Text: Hebrews 4:12
This verse was meant to remind the Hebrew Christians of the power of the word of God and encourage them to remain faithful. It also provides encouragement for us today to continue to follow the will of God.
The Word of God
- The letter opens by describing how God revealed His will in times past, then immediately says that God speaks to us now through Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2) – description of Christ (Hebrews 1:3-4); the word that He spoke must be heeded (Hebrews 2:2-4)
- The apostles would then speak on behalf of Christ (John 14:26; 15:26-27; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20) – their message would carry the same weight as the words of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 4:2; 2 Peter 3:2)
- This is the word we have preserved for us in the Bible
Living and Active
- As Jesus is the Word (John 1:1, 14), the word is living because He is living
- However, the word is not “living” in the sense that it will evolve/change over time –Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8); His word does not change (Psalm 119:89)
- The word of God is active/powerful – able to do what it is intended to do (Romans 1:16); it will always accomplish what He desires (Isaiah 55:10-11)
Sharper Than Any Two-Edged Sword
- More powerful than any carnal weapon – necessary because we are involved in a spiritual war (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
- Do not fear the one who wields a physical sword (Matthew 10:28) – fear the one with the sharp two-edged sword (Revelation 1:16)
- The sword is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17) and is part of the armor we are to put on – must learn how to use it (2 Timothy 2:15); any weapon is dangerous when improperly used (2 Peter 3:16); we must be ready to use it (1 Peter 3:15)
Able to Divide
- The sword of the Spirit is able to make divisions that a physical sword cannot make
- Dividing soul & spirit – difference between temporary physical life (Genesis 2:7; 1:30; 9:10) & eternal spiritual life (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
- Dividing joints & marrow – innermost part of man; once you go this deep, there is nothing left to divide
Able to Judge
- It is the standard by which we will be judged (John 12:48)
- We will be judged according to our works (2 Corinthians 5:10)
- More than that, we will be judged according to our thoughts & intentions – God knows our hearts (Luke 16:15); this is why people are pricked in their hearts when they hear the gospel (Acts 2:37; 7:54)
