Notes: THE SURE WORD - PASTOR HENRY AJIRI-EVANS 1. Introduction Theme: The central theme of the sermon is "The Sure Word of Prophecy and the Power of God's Word." Pastor Henry emphasises the importance of relying on the written Word of God as a more sure foundation than personal experiences or audible voices. He highlights how the Word of God can transform lives, overcome challenges, and provide clarity in times of confusion. Key Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:16-19 - The sure word of prophecy. Matthew 17:1-8 - The transfiguration of Jesus. Acts 10:38 - Jesus anointed with the Holy Spirit and power. 1 Corinthians 6:17 - Being one spirit with the Lord. Luke 2:49 - Jesus about His Father’s business. 2. Main Teachings A. The Sure Word of Prophecy The written Word of God is more reliable than personal experiences or audible voices. Scripture: 2 Peter 1:19 - "We have the prophetic word made more sure." Explanation: Peter, who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, still emphasised the superiority of the written Word over personal experiences. The Bible is a more sure foundation for faith and guidance. B. The Transfiguration of Jesus The transfiguration was a divine revelation of Jesus' glory, witnessed by Peter, James, and John. Scripture: Matthew 17:1-8 - Jesus' face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared, and God’s voice declared, "This is my beloved Son; listen to Him." Explanation: This event revealed Jesus' divine nature and authority. It also demonstrated the importance of listening to and obeying His Word. C. The Power of God’s Word The Word of God is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It can change any situation and overcome every challenge. Scripture: Acts 10:38 - Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Explanation: Just as Jesus operated in power through the Word, believers can also experience transformation and victory by holding firmly to the Scriptures. D. Avoiding Confusion Through God’s Word The Word of God provides clarity and direction, especially in times of confusion. Scripture: Luke 2:49 - Jesus said, "I must be about my Father’s business." Explanation: Even at a young age, Jesus was clear about His purpose. Believers can also find clarity and purpose by aligning their lives with God’s Word. 3. Illustrations and Examples A. Peter’s Testimony Peter, an eyewitness to Jesus’ transfiguration, still emphasised the superiority of the written Word over personal experiences. Context: This illustrates that even profound spiritual experiences should not replace the authority of Scripture. B. The Healing Ministry of a Pastor A pastor who encountered Acts 10:38 began a powerful healing ministry by believing and acting on the Word. Context: This shows how a single Scripture can transform a life and ministry when applied with faith. C. The Danger of Misinterpreting Audible Voices Pastor Henry shared a parable about someone who claimed to hear conversations supernaturally but was proven wrong. Context: This warns against relying on subjective experiences that contradict the Word of God. 4. Theological Insights A. The Authority of Scripture The Bible is the ultimate authority for faith and practice. Personal experiences, visions, or audible voices must align with Scripture to be valid. Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. B. The Power of the Word to Transform The Word of God is alive and active, capable of transforming lives and circumstances. Scripture: Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. C. The Importance of Clarity and Purpose God’s Word provides clarity and purpose, helping believers avoid confusion and walk in divine direction. Scripture: Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 5. Practical Applications A. Study and Meditate on the Word Dedicate time daily to read, study, and meditate on the Bible. Action Step: Create a Bible reading plan and stick to it. Use tools like devotionals or study guides to deepen your understanding. B. Apply the Word to Your Life Act on the Word of God in faith, just as the pastor in the illustration applied Acts 10:38 to start a healing ministry. Action Step: Identify a Scripture that speaks to your current situation and begin to apply it in practical ways. C. Reject Contradictory Voices Discard any voice, vision, or experience that contradicts the Word of God. Action Step: When faced with conflicting messages, compare them to Scripture and reject anything that doesn’t align. D. Seek Clarity Through the Word Use the Bible to find direction and purpose in life. Action Step: Pray for wisdom and guidance, and search the Scriptures for answers to your questions. 6. Key Takeaways The written Word of God is more sure than personal experiences or audible voices. The transfiguration of Jesus revealed His divine nature and the importance of listening to Him. The Word of God is powerful and can transform any situation. Clarity and purpose are found in aligning with God’s Word. 7. Conclusion Summary: Pastor Henry’s sermon underscores the supremacy of the written Word of God over personal experiences or supernatural encounters. The Bible is a sure foundation for faith, guidance, and transformation. By studying, meditating on, and applying the Word, believers can overcome challenges, avoid confusion, and fulfil their divine purpose. Encouragement: As you continue your spiritual journey, make the Word of God your ultimate authority. Let it guide your decisions, transform your life, and provide clarity in times of confusion. Remember, the Word is alive and active-hold on to it, and it will lead you to victory. 8. Complete Scripture Reference List 2 Peter 1:16-19 - The sure word of prophecy. Matthew 17:1-8 - The transfiguration of Jesus. Acts 10:38 - Jesus anointed with the Holy Spirit and power. 1 Corinthians 6:17 - Being one spirit with the Lord. Luke 2:49 - Jesus about His Father’s business. Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is living and active. Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a lamp to my feet. 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed.
