FOR THE WORD OF GOD: ho logos tou theou: (He
13:7; Isaiah 49:2; Luke 8:11; Acts 4:31; 2Corinthians 2:17; 4:2; Revelation
20:4) (See Pink's
"Profiting From The Word" by A. W. Pink)
Related Resource:
Inductive study on
The Power of God's Word
In the Greek sentence
the emphasis is on living (it is placed first in the sentence).
The Word of God
- Some commentators state that this is another name for Jesus. Indeed, Jesus
is called "the Word" (Jn 1:1) but in context, the writer is referring to the
written revelation from God and not the person of Jesus Christ.
MacArthur
explains that...
The need for God’s rest is urgent. A person should diligently, with intense
purpose and concern, secure it. It is not that he can work his way to
salvation, but that he should diligently seek to enter God’s rest by
faith—lest he, like the Israelites in the wilderness, lose the opportunity.
(MacArthur,
John: Hebrews. Moody Press
or
Logos)
Remember that the Word of God is
also the Word of His grace...
And now I commend you to God and to the
word of His grace, (observe the beneficial effects) which is able to
build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are
sanctified. (Acts 20:32)
Word of God (3056)
(logos
from lego
= to speak with words; English = logic, logical) means something said
and describes a communication whereby the mind finds expression in words.
Although Lógos is most often translated word which Webster
defines as "something that is said, a statement, an utterance", the Greek
understanding of lógos is somewhat more complex. To secular and
philosophical Greek writers, logos did not mean merely the name of an
object but was an expression of the thought behind that object's name.
Lógos then is a general
term for speaking, but always used for speaking with rational content.
Lógos is a word uttered by the human voice which embodies an underlying
concept or idea. When one has spoken the sum total of their thoughts
concerning something, they have given to their hearer a total concept of
that thing. Thus the word lógos conveys the idea of “a total concept”
of anything. Lógos means the word or outward form by which the inward
thought is expressed and made known. It can also refer to the inward thought
or reason itself. Note then that lógos does not refer merely
to a part of speech but to a concept or idea. In other words, in
classical Greek, lógos never meant just a word in the
grammatical sense as the mere name of a thing, but rather the thing referred
to, the material, not the formal part. In fact, the Greek language has 3
other words (rhema, onoma, epos) which designate a word in its
grammatical sense. Lógos refers to the total expression whereas
rhema
(see word study)
for example is used of a part of speech
in a sentence. In other words
rhema,
emphasizes the parts rather than the whole.
Cremer explains that logos
is used of the living, spoken word,
the word not in its outward form, but
with reference to the thought connected with the form,… in short, not the
word of language, but of conversation, of discourse; not the word as a part
of speech, but the word as part of what is uttered.
So what is the writer
referring to by the word of God? This
verse is frequently taken as a description of the
"word of God" in general which of course is not an inappropriate
application.
Indeed one can make a list of at least 5 wonderful characteristics of the
"word of God" from this description. But the careful reader
must remember that accurate
interpretation
is dependent on interpreting the text in
context
and failure to interpret "word of God" in the
context
of the writers argument is to miss his main reason for inserting this
description at this point in the book of Hebrews.
In the present context, Hebrews
3-4, the author has
been emphasizing that it is urgent that his readers enter God's "rest" ("today").
He emphasizes that the way in which one enters His rest is by faith,
faith that obeys and perseveres and holds fast until the
end (holding fast doesn't save anyone - but it does show that such a person
is saved for otherwise they would not be able to hold fast solely by their
efforts).
The immediate
context indicates that some of the readers
were in
danger of seeming to fall short of entering God's rest and even falling back
into Judaism. It is in this background that he warns the readers that the "word
of God" they have
just heard is alive and can pierce right down into the
innermost part of the heart to see if their belief is real or not.
The word of God, the Bible, describes itself and its work in many ways
Isaiah 55:11 God’s word will not return to him empty, but will do what God
desires and achieve the purpose for which he sent it.
Jeremiah 23:29 God’s word is like fire and like a hammer that can break a
rock into pieces.
John 6:63 God’s word is spirit and life.
Acts 7:38 God’s word is living.
Ephesians 6:17 (see note)
God’s word is part of the believer’s armor—the sword of the
Spirit.
Hebrews 4:12 God’s word is living, powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword,
judging people’s thoughts and intentions.
1 Peter 1:23 (see note) God’s word is living and enduring, through which people are
born again.
|
The Word is A Sword
by C H Spurgeon |
|
It may be most
accurate to interpret this passage as relating both to the Word of God
incarnate, and the Word of God inspired.
Christ and His Word must go together. What is true of the Christ is
here predicated both of Him and of His Word.
I. First let me speak CONCERNING THE QUALITIES OF THE WORD OF GOD.
It is “quick and
powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.”
1. The Word of God is said to be “quick.” It is a living Book.
Take up any other book except the Bible, and there may be a measure of
power in it, but there is not that indescribable vitality in it which
breathes, and speaks, and pleads, and conquers in the case of this
sacred volume. It is a living and incorruptible seed. It moves, it
stirs itself, it lives, it communes with living men as a living Word.
That human system which was once vigorous may grow old, and lose all
vitality; but the Word of God is always fresh, and new, and full of
force. Here, in the Old and New Testaments, we have at once the oldest
and the newest of books.
2. The Word is said to be “powerful,” or “active.” The Word of God is
powerful for all sacred ends. How powerful it is to convince men of
in!
How powerful it is for conversion!
3. Next, the apostle tells us that this Word is cutting, A
sword with wo edges has no blunt side: it cuts both this way and that.
The revelation of God given us in Holy Scripture is edge all over. It
is alive in every part, and in every part keen to cut the conscience,
and wound the heart. Depend upon it, there is not a superfluous verse
in the Bible, nor a chapter which is useless. Doctors say of certain
drugs that they are inert — they have no effect upon the system one
way or the other. Now, there is not an inert passage in the
Scriptures; every line has its virtues.
