God . . . Calleth Those Things Which Be Not as Though They Were
God's creating word has the power to bring about the very thing it speaks, and faith is the key to making it real.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word, illustrating that when God declares something, it becomes reality. He highlights that through Christ's words, believers are cleansed, free from condemnation, and empowered to overcome strongholds. Simpson encourages faith as the means to accept and realize these divine declarations, using the analogy of a soldier who embraced a new identity as captain. He urges listeners to claim God's promises of strength and renewal, reinforcing that those who wait on the Lord will find their strength renewed.
Text
The Word of God creates what it commands. When Christ says to any of us Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3), we are clean. When He says no condemnation (Romans 8:1) there is none, though there may have been a lifetime of sin before. And when He says, mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (2 Corinthians 10:4), then the weak are strong. This is faith's part-to make it real. A French commander thanked a common soldier who had saved his life and called him captain.
Although he was only a private, the man took the commander at his word, accepted the new name and was thereby constituted indeed a captain.
Why not take God's creating words of justification, sanctification, power and deliverance and thus make real the mighty promise, He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. . . . But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:29, 31).
Sermon Outline
- God's Creating Word points: - The Word of God creates what it commands - 'Examples of God''s creating words: justification, sanctification, power, and deliverance'
- Faith's Part points: - To make God's creating words real - Believe and accept God's promises
- The Power of God's Word points: - God gives power to the faint - God increases strength to those who have no might
- Waiting on the Lord points: - Renewal of strength through waiting on the Lord
Key Quotes
“When Christ says to any of us Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3), we are clean.” — A.B. Simpson
“Why not take God's creating words of justification, sanctification, power and deliverance and thus make real the mighty promise, He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” — A.B. Simpson
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:29, 31).” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Believe and accept God's promises, and take Him at His word.
- Waiting on the Lord allows us to receive the renewal of strength that He promises.
- Faith is the key to making God's creating words real in our lives.