Words Matter: Isn’t It Amazing
2019-03-31
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Key verse: Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Mark 1:21-28 (NKJV) Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.
1. The Word of God amazed
a. Vs 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
i. (NLT) The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.
ii. Until that moment, those gathered in that synagogue had heard the same thing time and time again until Jesus arrived.
iii. His Words were radically different because they were words of hope, love, grace, promise, truth.
b. Vs 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
i. They knew His words had power they had never experienced. Why?
ii. Because they were from God Himself.
iii. They were hearing the Word of God from the Son of God.
iv. The result?
2. The Word of God changed
a. Vss 23-26 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.
i. Even the “unclean spirits” recognized Jesus for who He is.
ii. When the Word of God is heard and believed, change happens.
iii. Same is true today. Although, many today “hear” the Word of God but don’t necessarily “believe” the Word of God. Then they wonder why they don’t see the change they need.
3. The Word of God traveled
a. Vs 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.
i. (NLT) The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee.
ii. They couldn’t help but to tell anyone and everyone. Why?
iii. Because this Word was different. It was life-changing and life-giving.
iv. It inspired hope not thought possible until that moment.
Our problem today is we have stopped being amazed at hearing the Word of God because we have become so distracted and deceived by the words of the world.
Our focus is less aimed UP and more aimed OUT!
How do we recapture the wonder and amazement of the Word of God?
1. Immerse yourself in the Word of God. (i.e. READ IT)
2. Trust the Words you read (i.e. BELIEVE IT)
3. Tell others about the things you read (i.e. TELL IT)