Sermon:The Power of Positive Confession

THE POWER OF POSITIVE CONFESSION

Our words have incredible power. The spoken word can shape our reality, alter our circumstances, and influence the outcomes of our lives. Scripture teaches us that words, when spoken with faith and authority, carry creative and transformative power. 

THE POWER OF DIVINE SPEECH

God's words have power and are able to bring about creation,order,and life from nothing.

In Genesis chapters 1:3-26, God uses His words to bring the universe into existence. Each element—light, sky, firmament,dry land, plants,living creatures and humanity comes into being through God’s spoken command. 

-Genesis 1:3,"Then God said,"Let there be light,"and there was light.."

The phrase "Then God said" emphasizes that His words have the authority to shape reality. 

WHAT IS POSITIVE CONFESSION? 

▪︎Positive confessions are faith-filled declarations that have the power to shape our thoughts, emotions, and reality.

▪︎These affirmations are intentional statements made to affirm positive beliefs and outcomes in our lives, aligning our words with God’s promises.

▪︎Positive confessions are designed to transform negative thought patterns and cultivate a mindset of optimism and empowerment.

▪︎Rather than being mere wishful thinking, positive confession involves speaking words that align with God’s Word, reflecting faith in His truth.

▪︎By consciously choosing to speak words of faith, individuals can influence their mindset, behaviors, and the outcomes they experience.

▪︎Through positive confession, one fosters gratitude, optimism, and a sense of abundance, drawing more of God's blessings and positivity into their life.

EXAMPLES OF POSITIVE CONFESSIONS IN THE BIBLE.

▪︎Abraham's Confessions

Abraham’s unwavering confession of faith is a powerful example of how our words can align with God’s promises, even when the situation appears contrary.

  - Romans 4:17-21:Even when circumstances seemed impossible, Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief. Despite his old age and the barrenness of Sarah’s womb, he confessed that he would be the father of many nations, trusting in God's faithfulness to fulfill His word. 

▪︎Jesus’ Confessions.

Jesus teaches us the power of speaking faith-filled words to obstacles or mountains and believing that what we speak will come to pass. He said that when we pray and believe, we will receive whatever we ask.

-Mark 11;23-24,"For assuredly,I say to you,whoever says to this mountain,'Be removed and be cast into the sea,'and does not doubt in his heart,but believes that those things he says will be done,he will have whatever he says.Therefore I say to you,whatever things you ask when you pray,believe that you receive them,and you will have them."

▪︎David's Confessions.  

   - In the Psalms, David frequently declared his trust in God’s protection, provision, and victory. Some of his confessions include:  

 - Psalm 23:1,"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

 - Psalm 27:1,"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?"

-Psalm 91:2,"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust."

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT POSITIVE CONFESSIONS.

◇Focus on the Positive

 Philippians 4:8 encourages meditation on things that are true, noble, just, pure,lovely, and of good report.This aligns with the idea of cultivating a positive mindset,focusing on the good rather than negative,and speaking life-giving words.

-Philippians 4:8,"Whatever things are true,whatever things are noble,whatever things are just,whatever things are pure,whatever things are lovely,whatever things are of good report,.....meditate on these things."

◇Joy and Health.

 Proverbs 17:22 highlights the health benefits of a merry heart,suggesting that joy can have a profound impact on our physical and emotional well-being, reinforcing the value of positive thinking and speaking.

-Proverbs 17:22,"A merry heart does good, like medicine." 

◇Prayer and Thanksgiving.

 Philippians 4:6 encourages prayer with thanksgiving, which fosters a positive outlook and promote a peace of mind. Giving thanks and focusing on God’s goodness in our prayers aligns with positive confession and helps reinforce a mindset of faith and gratitude.

-Philippians 4:6,"Be anxious for nothing,but in everything by prayer and supplication,with thanksgiving,let your requests be made known to God."

◇Empowerment Through Faith.

  Philippians 4:13 and Mark 11:22-24 stress that faith in Christ empowers us to speak and act with confidence,knowing that our words have the power to bring about God's will in our lives.Faith-filled confessions can lead to transformation,strength, and the fulfillment of our desires.

-Philippians 4:13,"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

-Mark 11:22-24,"......Whatever you ask when you pray,believe that you receive them,and you will have them."

◇The Power of Words.

 Proverbs 18:21 and Matthew 12:36-37 clearly teach that our words have the power to create or destroy. Positive confessions bring life and blessing, while negative words can lead to harm or destruction. Our speech has a direct impact on the course of our lives, making it essential to speak words that align with God’s truth and purposes.

-Matthew 12:36-37,"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified,and by your words you will be condemned."

-Proverbs 18:21,"Death and life are in the power of the tongue,And those who love it will eat its fruit.

◇Mind Renewal.

Ephesians 4:23 calls for the renewal of the mind. By renewing our minds with God’s Word, we can cultivate a positive attitude that aligns with faith-filled confessions, transforming our thoughts and behavior.

-Ephesians 4:23,"And be renewed in the Spirit of your mind."

◇Thankfulness and Positivity.

 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us to give thanks in all things, which promotes a positive perspective and an attitude of gratitude. Thankfulness shifts our focus to the blessings we have, empowering us to speak affirmatively and confidently.

◇Avoiding Negativity.

Ephesians 4:29 and Philippians 2:14 urge us to avoid corrupt or negative speech. We are called to speak words that edify and encourage, promoting positivity and unity within the body of Christ and in our relationships.

-Ephesians 4:29,"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth,but what is good for necessary edification,that it may impact grace to the hearers."

-Philippians 2:14,"Do all things without complaining and disputing."

