Bible Studies 19 (newest Bible study added 7/1/2023 - scroll down)
Two–Edged Sword (added 7/1/2023)
(Reference Hebrews 4:12-16, see below) - Verse 12 in this passage is often unwittingly misapplied (with good intentions) to demonstrate how powerful the Word of God is, and to show that it should be used to combat and defeat the enemy (satan and his minions). But as we’ve seen in many applications, most only quote a part of verse 12. Yes, we are to use the Living Word, our “Sword of the Spirit” (Eph 6), as our primary offensive weapon; however, that is not what this verse is referring to. If we read the whole passage, and put this verse in its proper context, the writer of Hebrews is telling us (professed Christians) that the Word of God will be used to judge us and it will be used to determine our true thoughts and intentions, our sincerity, our submission and surrender to King Jesus as we lived on earth. So when we read this verse in context the meaning is fleshed out. Verses 12 and 13 lead us into the understanding that we will be judged by Jesus and the Word of God (God’s standard for believers and non-believers) will be used as either our defense or as our prosecution. These verses warn us that no one – nothing - is hidden from Jesus because all things are exposed to King Jesus to whom we must give an account. Verses 12 and 13 are meant to awaken those who are not walking the walk, but just talking the talk – the ones who profess Christ, but do not surrender to Christ.
The writer continues in verses 14-16 by reminding us that Jesus, our High Priest, is in heaven “for we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” The writer finishes this passage by exhorting the Christian to “press toward the mark” (Phil 3:13-15) and “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” (Also see Hebrews 10:19-25)
So, what we have in this passage is God reminding us that we will be judged and Jesus will know whether we are His sheep or if we are one of the goats (Matt 25:33). Will Jesus say to you “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:23) or will He say “I never knew you: depart from me, you worker of iniquity.” (Matt 7:23b). Please make sure you are surrendering to Jesus as your Lord and Savior – not just professing Him with your mouth, but honoring Him, and glorifying Him, with your life.
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need (Hebrews 12-16).
Two–Edged Sword (added 7/1/2023)
(Reference Hebrews 4:12-16, see below) - Verse 12 in this passage is often unwittingly misapplied (with good intentions) to demonstrate how powerful the Word of God is, and to show that it should be used to combat and defeat the enemy (satan and his minions). But as we’ve seen in many applications, most only quote a part of verse 12. Yes, we are to use the Living Word, our “Sword of the Spirit” (Eph 6), as our primary offensive weapon; however, that is not what this verse is referring to. If we read the whole passage, and put this verse in its proper context, the writer of Hebrews is telling us (professed Christians) that the Word of God will be used to judge us and it will be used to determine our true thoughts and intentions, our sincerity, our submission and surrender to King Jesus as we lived on earth. So when we read this verse in context the meaning is fleshed out. Verses 12 and 13 lead us into the understanding that we will be judged by Jesus and the Word of God (God’s standard for believers and non-believers) will be used as either our defense or as our prosecution. These verses warn us that no one – nothing - is hidden from Jesus because all things are exposed to King Jesus to whom we must give an account. Verses 12 and 13 are meant to awaken those who are not walking the walk, but just talking the talk – the ones who profess Christ, but do not surrender to Christ.
The writer continues in verses 14-16 by reminding us that Jesus, our High Priest, is in heaven “for we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” The writer finishes this passage by exhorting the Christian to “press toward the mark” (Phil 3:13-15) and “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” (Also see Hebrews 10:19-25)
So, what we have in this passage is God reminding us that we will be judged and Jesus will know whether we are His sheep or if we are one of the goats (Matt 25:33). Will Jesus say to you “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:23) or will He say “I never knew you: depart from me, you worker of iniquity.” (Matt 7:23b). Please make sure you are surrendering to Jesus as your Lord and Savior – not just professing Him with your mouth, but honoring Him, and glorifying Him, with your life.
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need (Hebrews 12-16).