4. It is piercing. While, it has an edge like a sword, it has
also a point like a rapier. The difficulty with some men’s hearts is
to get at them. In fact, there is no spiritually penetrating the heart
of any natural man except by this piercing instrument, the Word of
God. Into the very marrow of the man the sacred truth will pass, and
find him out in a way in which he
cannot even find himself out.
5. The Word of God is discriminating. It divides asunder soul
and spirit. Nothing else could do that, for the division is difficult.
6. Once more, the Word of God is marvelously revealing to the inner
self. It pierces between the joints and marrow, and marrow is a
thing not to be got at very readily. The Word of God gets at the very
marrow of our manhood; it lays bare the secret thoughts of the soul.
II. SOME LESSONS.
1. Let us greatly reverence the Word of Cod.
2. Let us, whenever we feel ourselves dead, and especially in prayer,
get close to the Word, for the Word of God is alive.
3. Whenever we feel weak in our duties, let us go to the Word of God,
and the Christ in the Word, for power; and this will be the best of
power.
4. If you need as a minister, or a worker, anything that will cut your
hearers to the heart, go to this Book for it.
5. If we want to discriminate at any time between the soul and the
spirit, and the joints and marrow, let us go to the Word of God for
discrimination.
6. And lastly, since this Book is meant to be a discerner or critic of
the thoughts and intents of the heart, let the Book criticise us. (C.
H. Spurgeon.) |
Barnes observes
that...
The design of this and the following
verse is obvious. It is to show that we cannot escape the notice of God;
that all insincerity, unbelief, hypocrisy, will be detected by Him; and that
since our hearts are perfectly open before Him, we should be sincere, and
should not attempt to deceive Him.
The sense is, that the truth of God is
all-penetrating and searching, and that the real thoughts and intents of the
heart will be brought to light; and that if there is insincerity and
self-deception, there can be no hope of escape.
There has been a great variety of opinion
here about the meaning of the phrase the word of God. ... The word
of God is that which God speaks--whether it be a promise or a
threatening; whether it be law or gospel; whether it be a simple declaration
or a statement of a doctrine. The idea here is, that what God had said is
fitted to detect hypocrisy, and to lay open the true nature of the feelings
of the soul, so that there can be no escape for the guilty. His truth is
adapted to bring out the real feelings, and to show man exactly what he is.
Truth always has this power --whether preached, or read, or communicated by
conversation, or impressed upon the memory and conscience by the Holy
Spirit. There can be no escape from the penetrating, searching application
of the word of God. That truth has power to show what man is, and is like a
penetrating sword that lays open the whole man. Comp. Isaiah 49:2. The
phrase the word of God here may be applied, therefore, to the truth
of God, however made known to the mind. In some way it will bring out the
real feelings, and show what man is. (Albert Barnes. Barnes NT Commentary)
Leon Morris...
The Word of God is unique. No sword can penetrate as it can.
(Gaebelein,
F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. Zondervan
Publishing or
Pradis = computer version)
IS LIVING AND ACTIVE: Zon (PAPMSN)
gar ho logos tou theou kai energes: (Psalms 110:2; 119:130;
Ecclesiastes 12:11; Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 23:29; Romans 1:16; 1Corinthians
1:24; 2Corinthians 10:4,5; 1Thessalonians 2:13; James 1:18; 1Peter 1:23;
John 6:51; 1Peter 2:4,5)
The living and
active aspect of the Word of God is similar to the Lord's picture
of the Word as a seed, for both have life and power and both can
produce spiritual fruit (Ga 5:22,23). But the seed can do nothing until it
is planted (Jn 12:24). When a person hears and understands the Word, then
the seed is planted in the heart. What happens after that depends on the
nature of the soil (cp Lk 8:15).
Living (2198)
(zao) refers to natural physical life as opposed to death. The words
just spoken possess vital power in themselves to exert and impart vitality
to the reader's soul. The Word is not dead, inert, or powerless but
has a living power, and is adapted to produce this effect.
Living is in the
present tense describing
this trait as continually true of the word of God.
Jesus alludes
to the living aspect of the Word of God declaring...
It is the Spirit who gives life; the
flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are
spirit and are life.
In his message just
before being stoned to death, Stephen, a man filled with the Spirit
(Acts 6:5, 8, 7:55) declared...
This is the one who was in the
congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who was speaking
to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers and he received living
(zao) oracles to pass on to you. (Acts 7:38)
Charles Simeon
rightly says that...
The word is not a mere dead letter, that
will soon vanish away: it lives in the mind of God: it lives in the decrees
of heaven: it lives and will live for ever: nor will millions of ages cause
it to be forgotten, or in the least enervate its force. All besides this
shall wax old, and decay: but this shall endure, without the alteration of
one jot or tittle of it, to all generations
Peter writes
that...
you have been born again not of seed
which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and
enduring word of God. For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory
like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, But
the word of the Lord endures forever.” (1Pe 1:23, 24, 25-note)
Active (1756)
(energes
from en = in + érgon = work) describes that
which is working, efficient, effective, operative or powerful. Energes
describes activity which produces results or which is effective in causing
something to happen or to come about. The somber warnings that have
reverberated through Hebrews 3-4 are working and effective words which are
able to accomplish their purpose.
Energes is only used
three times in the NT. Paul uses to describe
a wide (megas =
great, large) door for effective (energes - God opened this door) [service] (not in
the original Greek) has opened to me, and there are many adversaries
(literally = those lined up against me). (1Corinthians
16:9)
Writing to Philemon
Paul prays...
that the fellowship of your faith may
become effective (energes) through the knowledge of every good thing
which is in you for Christ's sake.