Notes: THE SURE WORD - PASTOR HENRY AJIRI-EVANS
1. Introduction
Theme:
The central theme of the sermon is "The Sure Word of Prophecy and the Power of God's Word." Pastor Henry emphasises the importance of relying on the written Word of God as a more sure foundation than personal experiences or audible voices. He highlights how the Word of God can transform lives, overcome challenges, and provide clarity in times of confusion.
Key Scriptures:
2 Peter 1:16-19 - The sure word of prophecy.
Matthew 17:1-8 - The transfiguration of Jesus.
Acts 10:38 - Jesus anointed with the Holy Spirit and power.
1 Corinthians 6:17 - Being one spirit with the Lord.
Luke 2:49 - Jesus about His Father’s business.
2. Main Teachings
A. The Sure Word of Prophecy
The written Word of God is more reliable than personal experiences or audible voices.
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:19 - "We have the prophetic word made more sure."
Explanation: Peter, who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, still emphasised the superiority of the written Word over personal experiences. The Bible is a more sure foundation for faith and guidance.
B. The Transfiguration of Jesus
The transfiguration was a divine revelation of Jesus' glory, witnessed by Peter, James, and John.
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-8 - Jesus' face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared, and God’s voice declared, "This is my beloved Son; listen to Him."
Explanation: This event revealed Jesus' divine nature and authority. It also demonstrated the importance of listening to and obeying His Word.
C. The Power of God’s Word
The Word of God is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It can change any situation and overcome every challenge.
Scripture: Acts 10:38 - Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Explanation: Just as Jesus operated in power through the Word, believers can also experience transformation and victory by holding firmly to the Scriptures.
D. Avoiding Confusion Through God’s Word
The Word of God provides clarity and direction, especially in times of confusion.
Scripture: Luke 2:49 - Jesus said, "I must be about my Father’s business."
Explanation: Even at a young age, Jesus was clear about His purpose. Believers can also find clarity and purpose by aligning their lives with God’s Word.
3. Illustrations and Examples
A. Peter’s Testimony
Peter, an eyewitness to Jesus’ transfiguration, still emphasised the superiority of the written Word over personal experiences.
Context: This illustrates that even profound spiritual experiences should not replace the authority of Scripture.
B. The Healing Ministry of a Pastor
A pastor who encountered Acts 10:38 began a powerful healing ministry by believing and acting on the Word.
Context: This shows how a single Scripture can transform a life and ministry when applied with faith.
C. The Danger of Misinterpreting Audible Voices
Pastor Henry shared a parable about someone who claimed to hear conversations supernaturally but was proven wrong.
Context: This warns against relying on subjective experiences that contradict the Word of God.
4. Theological Insights
A. The Authority of Scripture
The Bible is the ultimate authority for faith and practice. Personal experiences, visions, or audible voices must align with Scripture to be valid.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
B. The Power of the Word to Transform
The Word of God is alive and active, capable of transforming lives and circumstances.
Scripture: Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.
C. The Importance of Clarity and Purpose
God’s Word provides clarity and purpose, helping believers avoid confusion and walk in divine direction.
Scripture: Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
5. Practical Applications
A. Study and Meditate on the Word
Dedicate time daily to read, study, and meditate on the Bible.
Action Step: Create a Bible reading plan and stick to it. Use tools like devotionals or study guides to deepen your understanding.
B. Apply the Word to Your Life
Act on the Word of God in faith, just as the pastor in the illustration applied Acts 10:38 to start a healing ministry.
Action Step: Identify a Scripture that speaks to your current situation and begin to apply it in practical ways.
C. Reject Contradictory Voices
Discard any voice, vision, or experience that contradicts the Word of God.
Action Step: When faced with conflicting messages, compare them to Scripture and reject anything that doesn’t align.
D. Seek Clarity Through the Word
Use the Bible to find direction and purpose in life.
Action Step: Pray for wisdom and guidance, and search the Scriptures for answers to your questions.
6. Key Takeaways
The written Word of God is more sure than personal experiences or audible voices.
The transfiguration of Jesus revealed His divine nature and the importance of listening to Him.
The Word of God is powerful and can transform any situation.
Clarity and purpose are found in aligning with God’s Word.
7. Conclusion
Summary:
Pastor Henry’s sermon underscores the supremacy of the written Word of God over personal experiences or supernatural encounters. The Bible is a sure foundation for faith, guidance, and transformation. By studying, meditating on, and applying the Word, believers can overcome challenges, avoid confusion, and fulfil their divine purpose.
Encouragement:
As you continue your spiritual journey, make the Word of God your ultimate authority. Let it guide your decisions, transform your life, and provide clarity in times of confusion. Remember, the Word is alive and active-hold on to it, and it will lead you to victory.
8. Complete Scripture Reference List
2 Peter 1:16-19 - The sure word of prophecy.
Matthew 17:1-8 - The transfiguration of Jesus.
Acts 10:38 - Jesus anointed with the Holy Spirit and power.
1 Corinthians 6:17 - Being one spirit with the Lord.
Luke 2:49 - Jesus about His Father’s business.
Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is living and active.
Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a lamp to my feet.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed.