The Power of Words
The Power of Words
Aaron Rios | Garden City Church | May 4, 2025
What You Say Shapes What You See
Let’s start with a bold truth: your words are building your world—for better or for worse.
It might sound mystical or even controversial, especially in church circles. Some shy away from this idea, afraid it edges too close to “name it and claim it” theology. But let’s not throw out a biblical principle just because some have twisted it.
Jesus said it clearly:
Words matter. They reveal your heart, shape your mindset, and often determine the direction of your life.
A Quick Story: Kenneth Hagin and the Power of Confession
Kenneth Hagin, one of the fathers of the modern faith movement, once shared the story of a woman who came to one of his healing meetings. She was prayed for, felt God’s power, and showed early signs of improvement. But afterward, she kept saying things like:
Despite receiving prayer, her words betrayed her faith. Hagin referenced Mark 11:23, where Jesus said:
In Hagin’s words:
Faith > Feelings
Now, this isn’t about shaming people with weak faith—but it is about raising the standard. We must be more committed to believing God’s Word than we are to comforting feelings that contradict it.
James 1:6-8 puts it like this:
War Over Words: Jesus and the Pharisees
In Matthew 15, the Pharisees came at Jesus, accusing His disciples of breaking tradition by not washing their hands before eating. But Jesus flips it:
They said the right things but lived out something else entirely.
Jesus points out that spiritual defilement comes from the mouth—not because of dietary violations, but because of the words we speak.
You Are Living in the Fruit of Your Words
Many believers are unknowingly eating the fruit of their own negative confessions. Jesus, the Word made flesh, manifested the Father’s will through what He said—and your life often reveals what your mouth has been declaring.
Science Agrees: Words Are Powerful
Even secular research confirms what Scripture has said for thousands of years:
Even science can’t escape this truth:
The Gospel: Words Unlock Kingdom Authority
Jesus didn’t just teach with words—He transformed realities with them.
Words didn’t just announce the miracle—they activated it.
You Don’t Replace God—You Imitate Him
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about pretending to be God.
- God creates ex nihilo (from nothing).
- Man creates ex Deo (from what God has given).
We don’t speak galaxies into existence. But we do bring invisible ideas into reality—through our words: Art, music, relationships, even sin—they all begin with thoughts, become words, and turn into action.
If the enemy can infiltrate your thoughts and your mouth, he can infiltrate your reality.
Closing Challenge:
Check your mouth.
What are you speaking over your life?
Your body?
Your family?
Your future?
Are your words echoing God’s truth—or empowering the lies of the enemy?
Let’s start with a bold truth: your words are building your world—for better or for worse.
It might sound mystical or even controversial, especially in church circles. Some shy away from this idea, afraid it edges too close to “name it and claim it” theology. But let’s not throw out a biblical principle just because some have twisted it.
Jesus said it clearly:
"It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you, but what comes out of your mouth—that’s what defiles you."
— Matthew 15:11
Words matter. They reveal your heart, shape your mindset, and often determine the direction of your life.
A Quick Story: Kenneth Hagin and the Power of Confession
Kenneth Hagin, one of the fathers of the modern faith movement, once shared the story of a woman who came to one of his healing meetings. She was prayed for, felt God’s power, and showed early signs of improvement. But afterward, she kept saying things like:
“I don’t think I’ll ever get better.” “I hope I’m healed, but I don’t feel any different.”
Despite receiving prayer, her words betrayed her faith. Hagin referenced Mark 11:23, where Jesus said:
“He shall have whatsoever he saith.”
In Hagin’s words:
“You can’t walk in victory when your mouth agrees with the enemy. Your confession locates you.”
Faith > Feelings
Now, this isn’t about shaming people with weak faith—but it is about raising the standard. We must be more committed to believing God’s Word than we are to comforting feelings that contradict it.
James 1:6-8 puts it like this:
“The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind... such a person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
War Over Words: Jesus and the Pharisees
In Matthew 15, the Pharisees came at Jesus, accusing His disciples of breaking tradition by not washing their hands before eating. But Jesus flips it:
“You break God’s commands for the sake of your tradition… You honor Me with your lips, but your heart is far from Me.” (vv. 4, 8)
They said the right things but lived out something else entirely.
Jesus points out that spiritual defilement comes from the mouth—not because of dietary violations, but because of the words we speak.
You Are Living in the Fruit of Your Words
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
— Proverbs 18:21
Many believers are unknowingly eating the fruit of their own negative confessions. Jesus, the Word made flesh, manifested the Father’s will through what He said—and your life often reveals what your mouth has been declaring.
Science Agrees: Words Are Powerful
Even secular research confirms what Scripture has said for thousands of years:
- Words change your brain.
“A single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress.” — Dr. Andrew Newberg, neuroscientist - Words shape identity.
“Self-talk shapes our confidence, decisions, and resilience.” — Dr. Ethan Kross, author of Chatter - Negative words can rewire your brain for stress.
“Holding a negative word in your mind stimulates stress-producing hormones.” — Mark Waldman, neuroscientist - Words influence performance.
“The words you speak become the house you live in.” — Hafiz, Persian poet - Words heal trauma.
“Verbal expression is a powerful tool for healing.” — Dr. James Pennebaker
Even science can’t escape this truth:
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. — Proverbs 18:21
The Gospel: Words Unlock Kingdom Authority
Jesus didn’t just teach with words—He transformed realities with them.
- The Centurion's servant was healed through a single sentence (Matt. 8:8).
- Jesus calmed a storm by speaking to it (Mark 4:39).
- Lazarus was raised with three words: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43).
- Peter healed a lame man through a declaration (Acts 3:6).
- Paul cast out a demon with a verbal command (Acts 16:18).
- Even the woman with the issue of blood was healed after telling herself, “If I touch His garment, I will be healed” (Mark 5:28).
Words didn’t just announce the miracle—they activated it.
You Don’t Replace God—You Imitate Him
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about pretending to be God.
- God creates ex nihilo (from nothing).
- Man creates ex Deo (from what God has given).
We don’t speak galaxies into existence. But we do bring invisible ideas into reality—through our words: Art, music, relationships, even sin—they all begin with thoughts, become words, and turn into action.
“When lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin...”
— James 1:15
If the enemy can infiltrate your thoughts and your mouth, he can infiltrate your reality.
Closing Challenge:
Check your mouth.
What are you speaking over your life?
Your body?
Your family?
Your future?
Are your words echoing God’s truth—or empowering the lies of the enemy?
Speak life.
Speak truth.
Speak God’s Word. And watch the fruit of faith grow in your life.
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