Using the related verb
energeo Paul writes to the saints at Thessalonica thanking God...
that when you
received (took hold of) from us the word of God's message, you accepted
(put out the welcome mat so to speak) it not as
the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God,
which also performs its work (energeo -
present tense =
continually) in you who
believe. (1Thessalonians 2:13-note)
Leon Morris...
"Living and active" shows that there is a dynamic quality about
God's revelation. It does things. Specifically it penetrates and, in this
capacity, is likened to a "double-edged sword" (for the sword, cf. Is
49:2; Ep 6:17-note; Re 19:15-note; and for the double-edged idea, cf. Re 1:16-note;
Re 2:12-note).
(Gaebelein,
F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. Zondervan
Publishing or
Pradis = computer version)
Regarding the Word
being active, Barnes writes that...
Its power is seen in awakening the
conscience; alarming the fears; laying bare the secret feelings of the
heart; and causing the sinner to tremble with the apprehension of the coming
judgment. All the great changes in the moral world for the better, have been
caused by the power of truth. They are such as the truth in its own nature
is fitted to effect; and, if we may judge of its power by the greatness of
the revolutions produced, no words can over-estimate the might of the truth
which God has revealed. (Albert Barnes. Barnes NT Commentary)
AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWO EDGED SWORD:
kai tomoteros huper pasan machairan distomon: (Psalms 45:3;
149:6; Proverbs 5:4; Isaiah 11:4; 49:2; Acts 2:37; 5:33; Ephesians 6:17;
Revelation 1:16; 2:16; 19:15,21)
Sharper (5114)
(tomoteros from temnô = to cut) is the comparative of
tomos which means sharp or
cutting. It is used only here in the NT It means finer edged.
Vincent says
The word of God has an incisive and penetrating quality. It lays bare
self-delusions and moral sophisms. For the comparison of the word of God or
of men to a sword, see Ps. 57:4; 59:7; 64:3; Eph. 6:17. Philo calls his
Logos the cutter, as cutting chaos into distinct things, and so creating a
kosmos.
George Whitefield, the
great 18th-century evangelist, was hounded by a group of detractors who
called themselves the “Hell-fire Club.” They derided his work and mocked
him. On one occasion one of them, a man named Thorpe, was mimicking
Whitefield to his cronies, delivering his sermon with brilliant accuracy,
perfectly imitating his tone and facial expressions, when he himself was so
pierced that he sat down and was converted on the spot.
Two-edged (1366)
(distomos from dia = through + stoma = mouth), double-mouthed like a river (Polybius), branching ways
(Sophocles), applied to sword (xiphos) by Homer and Euripides.
Barnes
commenting on "two mouthed" sword writes that...
The word mouth was given to the sword
because it seemed to devour all before it. It consumed or destroyed, as a
wild beast does. The comparison of the word of God to a sword, or to an
arrow, is designed to show its power of penetrating the heart, Ecclesiastes
12:11. "The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the
masters of assemblies." Comp. Isa 49:2; "And he hath made my mouth like a
sharp sword." Re 1:16
(note): "And out of
his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword;" Re 2:12
(note); Re 19:15
(note). The
comparison is common in the classics, and in Arabic poetry....The idea is
that of piercing, or penetrating; and the meaning here is, that the word of
God reaches the heart--the very centre of action and lays open the motives
and feelings of the man. It was common among the ancients to have a sword
with two-edges. The Roman sword was commonly made in this manner. The fact
that it had two edges made it more easy to penetrate, as well as to cut with
every way. (Ibid)
It is a minister of
death to those who reject it, and of life to those who receive it (cp 2Cor
2:16)
Sword (3162)
(machaira) refers to a relatively short sword (even dagger) for cutting and
stabbing. It is obviously used in the figurative sense in this verse, but is
still penetrating nevertheless!
Spurgeon...
The Word of God is like the sword of
Goliath, which had been laid up in the sanctuary, of which David said,
“There is none like it, give it me” (1Sa 21:9). Why did he like it so well?
I think he liked it all the better because it had been laid up in the holy
place by the priests. But I think he liked it best of all because it had
stains of blood on it—the blood of Goliath. I like my own sword because it
is covered with blood right up to the hilt—the blood of slaughtered sins and
errors and prejudices has made it like the sword of Don Rodrigo, “of a dark
and purple tint.” The slain of the Lord have been many by the old gospel.
Wiersbe...
In comparing the Word of God to a sword,
the writer is not suggesting that God uses His Word to slaughter the saints!
It is true that the Word cuts the heart of sinners with conviction (Acts
5:33; 7:54), and that the Word defeats Satan (Ep 6:17). The Greek word
translated "sword" means "a short sword or dagger." The emphasis is on the
power of the Word to penetrate and expose the inner heart of man. The Word
is a "discerner" or "critic."
(Wiersbe,
W: Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989. Victor
or
Logos)
PIERCING AS FAR AS THE DIVISION
OF SOUL and SPIRIT: kai diiknoumenos (PMPMSN) achri merismou psuchês kai
pneumatos:
Piercing (1338)
(diikneomai from diá = through +
hiknéomai = to come) means to
go through, to reach through, and so to penetrate, pierce, pass
through (One other Scriptural use in the LXX of Ex 26:28). It was used in
ancient Greek of missiles (as moving through a three dimensional space). The
figurative idea is to thoroughly penetrate.
Vincent says,
The form of the expression is poetical, and signifies that the word
penetrates to the inmost recesses of our spiritual being as a sword cuts
through the joints and marrow of the body. The separation is not of one part
from another, but operates in each department of the spiritual nature.
Vine adds that
the writer’s meaning is not merely that
the Word of God produces conviction and distinguishes between the emotions
of the soul and those of the spirit; it has power to exclude not only from
Canaan but from heaven. Let him therefore who is guilty of unbelief take
heed. Let him beware of seeking rest in the wilderness. (Vine,
W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson
or
Logos)
Division (3311)
(merismos from merizo = to partition, divide into parts
<> meros = part) denotes primarily a division or partition. It
refers to the act of distribution or apportionment as of spiritual gifts by
the Holy Spirit.
