"For The Word Of God Is..."

Larry R. Ping II

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     The Hebrew author penned “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). Consider an itemization of this beautiful and important passage. The Word of God is…

 

     1) Quick. The idea here is God’s Word is living, active and effective. In fact, it is as effective today as it was when pen was put to paper. Some argue the words in the Bible are so “old,” what the Bible teaches and commands is no longer valid or relevant. Not so! God’s Word is still a “lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105). The Lord’s Word is still a “fire” and a “hammer” (Jer. 23:29), purifying all who come to know and obey it. It must be in our “heart as a burning fire” ready to be spread (Jer. 20:9). “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (I Cor. 9:16)! 

 

     2) Powerful. Paul expressed this in his epistle to the Romans when saying “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). God’s Word is so potent, man is instructed to “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). God’s Word is so valuable the wise man ordered “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Prov. 23:23). Have you invested in God’s Word?

 

     3) Sharper Than Any Twoedged Sword. This kind of sword is comprised of only the very best and fine material. None better can be found. Such is true of God’s Word as well. This is why Paul told Timothy to be “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” (I Tim. 4:16). Too many today (some in God’s family) hunger and thirst after mans’ words rather than “righteousness” (Matt. 5:6). Don’t eat junk food! Feast upon the word of God. 

 

     4) Piercing. If taught as is, the word of God will penetrate even the hardest of hearts. It did so to a sorcerer (Acts 8:13). It did so to a persecutor, blasphemer and an injurer (I Tim. 1:13). It caused “about three thousand” on Pentecost to be “pricked in their heart” (Acts 2:37-41). Souls are far too precious and valuable, and time is too short and fleeting to waste time with watered down preaching which does not pierce man’s heart. Let God’s Word do its job.

 

     5) A Discerner. It acts as a measuring stick. It is the standard by which our thoughts and actions are regulated. Those who understand this ask questions like “what saith the scripture” (Rom. 4:3)? Those who appreciate this “speak as the oracles of God” (I Pet. 4:11). The Lord Himself iterated “the word I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (Jn. 12:48). How acquainted with the Word of God are you?