◇Consequences of Speech.

Proverbs 18:7 and 1 Timothy 1:6-7 caution against idle talk,underlining the importance of mindful and meaningful communication. These verses stress the importance of speaking with purpose and intention, as our words shape our reality and influence the lives of others.

-Proverbs 18:7,"A fool's mouth is his destruction,and his lips are the snare of his soul."

-1 Timothy 1:6-7,"From which some,having strayed,have turned aside to idle talk,desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm."

◇The Healing Power of Words.

-Proverbs 16:24,"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. This verse reinforces the idea that positive, uplifting words not only benefit others but also contribute to our own well-being, spiritually and physically.Positive confessions can lead to healthier and happier lives.

◇The Power of Confession.

-1 John 1:9 reminds us that confession leads to healing and forgiveness: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Positive confession involves both acknowledging our need for God’s grace and speaking words that align with His promises for redemption,renewal,and transformation. 

◇The Significance of Our Words.

- Matthew 15:11 teaches that it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that defiles them, but what comes out of the mouth. Our words reveal what is in our hearts. Positive confessions, therefore, are an expression of faith and alignment with God's will, helping to shape our hearts and lives in accordance with His purpose.

HOW POSITIVE CONFESSIONS IMPACT OUR LIVES.

◇Faith Activation.

  Speaking words in alignment with God’s truth activates and strengthens our faith. By confessing God’s promises, we build trust in His faithfulness and position ourselves to receive the blessings He has declared over us. Faith grows when it is spoken aloud and consistently reaffirmed by our own words.

◇Shaping Our Emotions.

Positive confessions help renew our minds and transform our emotional responses. By declaring truth over our lives, we shift our focus from fear and negativity to peace and hope. This act of speaking life can reframe our perspective, fostering emotional resilience and a mindset of joy, even in challenging circumstances.

◇Spiritual Authority.

 Speaking God’s word with confidence places us in alignment with His authority and purposes. Just as Jesus spoke with authority over situations, we too are empowered to speak with authority when we declare God’s truth. Positive confessions affirm our identity in Christ, and in doing so, we release His power and authority in our lives.

PRACTICAL STEPS TO PRACTICE POSITIVE CONFESSION 

◇Align with God’s word:Speak scriptures over situations. Also mediate on them, allowing them to shape your thoughts and mindset.

-Colossians 3:16,"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom”

◇Daily Affirmations: Speak positive confessions rooted in God's word every day to build faith and optimism. 

◇Guard Your Tongue:Intentionally replace negative thoughts and words with declarations of faith.

◇Pray and worship:Prayer and worship can help to fortify your heart and mind in God's truth.

◇Renew Your mind:Renew your mind by aligning your thoughts with God’s truth and rejecting lies or false beliefs. 

Romans 12:2,"But be transformed by the renewing of your mind...."

◇Act in Faith: Positive confession without corresponding action may miss the mark. 

For example,If you're declaring healing,take practical steps of faith, like seeking medical advice,eating healthily, or doing physical therapy. 

◇Thank God in advance:Declare not just what God will do but also thank Him in advance for His promises being fulfilled.

PRAYERS

1)I declare that my words reflect positivity and truth, nurturing my spirit and uplifting others in Jesus' name.
2)I commit my plans to the Lord, trusting that my intentions will succeed as I align my thoughts and speech with His purpose in Jesus' name.

3)I declare that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I rely on your grace and power to fulfill your will and purpose for my life in Jesus' name.

4) rebuke every spirit of fear and anxiety in my life, knowing that you have not given me a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind in Jesus' name.

4)I speak words that bring life, hope, and encouragement, and I reject every negative, condemning word spoken over my life in Jesus' name.

5) I commit today to speak words that bring healing, peace, joy and encouragement to others in Jesus' name.

6)I release every hurt, failure, and disappointment from my past. I forgive and let go of anything that holds me back from embracing the bright future you have prepared for me in Jesus' name.

7) I refuse to live in worry or anxiety, knowing that you, my faithful provider, supply all my needs according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus in Jesus' name.

8)I declare, Father, that I will see your goodness manifest in my life. Even in challenging times, I trust that you are working all things for my good in  Jesus' name.

9)I declare that my words will not destroy me or bring harm, but they will be a source of blessing, encouragement, and strength. I speak life into every area of my life in Jesus' name.

10)I declare that all things,both the good and the challenging are working together for my good because I love you and am called according to your purpose in Jesus' name.

11) I submit my plans to you, knowing that you direct my paths and lead me in the way I should go in Jesus' name.

12) declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against me in judgment will be condemned in Jesus' name.

13)I live by faith in Jesus Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I choose to walk by faith, trusting in His sacrifice, His power, and His eternal promises in Jesus' name.

14) I declare that I will not die prematurely, but I will live to fulfill your purpose for my life in Jesus' name.

15)I declare that I will dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold His beauty and seek Him in Jesus' name.

16)I declare that every good thing you have prepared for me will come to pass. You are my loving Father, and You delight in blessing me abundantly in Jesus' name.

17).I stand on the promises of God and declare that any word spoken against me, whether in gossip or accusation, shall not stand in Jesus' name.

18)I cancel every negative word and declaration spoken over my life, and I claim victory over every attempt to harm me in Jesus' name.

19)I declare that I will become a wonder to many as you work in and through me. People will see your glory reflected in my life, and they will marvel at what you have done in Jesus' name.

20)I declare that your divine protection will never be removed from my life. Your angels encamp around me, and no harm shall come near me in Jesus' name.

Thank you Lord for answering my prayers in Jesus' name. Amen