God’s Powerful Word
Heb. 4:12 – 13
Introduction
The Bible is the most important book ever written, the best book, it never grows old but always up to date, it talks about the past, the present and the future accurately, the most unique, the most powerful, the only book that will be with us even in eternity. Christ said Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. The Bible is superior to any other book because it’s God’s word. The Bible is the Inspired, infallible, inerrant, preserved Word of the Living God, that is why it is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. The Lord Jesus Christ is the wonderful and glorious theme of the Bible. All who reject Its message will be judged by Its words.
Illustration 1/Application: The Mind of God
An unknown writer said, “This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity. Source unknown
I. The Word of God is quick and powerful (Heb. 4:12a)
A. The word “quick” means living or alive. The Word of God is living for it awakens the conscience, convicts of sins, and lead to repentance. Paul said, All scripture is given by inspiration of God… (2 Tim. 3:16) The word inspiration comes from the Greek word “Theopneustos” meaning “God breathed” or “breathed out by God.” It is also the preserved Word of God. Preservation is the providential keeping of the original text from loss and alteration. The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. (Psa. 12:6-7. God has inspired and preserved His words. The Bible is not like a mummy, that is preserved, but it’s dead. It was the living Word of God.
B. It is alive in the sense that it can be applied to our daily lives. It is never outdated. All other books after a year or two becomes out dated and will be replaced by a new one. The ever-lasting nature of God’s word are listed in the following passages.
1. The word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Pet. 1:23
2. But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. 1 Pet. 1:25
3. Christ’s words shall not pass away. Mt. 24:35, Lk. 21:33
4. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isa. 40:8.
C. It is powerful. The word translated “powerful” is the Greek word from which we get the English word “energy.” It is powerful in the sense that:
1. By it we are born again (Jas. 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23).
2. By it we grow (1 Pet. 2: 2).
3. By it we are cleansed (Jn. 15:3).
4. By it we are sanctified (Jn. 17:17).
5. By it we are built up (Acts 20:32).
6. By it we are defended against spiritual enemies (Eph. 6:17).
7. By it we are washed (Eph. 5:25-26).
8. By it we are kept from the paths of the destroyer (Ps. 17:4).
9. By it our path through life is lighted up (Ps. 119:105).
10. By it we are warned (Ps. 19:11).
11. By it the secrets of hearts are revealed (Heb. 4:12).
12. By it the seed is scattered (Lk. 8:11). (D. Cloud)
C. Figuratively, it is compared to a sword (Eph. 6:17), the Bible is also a weapon to help Christians in spiritual warfare. It is what Jesus used to defeat Satan when He was temped (Mt. 4:3-10). The Word of God is a mighty weapon Christians use for defence and offence. It gives one the power to live the Christian life victoriously. It gives us the power to overcome temptation and live a holy life. It can heal broken hearts and can guide you truly in the path of righteousness.
D. One thing that proves its power is its survival thru time, survival thru persecution, survival thru criticism. The Bible have been copied, recopied, translated, yet it still remains intact and accurate. The Roman Catholic Church tried to burn, ban, outlaw it yet it still stands like a solid rock. Critics tried to refute it and overthrow it yet still it remains. Emperors, popes, kings, rulers, philosophers, etc., have all tried their hand on it, they died, yet the Bible still lives.
Illustration 2/Application: Power to Change Lives
When evangelist John Wesley (1703-1791) was returning home from a service one night, he was robbed. The thief, however, found his victim to have only a little money and some Christian literature.
As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, “Stop! I have something more to give you.” The surprised robber paused. “My friend,” said Wesley, “you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here’s something to remember: ‘The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!’ “The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit.
Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn that this visitor, now a believer in Christ as a successful businessman, was the one who had robbed him years before! “I owe it all to you,” said the transformed man. “Oh no, my friend,” Wesley exclaimed, “not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!”
