Scripture Reading: Matthew 8:5-10

Only Speak a Word

Intro.

1. How much does God have to say before it is true? (Psa. 19:9)

2. How often must God say something before we believe Him (accept His truth), and obey Him? (cf. Parents to children) Jer. 7:13, 21-27

3. What about when human reasoning says “no,” but God’s word says “yes” (and, vice versa)? Young Samuel, 1 Sam. 3:10.

4. Warned against failing to listen to and obey God’s word, Isa. 6:8-10.

I. IT ONLY Took (TAKES) A WORD FROM GOD TO…

1. Create the world, Psa. 33:6-9; Heb. 11:3.

2. Uphold all things, Heb. 1:3 (“utterance” definitely stated); Col. 1:17.

3. Heal, Matt. 8:8, 13, 16 (cf. Psa. 107:20).

-Very different from “miracle workers” today (2 Thess. 2:9-12).

4. Reveal His mind, 1 Cor. 2:9-13. (cf. modern “prophets”)

5. Speak the word of faith that save sinners, Rom. 10:8, 17 (Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Cor. 1:18-21; Jas. 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:22-23); Jno. 6:68 (Acts 5:20).

6. Judge us, Jno. 12:48 (Rev. 20:12).

II. HOW WE REACT WHEN GOD SPEAKS HIS WORD.

A. Do We Listen and Obey When God Speaks?

-Samuel, 1 Sam. 3:10; Cornelius, Acts 10:31-33

B. Do We Argue, Dispute, and Gainsay against God?

-Saul, 1 Sam. 15:13-15; Israel, Matt. 13:13-15; Rom. 10:21

C. Reaction toward God and His Word Reveals Our Heart, Acts 17:11 (Jno. 7:17).

1. How to be saved.

a. “I feel I have been saved…before water baptism…”

b. God’s word: Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21.

2. Music in worship.

-“I like the instrument…I want the instrument…I’ll be playing the instrument in heaven…” God’s word (sing): Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16.

3. Moral conduct:

a. Modest dress, 1 Tim. 2:9-10 (shamefastness and sobriety).

b. Dancing, 1 Pet. 4:1-3 (lascivious, Rom. 13:11-14; Eph. 5:11).

c. Drinking, 1 Pet. 4:3 (the determined purpose of the Gentiles).

d. Fornication, 1 Cor. 6:18 (flee).

e. Worldly companions, 1 Cor. 15:33-34 (influence).

4. Marriage, divorce and remarriage, Matt. 19:6, 9; Rom. 7:2-3.

a. Example: Repent of adultery when baptized into Christ by ending unlawful marriage (Mk. 6:17-18).

b. Do we close our minds and our Bibles; or do we believe and obey?

c. Do we look for loopholes in God’s word and logic? Isa. 55:6-9

III. WE MUST SPEAK WHAT GOD SPEAKS, Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Pet. 4:11.

1. Nothing more, nothing less than God’s word (Gal. 1:11-12). Acts 4:20

2. Whole counsel of God, Acts 20:27.

-When teaching the lost as well as Christians, Acts 20:20-21.

Conclusion

1. What do you want to hear? Heb. 1:2 (Isa. 30:10); 2 Tim. 4:2

2. We must have ears to hear: Listen with open, receptive, faithful, and obedient ears (hearts), Lk. 8:8, 18.

3. We must have mouths that speak the utterances of God, 1 Pet. 4:11.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted September 20, 2019