The Authority of God’s Word

In Part 2 of the sermon series Keys to the Kingdom, we dive into the profound power and authority of God’s Word. Jesus said in Matthew 16:19, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” This promise reveals the authority believers have when they align their lives with God’s Word. God’s Word is more than a book; it’s a living, active weapon that cuts through lies and establishes truth (Hebrews 4:12). When we speak Scripture, we declare God’s promises and unleash His power into our lives and circumstances. Through His Word, we can bind the works of the enemy, loose His blessings, and bring heaven’s will to earth. This message challenges believers to trust in the authority of Scripture and use it as a key to unlock God’s purposes. By standing on His promises, praying His Word, and speaking it boldly, we align ourselves with His power and plan. Through practical examples and real-life applications, this sermon equips you to wield the authority of God’s Word in every area of your life.

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Notes on The Authority of God’s Words

Matthew 16:19 NASB95
19 “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” 

Introduction: The Key to Unlocking Heaven’s Power

Jesus entrusts His followers with the “keys of the kingdom,” emphasizing the authority and responsibility we have as believers. 

The Word of God is our primary key to exercising kingdom authority. Without knowing and understanding the Word of God, all other keys become inconsequential. 

Tommy and Sarah: The Authority of God’s Word

Tommy and Sarah sat cross-legged on the living room floor, flipping through their Bibles. It was Saturday, and they were working on memory verses for Sunday School.

“Do you think these verses really work?” Tommy asked, furrowing his brow.

Sarah looked up. “What do you mean?”

“Well,” Tommy said, “like the verse about God helping us not to be afraid. I said it in my head when I was scared at the dentist, but I still felt nervous.”

Sarah thought for a moment, then smiled. “Remember what Pastor Emily said last week? God’s Word is like a sword. But a sword doesn’t work if you leave it in its sheath—you have to use it!”

Tommy tilted his head. “Use it? How?”

Sarah jumped up and grabbed a marker board. She wrote, “It is written…” at the top. “When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He said, ‘It is written,’ and then He spoke the Bible verse that defeated the enemy.”

Tommy’s eyes lit up. “Oh, so I should say the verses out loud!”

Sarah nodded. “Exactly. Like, if you’re scared, you can say, ‘It is written: God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind!’”

Just then, their mom came in, looking concerned. “Kids, I need you to pray. There’s a storm coming, and it might knock out the power.”

Tommy felt a little nervous, but he remembered what Sarah said. He grabbed his Bible and remembered Psalm 46:1. Boldly he declared, “It is written: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Sarah joined him. “It is written: When I am afraid, I will trust in You, God!”

They spoke the verses together, their voices growing stronger with each one. As the wind howled outside, they felt peace settle over them.

When the storm passed with no damage, their mom hugged them tight. “I’m so proud of you two for praying and trusting God!”

Tommy grinned at Sarah. “You were right—God’s Word really is powerful!”

Sarah smiled back. “It’s not just words on a page, Tommy. It’s the key to standing strong, no matter what.”

From then on, Tommy and Sarah made it a habit to declare God’s Word whenever they faced a challenge, knowing they had the ultimate key to unlock heaven’s power. 

It is written!

It is written…… but there’s a catch……. to use this weapon….. you must first know what is written. 

When speaking of God’s Word we are specifically referring to the canon of Scripture we call the Bible. As a believer, we view the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God, a divine revelation that provides guidance, truth, and salvation. It is seen as living and active, relevant for all times and circumstances, and sufficient for teaching, correction, and equipping believers for a life of faith and good works. The Bible reveals God’s character, His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, and His promises for humanity. It is not merely a historical or literary document but a spiritual foundation, a source of hope, and a means through which God speaks to His people. We believe the Bible is inerrant in its original texts, eternal in its truth, and transformative when read, studied, and applied to life. 

The Bible describes itself in many ways: 

• Word of God (Hebrews 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 2:13): Emphasizes divine authority and inspiration.
• Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17): Describes its role as a weapon for spiritual warfare.
• Lamp and Light (Psalm 119:105): Illustrates guidance and clarity in life.
• Truth (John 17:17): Highlights its reliability and foundational nature.
• Seed (Luke 8:11): Symbolizes growth and transformation when sown into hearts.
• Mirror (James 1:23-25): Reflects our spiritual condition and prompts action.
• Fire (Jeremiah 23:29): Represents its refining and purifying power.
• Hammer (Jeremiah 23:29): Illustrates its ability to break through resistance and hard hearts.
• Milk (1 Peter 2:2): Nourishes spiritual growth, especially for new believers.
• Bread (Matthew 4:4): Sustains spiritual life.
• Honey (Psalm 19:10): Describes its sweetness and delight.
• Gold (Psalm 19:10): Highlights its immense value.
• Water (Ephesians 5:26): Symbolizes cleansing and renewal.
• Law (Psalm 1:2): Points to its role in providing moral and ethical direction.
• Testimony (Psalm 19:7): Represents God’s revealed truth.
• Precepts (Psalm 119:4): Indicates detailed instructions for righteous living.
• Commandments (Exodus 20:6, Psalm 119:172): Stresses its authority and call to obedience.
• Everlasting Word (Isaiah 40:8): Declares its eternal nature.
• Oracles (Romans 3:2): Denotes divine utterances or sayings.
• Living Water (John 4:14): Symbolizes refreshment and life-giving sustenance.
• Plumb Line (Amos 7:7-8): Used as a standard of truth and righteousness.
• Jesus (John 1:1): Jesus is the Word.

