The Word of God

(Hebrews 4:12-13 – The Word of God)

How powerful is the word of God? Surely it is the most powerful force in existence.

It is by the word of God that the Creation as we know it exists and came into being in the first place. God’s word gives us salvation over sin and freedom.

This scripture that I am looking at today gives us a great insight into just how powerful God’s word is and why it is essential that we listen closely to His word.

A Two Edged Sword

The scripture today likens the word of God to a two-edged sword. Here is what it says.

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

We should consider this analogy further.

When you look up the advantages of a double or two-edged sword, it is clear they have some significant advantages over single edged swords. In battle, a two-edged sword is better for thrusting attacks. It is also easier to pierce an enemies armour with a two-edged sword. And if one edge were to become blunt or damaged, the sword can be reversed so the alternate edge becomes the main edge of attack. In addition, the sword can be wielded with both a forehand and backhand motion and be effective both on the up and down swing.

When we compare these things to the words of God, we see some similar advantages. God’s word can attack and pierce the armour of our opponents. It can destroy arguments, both external and internal as the word works in our lives.

The Word of God – Two Meanings

Whether it is intentional or not, there is a double meaning to this scripture.

It talks about the power of the God’s word to get deep into the heart, mind, and spirit of a person as we learn the scriptures, read, and study God’s word.

But there is also the other meaning, for Jesus was also known as the Word of God.

Jesus was known as “The Word” before He came to the earth in the form of a man. So, when we read the God’s words in the scriptures, we are reading the words of The Word who is God and who is with God at the right hand of the Father.

The scripture tells us in various places that it was Jesus as “The Word” who created all things. Here are some examples:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. (John 1:1-3)

And;

5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth–as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords” — 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. (1 Corinthians 8:5-6)

And also;

1 In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high… (Hebrews 1:1-3)

Although the scripture doesn’t say so, because Jesus is “The Word,” it is not too far to stretch to say that it was He who spoke the universe into existence. It may well have been Jesus who said, “Let there be light…” and so on to bring the Creation into existence. But that is just speculation on my part.

Listen to the word of God

There is one scripture that is worth noting in this discussion on the word of God. It is the events of the transfiguration when Jesus was on the mountain with Peter, James, and John and He was transfigured and met with Moses and Elijah.

1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Eli’jah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli’jah.” 5 He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Matthew 17:1-5)

The voice of God the Father came and spoke to the disciples and His instruction was emphatic. “Listen to Him,” that is, the Father was telling them to listen to Jesus.

This is a crucial teaching for all of us to remember. We must listen to the God’s word as taught by Jesus, because as Peter stated, it is Jesus who has the words of eternal life and the gospel of salvation.

So, when we “listen to Him,” we are also listening to the word of God and we are following the truth that Jesus gave so that we can all find life in Him.

The Word of God on Our Lives

The power of the word of God on and in our lives is incalculable. It has the power to save us from sin, overcome the passions of the flesh, give us victory over the attacks of the devil, and guide us through any situation.

When we absorb the God’s words, immersing ourselves in His teachings, we arm the Holy Spirit who can and will help us win the spiritual war in which we are all combatants.

The scripture shows us that the word of God is the sword of the Spirit.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

But it is our task and responsibility to arm the Holy Spirit with the word of God as our sword. The Holy Spirit will bring to our remembrance what we need to know from the scriptures, when we need to know it. But He cannot help us recall information and scriptures that we have not studied, learned, and committed into our minds. It is our task to study the word and learn what it says, and then to follow the teachings of Jesus.

And the word of God is powerful when wielded as a sword by the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus relied upon it when attacked by the devil during His forty days in the wilderness. (See Matthew chapter 4)

Each time the devil attacked Jesus and tempted Him to follow the devil rather than God, Jesus shut down the attacks with the word of God. In every attack He defeated the devil by saying, “It is written…” and then quoted the scripture to overcome the attacks of the devil.

This is why the word of God is living and active. It is why and how it can pierce to the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. The word of God is the most powerful force on this earth and nothing can stand before it or against it.

Study and grow in the word of God, and reap the benefits God offers those who do so.

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