdom of God will come to you! It is your words of faith that cause faith to come!
Romans 10:17 says…
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17, NKJV.
Notice that this verse doesn’t say: “Faith comes by having heard…” – No, it says ‘faith comes by hearing…” – and the implication is this: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing, and hearing, and hearing…” – In other words, faith is built into every area of your life through a repeated process of taking God’s Word and Promises to heart!
One day, you need to take God’s Promises to Heart regarding your salvation. The next day take it to heart regarding your relationships, then regarding your finances – over time, as you SPEAK FAITH to these various areas of life, there will be FAITH residing in every area of you.
Now, I don’t know about you – but that gives me a great sense of joy and a present experience of Hope!
Remember we looked at Hebrews 11:1:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1, NKJV.
Faith connects the already spoken Promises of God with the Future Hope. And what kind of faith is it that does this? A “NOW” faith. Faith that is being SPOKEN and PURSUED today.
Do you know why TITHING is such a major hurdle for Christians to conquer? Because it requires NOW FAITH. The enemy says: “If you tithe, you’ll not have enough.” God says: “I will meet all your needs according to my riches in glory through Christ Jesus!” And when you SPEAK FAITH and say: “YES” to the Lord – He comes through!
SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it causes FAITH to come to all areas of my life!
3. SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it gives you the MIND of Christ! Romans 12:2
When you came to Christ – He forgives you all of your sin, He guarantees your inheritance and He gives you the Holy Spirit to live within. But, you and I still have defective ways of thinking. Ephesians 4:18 says that our minds have been “darkened in understanding” and 1 Corinthians 13 says:
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” 1 Corinthians 13:11, NIV.
The putting off of childish ways requires that we do what Romans 12:2 says…
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
We need to have our thinking straightened out – utterly transformed.
As you being to SPEAK FAITH – God transforms your way of thinking. You begin to says what God has said, and over time, you’ll begin to THINK LIKE God thinks.
2 Corinthians 2:16 says: “We have the mind of Christ.” – And as we SPEAK FAITH, He changes our ways of thinking.
I’ve addressed this before – and I’ll do it again: Most people struggle with FEAR. We are constantly in FEAR of this or that – and this FEAR is a STRONGHOLD of the enemy in our lives! When you begin to SPEAK FAITH in God’s Word concerning FEAR – the stronghold will be broken!
What does God’s Word says about fear?
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” 1 John 4:18
Do we believe it? Then let’s SPEAK FAITH!
“God, I take you at your Word. I will not be afraid, because I am loved. You love me with a perfect love. You love me with a perfect love. Therefore, FEAR – you must leave! Spirit of Fear, in the Name of Jesus Christ – leave! I will live a life of CONFIDENCE AND FAITH, because the God Who Made Me, Loves Me! This I believe! This I cling to! This is what I will live! In Jesus’ Name – Amen!”
You see what just happened? You SPEAK FAITH – and it changed your thinking!
SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it gives you the MIND of Christ!
Here’s a fourth reason that SPEAK FAITH works…
4. SPEAKING FAITH WORKS because it keeps God’s SOLUTION right in front of you! Philippians 4:6-8
You see, we get focused on the problem – and then the problem takes center stage! You don’t want that – you want to change your focus to God’s Solution. Far too many Christians pray the problem instead of praying the solution!
Look at Philippians 4:6ff
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:6-8
Why do we get anxious? Because we forget that God is still in control. So what is the solution? SPEAK FAITH – and wait for the Lord to grant you His peace. And as you are Speaking Faith – focus on that which is TRUE, NOBLE, RIGHT, PURE, LOVELY, ADMIRABLE, EXCELLENT OR PRAISEWORTHY! In fact – this is so important – Paul gives a command: “Think about such things!”
When I think about those things – when I SPEAK FAITH that truth, nobility, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy things are going to take place in my life – I begin to see differently – rather than focusing on the problem, His Holy Spirit begins to work in me, and the SOLUTION becomes clearer and clearer.
CONCLUSION:
I SAID that we were going to look at seven reasons why SPEAK FAITH works – and we are – but not all today…
I want to conclude with a quick look at some of JESUS’ words concerning this:
Look at Mark 11:24… Jesus says…
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24, NIV.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7, NIV.
“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8, NIV.
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”” Matthew 21:22, NIV.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”
John 15:7, NIV.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14, 15, NIV.
If you want to ignore the clear teaching of scripture – and continue to live a life of defeat, sickness, lousy relationships and held captive by fear – you are coming to the wrong church. For one of the things that God is doing in this church is CHANGING us to become a people who SPEAK FAITH.
WHY? Because we want to have the abundant life that Christ promised.
posted by Doug Love at 5:29 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home