Let’s expand on a few of these essential truths. 

I. The Word of God Is Alive and Active

Hebrews 4:12 NASB95
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 

Explain the nature of God’s Word: 

• It is not just historical text but a living, dynamic force. 
• It cuts through lies, confusion, and spiritual opposition.

I can’t tell you the number of times someone comes to me for help and I’m able to help them because the Holy Spirit reminded me of something I just read in the Bible that speaks directly to their situation. 

Write it down….that’s a testimony.
I know many believers who go to the Bible when they face uncertain times, but I have found if I spend regular time in His Word, when those uncertain times come, I’m already prepared. That’s because the Word of God is living and active; it’s there to empower us to carry out the will of God on earth. 

II. Binding and Loosing: Declaring God’s Authority

We started out this message with this verse: 

Matthew 16:19 NASB95
19 “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” 

Binding: Restricting or stopping the works of the enemy. 

Binding fear:
2 Timothy 1:7 NASB95
7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 

Loosing: Releasing God’s blessings and promises. Practical application: 

Loosing peace:
Philippians 4:7 NASB95
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

This week I looked into the life of George Müller, director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England. Müller would pray Scripture promises over the children, such as Philippians 4:19—“My God will supply every need…” Even when they had no food, provision would miraculously arrive in time. He gives many stories of this happening. It has been said about him that he had prayed in millions of dollars (in today’s currency) for the orphans and never once asked anyone directly for money. He never took a salary in the last 68 years of his ministry but trusted God to put in people’s hearts to send him what he needed. 

This can only be done in accordance with God’s will. You can’t loose a million dollars into your bank account if it’s not God’s will for you if your motives are self-fulfilling and not Kingdom-minded despite what the Name it and Claim it doctrine preaches. 

Matthew 19:24 NASB95
24 “Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 

Is it impossible for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God? For context, Jesus just dealt with a rich young man who appeared ready to do anything He was commanded to do until his love of money was put to the test. 

Matthew 19:16–22 NASB95
16 And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” 

17 And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 

18 Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 

19 Honor your father and mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” 

21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 

22 But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. 

Well you can start off by knowing His Word. 

Use Scripture in prayer to bind fear, sickness, or sin. 

Loose peace, healing, and God’s provision by declaring His Word. 

If it’s in the Word it’s a valid means to use that authority; just don’t twist it; use it the way it was intended. 

For example: 

Isaiah 53:5 NASB95
5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions; 

He was crushed for our iniquities; 

The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him; 

And by His scourging we are healed. 

We are healed because of the lashes Jesus took before the cross. 

There are literally thousands of verses that we can use to see God’s will be done on earth—to bind the enemy’s plans and loose God’s strategies—but remember binding and loosing has to be done in accordance with the will of God for your life; you can only know God’s will for your life by understanding the Word He has provided for us. 

III. The Word Is a Weapon Against the Enemy

Ephesians 6:17 NASB95
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

God’s Word is our offensive weapon in spiritual battles. 

Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan’s temptations:
Matthew 4:1–11 NASB95
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 

2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 

3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 

4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” 

5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 

6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, 

‘He will command His angels concerning You’; 

and 

‘On their hands they will bear You up, 

So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” 

7 Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 

8 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 

9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You fall down and worship me.” 

10 Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” 

11 Then the devil left Him; and behold angels came and began to minister to Him. 

Jesus repeatedly said, “It is written…” Now Jesus had the authority to say……”I say,” after all He is the living Word but for our benefit he demonstrated the need to rely on the authority of Scripture. 

This is why it is so important to memorize Scripture; it’s so you can speak it during times of trial. 

A little while ago I was counseling an individual who was going through loss. It had been a long time since the loss had occurred but she was slipping into depression; she was feeling God no longer cared for her—an obvious lie of the enemy. God reminded me of this verse: 

Psalm 34:18 NASB95
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted 

And saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

Nothing happened immediately but later she told me that was the beginning of her journey of recovery. The truth of God’s Word forced the lies of the enemy into light. 

And that brings us to point four.

IV. The Power of Speaking God’s Word

Proverbs 18:21 NASB95
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit.

It’s important to speak out God’s Word:
The enemy can’t read your mind; they like to pretend they can but they can only whisper in your ear when we speak God’s Word aloud it aligns our hearts and minds with His truth—releases faith into our circumstances.

I was told of a woman struggling with anxiety who began speaking Isaiah 41:10 NASB95
10 ‘Do not fear for I am with you; 

Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God; 

I will strengthen you; surely I will help you; 

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ 

Daily over time her faith grew stronger and her anxiety diminished.

Pick a verse that applies to a current challenge—personalize it: “I will not fear because God is with me.” Speak it aloud every day.

Philippians 4:13 NASB95
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Conclusion: Unlocking Kingdom Power Through God’s Word

God’s Word is a key to accessing His authority and power.

Read Scripture regularly.
Declare it boldly in prayer.
Stand on His promises with faith.