the sword of god

“The sWORD of God”

Hebrews 4:12-13

The sWord…•There are somewhere between 600K and 1M printed books published yearly in the US •On average, they sell less than 250 copies each•E-book reading is increasing in the US, since by 2014 28% of adults read an e-book, compared to 23% in 2013•This because 50% of Americans by 2014 had a dedicated device, either an e-reader or a tablet, compared to 30% owning a device at the end of 2013

The sWord…•Library of Congress is the largest library on Earth, with more than 158 M books on 838 miles of bookshelves•Out of all these books, there is one Book that stands above all others – the Bible•Written over 2,000 years (around 1900 B.C. till A.D. 96), over 60 generations, by more than 40 authors, on three different continents, in many different circumstances and places, in different times, different cultures, in four languages – Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Chaldean, concerning scores of controversial subjects, but it speaks with one united voice

The sWord…•The most published and purchased book ever•First book translated to other languages, and now in more languages than any other book in existence•It has survived the ravages of time, manual transcription, persecution and criticism•It has had the greatest influence on human culture than any other book ever•Why? Because it is the Living Word of God, from Him

“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. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”

Hebrews 4:12-13 (NASB)

A. The Discerner…•Vs 12,

“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 [discern] the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)

A. The Discerner…•Vs 12, this verse is probably in my top 10•Let’s tear this down to smaller bites, because there is a lot for us to get here•Scripture works on us like a mirror with x-ray powers– it shows us the bad as well as the good in us•Whether by church, class, radio, etc.– however you have received the Word, it becomes an active power operating continually in you

Vs 12- gives 3 Characteristics of the Word1. It is living– thru the centuries, countless

millions of people have been changed •The Bible is the one, perfectly relevant Book to all humans, regardless of cultural background, intelligence, language, or financial status, because it deals with human nature and spirit•As long as you seek God’s way in your life through His Word, you will find what the Lord wants for you

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB)


millions of people have been changed2. It is Powerful– The only book that can make a

person’s dead spirit come to life•We are born “dead” in sin because of Adam•The Greek word ‘powerful’ is ‘energes’– the Bible has power and life•News may inform, poetry may inspire, but only God’s Word can transform the dead spirit to being Born Again!


millions of people have been changed2. It is Powerful– The only book that can

make a person’s dead spirit come to life3. It’s sharper than any two-edged sword•Greek for sword is ‘mach-a-ira’, a weapon used by every Roman soldier– the use here is not to slaughter us, but to penetrate and expose the inner heart of a believer

Now look at two capabilities of the Sword1. It pierces even to the division of soul and

spirit, and of joints and marrow•NO surgeon in the world can cut on Soul and Spirit•No surgical procedure can correct a rebellious spirit, lustful heart, heart filled with hate, an unforgiving spirit, a broken heart or an addicted mind– the Word can•Difference– soul and spirit

Two capabilities of the Sword…1. It pierces even to the division of soul and

spirit, and of joints and marrow2. It is a discerner of the thoughts and

intents of the heart•Discerner– judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart•Greek word– kritikos– the Word sees through everything and completely reveals us to the Lord

B. Nothing Hidden from His Sight•Vs 13,

“ 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”

Hebrews 4:13 (NASB)

B. Nothing Hidden from His Sight•Vs 13, Ever since the Fall, man has tried to hide his sin from God•God didn’t ask, “Where are you?” because he didn’t know– He was giving them a chance to repent

“6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. 8 They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” Genesis 3:6-10 (NASB)

B. Nothing Hidden from His Sight•Vs 13, Ever since the Fall, man has tried to hide his sin from God•God didn’t ask, “Where are you?” because he didn’t know– He was giving them a chance to repent•Ask yourself this question: Would you sin next time, if you remembered the Lord is right there watching you?

Take Home!!

1. The Bible is the one perfectly relevant Book to all people, regardless of cultural background, intelligence, language, or financial status, because it deals with human nature and spirit. Obey it.

2. There is no sin hidden from God’s all-seeing eyes; don’t try to convince yourself otherwise!

the sword of god

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