The word of God has an incisive and
penetrating quality. It lays bare self-delusions and moral sophistries.
Merismos is
used 2 times in the NT and 2 times in the
Septuagint (LXX)...
Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the
whole land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses, and Joshua
gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by
their tribes. Thus the land had rest from war.
Ezra 6:18 Then they appointed the
priests to their divisions and the Levites in their orders for the
service of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
Hebrews 2:4
(note) God also bearing
witness with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by
gifts (distribution, apportionment) of the Holy Spirit according to
His own will.
Hebrews 4:12 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.
Spurgeon...
As you have seen hanging up in the
butcher’s shop the carcasses of animals cut right down in the center, so the
Word of God is “piercing to the dividing of soul and spirit, of joints and
marrow.” It opens a man to himself and makes him see himself.
Soul and spirit
- Guthrie explains that...
The New Testament use of pneuma for the
human spirit focuses on the spiritual aspect of man, i.e. his life in
relation to God, whereas psyche refers to man’s life irrespective of his
spiritual experience, i.e. his life in relation to himself, his emotions and
thought. There is a strong antithesis between the two in the theology of
Paul.
Souls (5590)
(psuche
[word study]
or psyche
from psucho = to breathe, blow, English =
psychology, "study of the soul") (Click
word study on
psuche) is
the breath, then that which breathes, the individual, animated creature.
However the discerning reader must understand that psuche is one of those Greek words that
can have several meanings, the exact nuance being determined by the
context. It follows that one cannot simply select of the three main
meanings of psuche and insert it in a given passage for it may not be
appropriate to the given context. The meaning of psuche is also
contingent upon whether one is a dichotomist or trichotomist. Consult Greek lexicons for more lengthy definitions of psuche as
this definition is only a brief overview. (Click an excellent article on
Soul
in the Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology; see also ISBE
article on
Soul)
(See also
Man A Trinity = Spirit, Soul, Body)
BAGD's lexicon makes the point that...
It is often impossible to draw hard
and fast lines in the use of this multivalent word. Generally it is
used in reference to dematerialized existence or being... Without
psuche a being, whether human or animal, consists merely of flesh and
bones and without functioning capability. Speculations and views
respecting the fortunes of psuche and its relation to the body find
varied expression in our literature. (Arndt,
W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New
Testament and Other Early Christian Literature)
Lawrence Richards adds that
as...
As with many biblical terms, the
basic meaning of psyche is established by its OT counterpart, rather
than by its meaning in Greek culture. "Soul" refers to personal life,
the inner person. Of its over one hundred NT uses, psyche is
rendered by the NIV as "soul(s)" only twenty-five times...While there
is much overlap in the NT uses of psyche and pneuma (spirit), there
seems to be some areas of distinction as well. Often the focus of
contexts in which these terms appear overlaps. Thus, both are used in
speaking of personal existence, of life after death, emotions,
purpose, and the self. But psyche is also used of one's physical life
and of spiritual growth, while pneuma is associated distinctively with
breath, worship, understanding, one's attitude or disposition, and
spiritual power (Richards,
L O: Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Regency)
(1) One meaning is
reference to the principle of life generally, the vital force which
animates the body which shows itself in breathing, the "life
principle" (the breath of life) as found even with animals (cf Luke
12:20 "...this very night your soul is required of you...",
Acts 3:23 "every soul that does not heed that prophet shall
be utterly destroyed") . To the Greeks the psuche was
the principle of physical life. Everything which had physical life had
psuche. Everything which is alive has psuche; a dog, a cat, any
animal has psuche, but it has not got pneuma or spirit.
Psuche is that physical life which a man shares with every living
thing; but pneuma or spirit is that which makes a man different from
the rest of creation and kin to God.
(2) A second meaning refers
to the earthly, natural life in contrast to supernatural existence (Mt
6:25 "do not be anxious for your life...", Ro 11:3 "...they
are seeking my life..."). This refers to So that the
word denotes “life in the distinctness of individual existence”
(Cremer).
(3) A third meaning of
psuche is in reference to the inner nonmaterial life of man for
which the physical body serves as the dwelling place often with focus
on various aspects of feeling, thinking, etc and thus can refer
primarily to the mind, to the heart, to desire (LK 10:27 "love the
Lord...with all your soul", Mk 14:34 "My soul is
deeply grieved...", Eph 6:6 "doing the will of God from the
heart [psuche]", Heb 12:3 "so that you may not grow weary
and lose heart"). One might say this meaning refers to the inner
self, the essence of life in terms of thinking, willing, and feeling.
Here psuche describes the seat and center of the inner human life in
its many and varied aspects.
It should be noted that there is an
additional meaning of a derivative of psuche (psuchikos) which
is used to described a "soulish" person, one who is still unregenerate
and in Adam, and thus a person whose life is dominated by the
unredeemed nature (1Cor 2:14, 15:44, 46, James 3:15, Jude 1:19)
Vincent offers the follows
thoughts on psuche
The
soul (psuche) is the principle of
individuality, the seat of personal impressions. It has a side
in contact with both the material and the spiritual element of
humanity, and is thus the mediating organ between body and
spirit. Its meaning, therefore, constantly rises above life or
the living individual, and takes color from its relation to
either the emotional or the spiritual side of life, from the
fact of its being the seat of the feelings, desires, affections,
aversions, and the bearer and manifester of the divine
life-principle (pneuma). Consequently psuche is
often used in our sense of heart (Lk 1:46; Lk 2:35; Jn 10:24;
Acts 14:2); and the meanings of psuche, soul, and pneuma, spirit,
occasionally approach each other very closely. Compare Jn 12:27 and Jn
9:33; Mt 11:29 and 1Co 16:18. Also both words in Lk 1:47. In this
passage psuche, soul, expresses the soul regarded as a moral being
designed for everlasting life. See Heb 6:19; Heb 10:39; Heb 13:17; 1Pe
2:11; 1Pe 4:19. John commonly uses the word to denote the principle of
the natural life. See Jn 10:11, 15; Jn 13:37; Jn 15:13; 1Jn 3:16"
(Vincent, M. R. Word studies in the New Testament. Vol. 2, Page
1-400).