Our Daily Bread, October 1, 1994
II. God’s Word Is Piercing (Heb. 4:12b)
A. In figurative language the Bible is described as a “two-edged sword which can divide, discern, distinguish and discriminate. It tells what is right and what is wrong. It discerns and exposes motives of men. The Bible is very perceptive. Read it and study it and you will be perceptive about the things of the world. It will give you knowledge and wisdom to discern between the true and the false doctrines. It will purify your conduct, for it distinguishes between what is holy and unholy. No sword is so sharp and so able to divide the truth from error as the Bible.
B. On the day of Pentecost when the people heard Peter preached, their hearts were pierced. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37). The sharp edge of God’s word penetrated deep into their soul, cutting into their hearts and convicting them of their sinfulness. Same thing happened to the religious leaders in Acts 5:33.
C. Paul further describes the Word as… a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb. 4:12) Discerner comes from “kriteekos.” It is where word critic came from. The idea is “to examine, to test, to scrutinize.” The Word of God rightly examines and evaluates our thoughts and intents of the heart and delivers its judgment. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer. 17:9). Man is depraved at his very core. Deep in the heart of man is wickedness beyond the imagination.
D. The soul and spirit are two immaterial part of man which exist after death. I believe that man and animals have soul but man’s soul is more highly organized, more advance and more complex. The Spirit is the entity that can be energized by the Holy Spirit, and uniquely the image of God in man. So, the soul and the spirit of man seem to respond and affected by the living and energizing attribute of the Word of God. Man is a tri-unity of body, soul, and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23).
Illustration 3/Application: Beware of Quotes
You can’t quote the Bible indiscriminately. I remember the story of two lawyers during a trial. One thought he would make a great impression on the jury by quoting from the Bible. So, he said concerning his opponent’s client, “We have it on the highest authority that it has been said, ‘All that a man has will he give for his skin.
But the other lawyer knew the Bible better. He said, “I am very much impressed by the fact that my distinguished colleague here regards as the highest authority the one who said, ‘All that a man has will he give for his skin. You will find that this saying come from the Book of Job, and the one who utters it is the devil. And that is whom he regards as the highest authority!” – Ray Stedman
Source unknown
III. Nothing is Hidden (Heb. 4:13)
A. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight. The word creature refers to God’s creation. In all that God created, there is none that can hide from Him. This speaks of Christ’s absolute omniscience. No one is going to escape His judgment. Every man will face his Creator and will give an account of his life.
B.Paul says, all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him (Heb. 4:13). The word naked means “to be bare, no covering.” This reminds us that our unforgiven sin will be exposed when we stand before God. The word open comes from “trachelizo” and means “to seize by the throat or neck, to expose the gullet of a victim for killing.” It describes the soldier who takes the head of an enemy and pulls it back to expose his throat so that it can be easily cut. This reminds us that we are under His power and at His mercy.
There is absolutely no person or thing that will escape His scrutiny. Everything is open and exposed before His eyes. (Prov. 15:3).
Jesus knows everything! He knows all of the hypocrisy, bitterness, malice, backbiting, and wickedness of each individual. It is a definite fact that God knows all about us. Solomon said, For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Eccl. 12:14)
Imagine standing before a Judge Who knows everything about you—a Judge Who can read your heart. He knows every detail of your life. He knows every thought that ever crossed your mind. He knows every word that ever fell from your lips. He knows your every sin.
IV. With whom we have to do. (Heb. 4:13) This is a reminder that we are going to answer to God. There will be no escape. The fact that God knows us perfectly and yet loves us and wants us to come into the most intimate fellowship with Him is comforting. However, we must never forget that He is also our final judge, whom we will give an account to, at the appointed time.
V. Conclusion:
The Word of God is truly very powerful, it can change lives, it can guide us to the right path going to heaven, and it can instruct us how to live holy and victorious lives. The best source of knowledge and wisdom. The question is, will you read your Bible, then trust and obey its commands? You should my friends.
