Sticks, Stone, And Words Part 1 Series

Sticks, Stones And Words – Part 1

(Rev. Rodney Johnson and Rev. Barry Johnson)

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible studies teach foundational truth that are designed to challenge, encourage and, most importantly, flame the fire of hunger in the Christian who wants to learn more about who they have become in Christ Jesus. The Bible studies you find on this site contains the written version of the lesson. However, these lessons also include a video and an audio file of the study, a PDF version of the lesson and a sheet for note taking. If you would like any of the additional resources for these studies, please email us at newlightfaithministries@gmail.com or bjteachingltr@gmail.com for more information or contact us at the email provided on both of our Sermon Central pages. Please visit our YouTube Channel (Barry Johnson Ministries; New Light Faith Ministries, Inc.) to watch or listen to these lessons as well as other available sermons. Be blessed.

Introduction

Hello everyone and welcome to our July Bible Study. Do you remember the old childhood saying, "sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me?” This was the way a smaller child would respond when confronted by a larger child. It was a defense mechanism that allowed him to walk away without getting into a fight. We know that a stick or a stone, if used with enough force, can do significant damage to the human body. But our focus in this study is the other side of the saying – words can never hurt me. Is it true that words cannot hurt us? More specifically, when it comes to how we live as Christians in a fallen world, a world that is governed by the god of this world, can the words that we speak hurt us? “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a well-known saying, but it's a damaging lie when weighed against the truth of Scripture. The Bible is clear: words carry immense power. They can build up or destroy, bless or curse, give life or bring death. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Wrong or misplaced words can cause deep emotional, mental, and spiritual wounds that often take longer to heal than physical wounds. Think about the times you have been hurt by something someone said. Do you remember how it affected you at that moment and over time? This saying is meant to encourage resilience, but in truth, it’s a lie because it has the opposite effect. Bones may break and heal, but a harsh word can wound the soul for a lifetime. Many carry scars today, not from fists, but from words spoken in frustration, anger, bitterness, or betrayal. With that being said, in this lesson we will expose the myth that words can’t harm us, and embrace the biblical truth that words have the power to destroy or most important, and this is what we want you to lean into – words can heal. We want you to understand the power of words to build up or to tear down, and to cultivate speech that honors God and uplifts others.

We are going to begin our journey with John 8:44. When the chapter opens, Jesus is teaching in the temple and is suddenly interrupted by scribes and Pharisees who drag a woman caught in adultery into the temple and throw her at His feet. We know this story. This is followed by these same religious leaders confronting Jesus about the identify of His Father and then dismissing His claim that He came to die for their sins. But what angers them most is when Jesus proclaims, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (verse 32) How they respond is not a surprise to Jesus. (33) They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" For the remainder of the chapter, Jesus explains what He means. Let’s pick the record up with verse 41. “You do the deeds of your father. Then they said to Him, ‘We were not born of fornication; we have one Father – God. …” With these words, the religious leaders publicly show their disdain and contempt for Jesus trying to diminish His reputation as a religious teacher among the people. They say out loud what many had heard and believed for years – that Mary had gotten pregnant by Joseph before their marriage.