John MacArthur offer the following
discussion on dichotomist versus trichotomist view...
There has been a significant debate over
the years about the definition and usage of the terms spirit and soul. Some
(historically called trichotomists) believe Paul was identifying two
different, distinct categories of the nonmaterial essence of man. Those
parts, along with the body, make man a three-part being. Others
(historically called dichotomists) believe spirit and soul are
interchangeable words denoting man’s indivisible inner nature. Those
interpreters therefore view man as a two-part being, composed simply of a
nonmaterial nature (spirit and soul) and a material nature (body).
No Scripture text ascribes different,
distinct substance and functions to the spirit and soul. Trichotomists
nevertheless usually propose that spirit is man’s Godward consciousness and
soul is his earthward consciousness; however, neither the Greek usage of
spirit (pneuma) nor of soul (psuche) sustains that proposition. The
nonmaterial part of man does have myriad capacities to respond to God,
Satan, and the world’s many stimuli, but it is untenable to arbitrarily
separate the spirit from the soul. The two terms are used interchangeably in
Scripture (He 6:19-note;
He 10:39-note,
1Pe 2:11-note;
2Pe 2:8-note).
Spirit and soul are familiar and common synonyms that Paul used to emphasize
the depth and scope of sanctification. Some suggest that an acceptable
translation of this portion of Paul’s prayer could be, “May your spirit,
even soul and body,” in which case “spirit” would refer to the whole person,
and “soul and body” to the person’s nonmaterial and material parts.
References from Paul’s other epistles provide clear evidence that he was a
dichotomist (Romans 8:10-note; 1Co 2:11; 5:3,
5; 7:34; 2Co 7:1; Gal 6:18; Col 2:5-note;
2Ti 4:22-note).
Some claim Hebrews 4:12,
“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,” supports a trichotomist view of man’s essence because it suggests
splitting soul and spirit. But a careful look at the verse’s language
refutes that contention. The writer did not say the sword of the Word
penetrates a person’s inner being and separates his soul from his spirit. He
said only that the sword cuts open the soul and the spirit of the person. He
used a second metaphorical expression “piercing … both joints and marrow” to
further depict the deep penetration God’s Word makes into the inner person.
This verse poses no special difficulty for the dichotomist position. (MacArthur,
J. 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Chicago: Moody Press.)
Spirit (4151)
(pneuma from pnéo = to breathe) refers to the immaterial part
of the human personality in contrast to the outward and visible aspects of
flesh and body.
Leon Morris...
We should not
take the reference to "soul" and "spirit" as indicating a "dichotomist"
over against a "trichotomist" view of man, nor the reference to "dividing"
to indicate that the writer envisaged a sword as slipping between them.
Nor should we think of the sword as splitting off "joints" and "marrow."
What the author is saying is that God's Word can reach to the innermost
recesses of our being. We must not think that we can bluff our way out of
anything, for there are no secrets hidden from God. We cannot keep our
thoughts to ourselves. There may also be the thought that the whole of
man's nature, however we divide it, physical as well as nonmaterial, is
open to God. With "judges" we move to legal terminology. The Word of God
passes judgment on men's feelings (enthymeseon) and on their thoughts (ennoion).
Nothing evades the scope of this Word. What man holds as most secret he
finds subject to its scrutiny and judgment
(Gaebelein,
F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. Zondervan
Publishing or
Pradis = computer version)
Ryrie adds
that...
The meaning is that the Word pierces to
the depths of soul and spirit, not between the two. They stand for the
innermost facets of our immaterial nature, just as joints and marrow the
material aspect. Both soul and spirit can be involved in what pleases or
displeases God. (For soul, see Mark 12:30 and 1 Peter 2:11; for spirit, see
1 Cor. 2:11 and 2 Cor. 7:1). Also see note on 1 Thess. 5:23-24. (The
Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Translation: 1995. Moody Publishers)
Believer's Study
Bible writes that...
The capabilities of the word of God are
clearly featured here. The nature of God's word is that of life-giving
communication. The word here translated "powerful" (energes) is the source
of the English word ''energy." Furthermore, God's word is sharp and
penetrating, acting as a critic of the thought-life and the motivations or
purposes of the human heart. Note that the word of God has the unique
ability not merely to discover the merit of men's actions but also to reveal
hidden motivations. Thus, "all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him
to whom we must give account" (v. 13).
(Criswell,
W A. Believer's Study Bible: New King James Version. 1991. Thomas Nelson)
Richard Phillips
laments that
we are living in a time when many Christians, even evangelicals who once
were singularly known and even derided for their devotion to the Word, are
losing confidence in the Bible's effectiveness. Yes, it is inspired; yes, it
is useful; but it must be augmented by human means or wisdom or methods. Our
evangelism now relies on manipulative psychological ploys, our spiritual
growth depends on techniques and programs and store-bought gimmicks, our
worship reflects the glitter of Hollywood entertainment. Far different is
the message of the writer of Hebrews, who says that nothing is able to
escape the revealing, energetic Word of God. Therefore, it alone is
sufficient for our every need.
(Reformed Expository Commentary – Hebrews)
OF BOTH JOINTS AND MARROW: harmôn
te kai muelôn:
This is obviously a
figure of speech emphasizing that all parts of the person are subject to the
effects of the Word of God.
