This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”. For the past few days we have been looking at the parable of the sower. We are walking our way through it. Let’s get back to it today. Jesus said:
“The farmer is like someone who plants God’s teaching in people. Sometimes the teaching falls on the path. That is like some people who hear the teaching of God. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the teaching that was planted in them.
Other people are like the seed planted on rocky ground. They hear the teaching, and they quickly and gladly accept it. But they don’t allow it to go deep into their lives. They keep it only a short time. As soon as trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching they accepted, they give up.
Others are like the seed planted among the thorny weeds. They hear the teaching, but their lives become full of other things: the worries of this life, the love of money, and everything else they want. This keeps the teaching from growing, and it does not produce a crop in their lives.
And others are like the seed planted on the good ground. They hear the teaching and accept it. Then they grow and produce a good crop—sometimes 30 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 100 times more.” (Mark 4:13-20 ERV)
For today’s message I feel led to focus in on the power of the Word of God. This parable makes it clear that God goes out of His way to sow His Word into the hearts of people. Regardless of the person, regardless of their present condition, God provides them seed that can bring about change IN them and then also produce fruit FROM them. This power has nothing to do with the person and everything to do with God and His Word.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Words from God are full of spirit and life.
a) Jesus said, “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. The very words I have spoken to you are full of spirit and life.” (John 6:63).
b) Jesus was the Word of God in the flesh (John 1:1). He was the embodiment of the Word.
c) Jesus was the Word, and as He walked around He spoke words. He was life and the words He spoke were also full of spirit and life.
d) When we receive and release the Word of God we are receiving and releasing spirit and life. We are receiving and releasing God’s power, and this has nothing to do with human effort or ability.
2. God’s Word is so powerful that the entire universe was created by it.
a) The Bible says, “By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” (Heb 11:3).
b) God did not create the universe by working hard or through tireless effort. God created the universe by speaking words.
c) The Word of God contains the power of the God of the Word.
d) The same power that created the universe is contained in the words that flow from God.
3. Satan comes to snatch the Word immediately, because he knows how powerful it is.
a) When you understand the power that is contained in the Word of God, you see why God goes out of His way to sow this Word in your heart.
b) The Word of God has the power to change you forever. That’s why God seeks to sow it and satan seeks to snatch it.
*** In closing, listen, the power to change your life is contained in the written Word of God and in the words you receive from God as you read His written Word. You don’t have to make the Word of God work. The power to change your life is already contained IN the Word of God. All you must do is ALLOW the Word to work in your life. Read it, meditate and medicate on it, pray over it, and allow it to change you from the inside out.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus in 2016 by giving careful attention to Your Word. Your Word became flesh and dwelt among us in Your Son Jesus. The Words He released were full of Spirit and life. The entire universe was created by You speaking Words. Your Word still contains that power. I receive and release Your power as I receive and release Your Word. I read Your Word daily. I meditate and medicate on it day and night. Your Word produces change IN me and then produces fruit FROM me. Life changing and world changing power flow from me daily, because I am full of Your Word. This has nothing to do with human ability and everything to do with Your grace! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
