(OPINION) “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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. – Hebrews 4:12
Most people truly don’t comprehend how powerful and amazing the Word of God truly is and I hope to pull out 4 powerful things that the Word of God does in the life of a believer.
First of all, we see right away that the author of Hebrews reveals to us that the Word is “quick” meaning it is living, brings “life or being “alive”. The author describes it as “powerful” in Greek this means it is “active and energized”. The next phrase is very interesting as the author describes the Word as being a “two-edged” sword.
There are various opinions on this term but one concept is that the Word is both logos and Rhema. It is written and spoken. It was given by God but spoken by men. The writer goes on to tell us that the Word pierces the very soul and spirit of the individual meaning it divides the carnal mind from the spiritual mind.
It is the ability to reveal the very source of our thoughts and intents of the heart. This is why the Apostle Paul instructed believers to “cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”
Now let’s go a little deeper into the revelation of the Word of God. We know that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” – 2 Timothy 3:15-17
This passage reveals to us that all sixty-six books of the Bible are inspired and not just the portions we pick and choose and believe me, many today believe this. Paul uses the word “inspired” which in the Greek means that God himself literally breathed upon the writers of these books when they wrote them down. We then see four major purposes for the Word of God here in 2 Timothy 3: 15-17
1- Doctrine – The basic meaning of the term doctrine is “teaching.” The word translated “doctrine” literally means “instruction, especially applying to lifestyle application.” In other words, doctrine is teaching imparted by an authoritative source.
The sacred text of Christianity. It encompasses the fundamental principles and doctrines that form the basis of Christian theology. These doctrines are derived through the study, interpretation, and application of biblical texts by theologians, scholars, and religious communities.
Biblical doctrine covers a wide range of topics, including God, Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, humanity, sin, redemption, the church, eschatology (the study of the end times), and more. It provides a framework for understanding God’s nature, His relationship with humanity, and the moral and ethical principles that guide believers in their faith and conduct.
The writers of the Bible issued warnings about false doctrine and teachings, emphasizing the importance of holding to sound and authentic teachings. These warnings were intended to protect believers from being led astray and to ensure the preservation of true faith. Here are a few examples:
2 Peter 2:1: “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”
1 Timothy 4:1: “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
1 John 4:1: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Galatians 1:6-9: In this passage, the apostle Paul warns the Galatians about those who distort the gospel: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
These passages highlight the dangers of false prophets, teachers, and teachings that deviate from the authentic message of the Bible. They urge believers to exercise discernment, test teachings against the truth of Scripture, and remain steadfast in the true faith.
The bottom line is, we must be like the Bereans who were a group of people mentioned in the Book of Acts found in Acts 17:10-12.
The Apostle Paul, accompanied by Silas, visited the city of Berea during his second missionary journey. Upon their arrival, they went to the Jewish synagogue and began preaching the message of Jesus Christ. However, what set the Bereans apart was their response to Paul’s teaching.
Acts 17:11 describes the Bereans as follows: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
The Bereans were known for their eagerness to hear and learn from Paul’s teaching, but instead of accepting his words without question, they diligently searched the Scriptures to verify the truth of his message. They were praised for their open-mindedness, curiosity, and commitment to studying the Scriptures for themselves.
This passage underscores the importance of personal examination and validation of teachings against the Scriptures. The Bereans serve as an example of the attitude and approach that believers should have towards biblical teaching, encouraging critical thinking, and a willingness to verify doctrines against the Word of God.
2- Reproof – The term “reproof” refers to a form of correction or admonishment given to someone for the purpose of identifying and addressing their error, wrongdoing, or sin. Reproof is often accompanied by instruction and guidance towards correction and righteousness. The aim of reproof is to bring about conviction and repentance in the individual being reproved, leading to spiritual growth and a return to proper conduct. Here are a few examples:
Proverbs 15:31: “Whoever heeds life-giving correction [reproof] will be at home among the wise.”
Proverbs 29:15: “A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.”
Hebrews 12:5: “And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you.'”
Reproof plays a vital role in the process of spiritual growth, accountability, and maintaining a righteous and upright lifestyle. It serves as a means of correction, leading individuals back to the truth and encouraging them to align their lives with the principles and commands of God. Sadly, we have come to a time in the Body of Christ when most will not endure or receive any form of reproof.
This stems from rebellion, lack of accountability and not serving under a local body of believers. The internet is full of individuals teaching false doctrine but has no one in their life to bring reproof and correction when needed.
3- Correction – This term is very similar to reproof but is not simply about punishment or retribution but about loving guidance and shaping individuals to align with God’s purposes and principles.
It involves teaching, rebuking, and challenging individuals to recognize their errors, repent, and make necessary changes to live in accordance with God’s truth and righteousness. It is ultimately aimed at promoting spiritual growth, maturity, and conformity to God’s will.
4- Instruction in righteousness – This teaching refers to the purpose and benefit of Scripture in guiding individuals towards a righteous and upright way of living. Holiness, righteousness, and sanctification. The three cuss words in the Church today.
Here, “instruction in righteousness” means that the Scriptures provide guidance, teaching, and training that lead to living a righteous and morally upright life. It encompasses the moral and ethical instructions given by God through His Word, which help believers understand what is right and wrong and how to align their lives with God’s standards.
Through the Scriptures, individuals receive guidance on how to think, speak, and act in a manner that is pleasing to God and in line with His moral principles. It includes instructions on how to love and serve others, how to pursue justice and mercy, how to resist temptation and live a life of integrity, and how to cultivate godly character and virtues.
Instruction in righteousness is not merely a set of rules or legalistic requirements but helps believers grow in their relationship with God, develop Christlike character, and participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.
Psalm 119:9 – How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
The conclusion is that we can see that the Word of God is far more complex than just a compilation of ancient writings from various authors in the middle east but is literally the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth! “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” – Isaiah 55:11