Joints (719)
(harmos from arô = adjust, join properly together. Found
only here in NT) refers to articulation of body = joint
Marrow (3452)
(muelos from muô = shut. Found only here in NT)
This
surgeon goes into and through the joints and marrow, not cleaving between them. The expressions of "joints
and marrow" serve to convey effectively the
notion of the extreme power of penetration of the Word of God, to the very
core of man's being.
AND ABLE TO JUDGE THE THOUGHTS
AND INTENTIONS OF THE HEART: kai kritikos enthumêseôn kai ennoiôn kardias:
(Psalms 139:2; Jeremiah 17:10; 1Corinthians 14:24,25; Ephesians 5:13;
Revelation 2:23)
God's Word is powerful
and effective which is the very reason that is Satan launches his greatest
attacks against the Word of God, doing anything and everything he can to
undermine the Word and derail or discourage those who preach and teach it
faithfully. As a teacher I can personally testify to this truth. In the
parable of the sower, our Lord describes Satan's attack...
When anyone hears the
word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and
snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed
was sown beside the road. (Mt 13:19)
He snatches the seed
of the living and active Word from the hearer's heart before it has a chance
to take root.
As John MacArthur
says...
Many people gladly listen to the gospel,
but before their decision is made, some intrusion distracts them and the
effectiveness of the witness is lost, along with the soul of that hearer. In
another person's heart the word is accepted at first with joy, but when
Satan sends "affliction or persecution... because of the word, immediately
he falls away" (Mt 13:20, 21). Many people seem to be genuine and faithful
believers—until hardship, criticism, or persecution come. When the price for
faithfulness becomes too high, they reveal that they never had true faith in
the first place. Still another hearer also accepts the word in a superficial
and temporary way, but as he trusts in his wealth the word is choked and "it
becomes unfruitful" (Mt 13:22). Because he wants the world, he forsakes the
word.
(MacArthur,
J: Ephesians. Chicago: Moody Press
or
Logos)
In an OT declaration
of God's ability to judge hearts Jehovah declared...
I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the
mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the
results of his deeds. (Jeremiah 17:10)
The psalmist affirms
God omniscience regarding man's inner being...
You know when I sit down and when I rise
up; You understand my thought from afar. (Ps139:2)
The Word of God is
like a light (Ps 119:105) and as Paul says...
all things become visible when they are
exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. (Ep
5:13-note)
Able to judge
(2924)
(kritikos = verbal adjective -ikos, from krino = to
divide, separate, to judge, to sift out and analyze evidence) means related to judges,
fit for judging, skilled in judging. The Word is able to discern or decide as the surgeon has to be and able to
decide on the instant what to do. God's word like His eye sees the secret
lurking doubt and unbelief "of the thoughts and intents of the heart".
Vine writes
that kritikos
signifies possessed of a power to judge.
The Word of God, which is God’s own voice, scans, and sits in judgment, for
instance, upon, the unbelief which leads to departure from the Living God.
God’s Word is the perfect discerner, the perfect
kritikos (English
= critic, critical).
It not only analyzes all the facts perfectly, but all motives, and
intentions, and beliefs as well, which even the wisest of human judges or
critics cannot do. The sword of His Word will make no mistakes in judgment
or execution
We never see Israel or Moses arguing with God's verdict of
"guilty" of always going astray in your hearts leading to the sentence that
they "shall not enter My rest." All deceptions are disclosed and
brought to the light by God's
Truth. God had given Israel a wonderful motivation (the promise of a Land
flowing with milk and honey) and His guiding
Truth (the Law) and a leader (Moses) and despite all these
advantages, Israel for the most part willfully, obstinately
choose grumbling, unfaithfulness and rebellion over gratitude, faithfulness
and obedience. Aren't we all a
lot like Israel from time to time? We stubbornly choose our path rather than
the Lord's path which promises blessing! Such is the nature of our old sin
nature, constantly seeking to drag us off the highway of holiness and into
the pit of destruction.
A surgeon exposes the operating field with a bright, powerful light to
illuminate every dark crevice and then with a sharp knife is able to lance
the abscess to remove the infected pocket or to excise the portion of the
organ that is being ravaged by cancer. Such is the power and potential of
the "scalpel" of the Word of God to expose and excise the sin in our
innermost being.
Spurgeon - Many
and many a time have persons written to me or spoken with me and said, “Did
you intend in the sermon to make a personal allusion to me?” I have said,
“Yes, I most certainly did. But I never saw you in my life and never knew
anything about your case; only he that sent me commanded me to say this and
that, and he knew who would be there to hear it, and he took care to guide
my thoughts and words, so as to suit your case exactly, so that there could
be no mistake about it.”
The Dictionary of
Biblical Imagery has an interesting analysis on judgment...
Judgment as the Great Exposé. The
popularity and success of exposé in all forms of the media may be due in
part to the ability of the reader/listener to anonymously sit in judgment
against the exposed. Few things can rival the protracted examination of
another’s sins to quiet one’s own conscience and sense of depravity. In the
final exposé, the shroud of anonymity will be stripped as each individual
stands naked before the Judge of the Universe (Mt 12:36, 37; 1Cor 4:5; Heb
4:12-13)
Thoughts (1761)
(enthumesis
from en = in + thumos =
strong feeling, passion, mind, thought) means an inward reasoning or deliberation and conveys the idea of pondering or thinking out. Our
English word “reflection” is an accurate translation. Westcott notes that
the word refers to the action of the affections and is related to the will.
Matthew Henry...
Thoughts are words to Christ; we should
therefore take heed not only what we say and do, but what we think.
There are 4 uses of
enthumesis in the NT (no uses in the LXX)...
Matthew 9:4 And Jesus knowing
their thoughts said, "Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?
