Word Alive
To rule by decree and have powerful words, one must be genuinely saved, search for God, and become completely committed to doing His will.
E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the power of decreeing things in alignment with God's will, highlighting how God backs up the words of those who are close to Him and genuinely seek Him. Using examples from Samuel and Elijah, he illustrates how age or status is not a limitation when one is connected to God. Adeboye stresses the importance of being completely committed to God's will, becoming a bondservant to Jesus Christ, and issuing decrees based on God's Word with expectation of fulfillment.
Text
MEMORISE: 'Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.' (Job 22:28)
READ: Isaiah 44:24-28; 57:19
God is the High and lifted One who dwells with those who have broken and contrite spirits. It's amazing that as great as God is, He can be committed to finite man. 1 Samuel 3:19 says: 'And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and did not let none of his words fall to the ground.' This verse tells us that one can grow so close to God that God will personally back one's words and make them powerful. Age does not matter. Samuel was a young child, yet God honoured him.
The prophet Elijah also ruled by decree. He was displeased with the state of affairs in Samaria and prophesied no rain for three and a half years. He said: 'As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years but according to my word.' As soon as he pronounced it, God backed up these words and heavens obeyed.
Throughout the ages, God has always supported His servants. Daniel 11:32b states: 'But the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.' Your words too can become powerful. Jesus says that His words are Spirit and Life. Job says you shall decree a thing with your mouth and God will cause it to materialize. This exalted position belongs only to those who can pay the price. You have to be genuinely saved. You have to begin to search for God, to desire to know Him. The extent to which you know God determines your power of control over life's situations and circumstances. The knowledge of God strengthens you wonderfully.
You must be completely committed to doing God's will, any time, anywhere, anyhow he wants it. You must become a bondservant to Jesus Christ. The more you are enslaved to him, the more people, situations and things will submit themselves to you. Also, become like the Good shepherd himself. Thereafter, start out by issuing decrees based on God's will and backed up by God's Word. Start with minor situations and grow from there. Let each decree be with expectation of its performance. Before you know it, your words too will come alive. Start now.
ACTION POINT
Ask God to make your words powerful for his glory from today on.
Ask him to help you pay the price to enable you to rule by decree.
Sermon Outline
- God's Ability to Support His Servants
- God can be committed to finite man
- 'Examples of God''s support: Samuel, Elijah, Daniel'
Key Quotes
“You shall decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.” — E.A. Adeboye
“As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years but according to my word.” — E.A. Adeboye
“His words are Spirit and Life.” — E.A. Adeboye
Application Points
- Ask God to make your words powerful for His glory from today on.
- Be willing to pay the price to enable you to rule by decree.
- Start issuing decrees based on God's will and backed up by His Word.