Matthew 12:25 And knowing their
thoughts He said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid
waste; and any city or house divided against itself shall not stand.
Acts 17:29 "Being then the
offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold
or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.
Hebrews 4:12 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.
Intentions (1771)
(ennoia from en = in + noús = mind) means literally
that which takes place in the mind. Ennoia describes a mental
conception that follows consideration or deliberation. It is closely allied to
enthumesis for both refer to the act of consideration or reflection. Like
phroneo, ennoia relates to thought, especially to the development of a
perspective that will provide insight and so shape our attitude and guide
our actions.
Intention (The
road to hell is paved with good intentions) is a determination to act in
a certain way and describes what one intends to accomplish or attain.
Intention represents the deliberate exercise of the will with reference to
the consequences of an act attempted or performed. In Logic intentions
describe conceptions formed by directing the mind towards an object.
There are 12 uses of
ennoia in the
Septuagint (LXX),
all in Proverbs (Prov. 1:4; 2:11; 3:21; 4:1; 5:2; 8:12; 16:22; 18:15; 19:7;
23:4, 19; 24:7)
Regarding the uses of
ennoia in Proverbs NIDNTT writes that...
All the Hebrew equivalents mean
understanding, wisdom, knowledge, and so ennoia retains its sense of
reflection, insight, perception, wisdom, though not the theoretical meaning
of concept. (Brown,
Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan)
The only other NT use
of ennoia is in 1Pe 4:1 (note)
Therefore, since Christ has suffered in
the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose (ennoia - way of
thinking, purpose describes a more settled determination), because he who
has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.
Vincent writes
that ennoia
is the definite conception which follows
enthumesis
Barclay
compares enthumesis and ennoia writing that the former
is the emotional part of man, (while)
intention (ennoia) is the intellectual part of man. It is as if he said:
“Your emotional and intellectual life must alike be submitted to the
scrutiny of God.” (Barclay,
W: The Daily Study Bible Series. The Westminster Press
or
Logos)
God's inspired Word
reveals all a person is and can become. It judges every person in
relationship to God's will and way. The judgment centers on potential,
plans, and attitudes, not simply on individual acts.
Heart (2588)
(kardia
[word study]) does not
refer to the physical organ but is always used figuratively in Scripture to
refer to the seat and center of human life. The heart is the center of the
personality, and it controls the intellect, emotions, and will. The heart
is a person's "control center". Just as "air traffic control" directs all
inbound and out bound flights, so too the heart exercises a similar control
over the "safe" flight of one's being.
MacArthur
commenting on kardia writes that...
"While we often relate heart to
the emotions (e.g., “He has a broken heart”), the Bible relates it
primarily to the intellect (e.g., “Out of the heart come evil
thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,
slanders,” Matt 15:19). That’s why you must “watch over your heart with all
diligence” (Proverbs 4:23-note).
In a secondary way, however, heart relates to the will and emotions
because they are influenced by the intellect. If you are committed to
something, it will affect your will, which in turn will affect your
emotions." (Drawing Near. Crossway Books) MacArthur adds that "In most
modern cultures, the heart is thought of as the seat of emotions and
feelings. But most ancients—Hebrews, Greeks, and many others—considered the
heart to be the center of knowledge, understanding, thinking, and
wisdom. The New Testament also uses it in that way. The heart was
considered to be the seat of the mind and will, and it could be taught what
the brain could never know. Emotions and feelings were associated with the
intestines, or bowels." (MacArthur,
J: Ephesians. 1986. Chicago: Moody Press)
Hughes explains
that what Paul is saying here is that...
The heart is the wellspring of
man’s spiritual life, and that is where the Roman Christians’ obedience was
rooted. It was not just a formal obedience—it came from the center of their
being. This is the example of slavery Paul holds up for us all: a heartfelt
obedience to Christ and his Word. It is an obedience which brings
liberation. (Hughes,
R. K. Romans: Righteousness from heaven. Preaching the Word. Wheaton, Ill.:
Crossway Books)
Vine writes
that kardia...
came to denote man’s entire mental and
moral activities, and to stand figuratively for the hidden springs of the
personal life, and so here signifies the seat of thought and feeling. (Vine,
W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson
)
It is notable that 6 of 12 uses of
kardia or "heart" are in
Hebrews 3 and 4, which are also pivotal chapters regarding the nature of true belief
which allows one to enter
His rest (see all uses below)
In Hebrew thinking, the
heart represents the entire person and their inner motivation. Study
the uses of heart in Hebrews...
Hebrews 3:8 (note)
- DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME, AS IN THE DAY
OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS,
Hebrews 3:10 (note)
- "THEREFORE I WAS ANGRY WITH THIS GENERATION, AND SAID, 'THEY ALWAYS GO
ASTRAY IN THEIR HEART, AND THEY DID NOT KNOW MY WAYS ';
Hebrews 3:12 (note)
- Take care, brethren, that there
not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away
from the living God.
Hebrews 3:15 (note)
- while it is said,
"TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY
PROVOKED ME."
Hebrews 4:7 (note)
- He again fixes a certain day, "Today ," saying through David after so long
a time just as has been said before, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT
HARDEN YOUR HEARTS ."
Hebrews 4:12 (note)
- 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.
Hebrews 8:10 (note)
- "FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER
THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL
WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS. AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL
BE MY PEOPLE.
Hebrews 10:16 (note)
- "THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE
LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL
WRITE THEM," He then says,
Hebrews 10:22 (note)
- let us draw near with a
sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled
clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 13:9 (note)
- Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for
the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which
those who were so occupied were not benefited.
><>><>><>
Ray Stedman writes
that...
David asks, in Psalm
19:12, “Who can discern his errors?” The answer he gives in the psalm and
that of the writer of Hebrews is the same. Only the Word of God, which is
living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, is capable of
exposing the thoughts and attitudes of a single human heart! We do not know
ourselves. We do not even know how to distinguish, by feelings or rationale,
between that which comes from our souls (psyches) and from our spirits (pneumas).
Even our bodily functions (symbolized here by joints and marrow) are beyond
our full knowledge. Only the all-seeing eye of God knows us thoroughly and
totally (Ps 139:1–18), and before him we will stand and ultimately give
account.
The images the author employs in this marvelous passage are effective ones.
Like a sharp sword which can lay open the human body with one slashing blow,
so the sword of the Scripture can open our inner life and expose it to
ourselves and others. Once the ugly thoughts and hidden rebellions are out
in the open, we stand like criminals before a judge, ineffectually trying to
explain what we have done. Yet such honest revelation is what we need to
humble our stubborn pride and render us willing to look to God for
forgiveness and his gracious supply.
Plainly, Scripture is the only reliable guide we have to function properly
as a human in a broken world. Philosophy and psychology give partial
insights, based on human experience, but they fall far short of what the
Word of God can do. It is not intended to replace human knowledge or effort,
but is designed to supplement and correct them. Surely the most hurtful
thing pastors and leaders of churches can do to their people is to deprive
them of firsthand knowledge of the Bible. The exposition of both Old and New
Testaments from the pulpit, in class rooms and small group meetings is the
first responsibility of church leaders. They are “stewards of the mysteries
of God” and must be found faithful to the task of distribution. This
uniqueness of Scripture is the reason that all true human discovery in any
dimension must fit within the limits of divine disclosure. Human knowledge
can never outstrip divine revelation.
The remaining verses of chapter 4 (vv. 14–16) properly belong with the
subject of chapter 5 and will be considered there. Thus far we have seen
that Jesus is far greater than any angel, eclipses Moses as the spokesman of
God, and leads believers into a far superior rest than Joshua led Israel
into. In chapter 5, we are introduced to the major theme of Hebrews: the
high priesthood of Jesus. He is superior in every respect to the priesthood
of Aaron, and encompasses a ministry which the Old Testament only faintly
shadowed in the mysterious ministry of Melchizedek to Abraham. (Stedman,
Ray: Hebrews IVP New Testament Commentary Series
or
Logos)
><>><>><>
Pierced by the Word of God
A Meditation on
Hebrews 4:12
John Piper
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.
The term "word of God" may mean a word spoken by God without a human
mouthpiece. But in the New Testament it regularly means a word or a message
that a human speaks on God's behalf. So, for example, in Heb 13:7 it says,
"Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and
considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith."
So the "word of God" in Heb 4:12 probably refers to the truth of God revealed
in Scripture that humans speak to each other with reliance on God's help to
understand it and apply it.
"Living and active."
The word of God is not a dead word or an ineffective word. It has life in
it. And because it has life in it, it produces effects. There is something
about the Truth, as God has revealed it, that connects it to God as a source
of all life and power. God loves his word. He is partial to his word. He
honors his word with his presence and power. If you want your teaching or
witness to have power and produce effects, stay close to the revealed word
of God.
Sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of
soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow.
What does this living and effective word do? It pierces. For what purpose?
To divide. To divide what? Soul and spirit. What does that mean?
The writer gives an analogy: it's like dividing joints and marrow. Joints
are the thick, hard, outer part of the bone. Marrow is the soft, tender,
living, inner part of the bone. That is an analogy of "soul and spirit." The
word of God is like a sword that is sharp enough to cut right through the
outer, hard, tough part of a bone to the inner, soft, living part of the
bone. Some swords, less sharp, may strike a bone and glance off and not
penetrate. Some swords may penetrate part way through the tough, thick joint
of a bone. But a very sharp, powerful double-edged sword (sharp on each side
of the point) will penetrate the joint all the way to the marrow.
"Soul and spirit" are like "bone joint and bone marrow." "Soul" is that
invisible dimension of our life that we are by nature. "Spirit" is what we
are by supernatural rebirth. Jesus said, "That which is born of the flesh is
flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (Jn 3:6). Without the
awakening, creative, regenerating work of the Spirit of God in us we are
merely "natural" rather than "spiritual" (1Co 2:14-15). So the "spirit" is
that invisible dimension of our life that we are by the regenerating work of
the Spirit.
What then is the point saying that the "word of God" pierces to the
"division of soul and spirit"? The point is that it's the word of God that
reveals to us our true selves. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Are we
born of God and spiritually alive, or are we deceiving ourselves and
spiritually dead? Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual
thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions. Only the
"word of God" can "judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" as
Heb4:12 says.
Practically speaking, when we read or hear "the word of God," we sense
ourselves pierced. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is
spirit or not. Is there marrow and life in our bones? Or are we only a
"skeleton" with no living marrow? Is there "spirit," or only "soul"? The
word of God pierces deep enough to show us the truth of our thoughts and our
motives and our selves.
Give yourselves to this word of God in the Bible. Use it to know yourself
and confirm your own spiritual life. If there is life, there will be love
and joy and a heart to obey the word. Give yourself to this word so that
your words become the word of God for others and reveal to them their own
spiritual condition. Then in the wound of the word, pour the balm of the
word. (Pierced
By the Word of God :Desiring God)
><>><>><>
Sigmund Freud and the Word of God
- Few thinkers in recent times have
exerted so pervasive an influence as Sigmund Freud. Although he claimed to
be an atheist, he continually speculated about religious issues as if
subconsciously haunted by the God whom he denied.
When Freud turned 35, his father sent him a copy of the Hebrew Scriptures he
had given to him when he was a boy. Sigmund had read and studied that book,
at least for a while. Enclosed in that worn copy of the Scriptures was a
note from the elder Freud reminding his son that “the Spirit of the Lord
began to move you and spoke within you:
‘Go read in My Book
that
I’ve written and there will burst open for you the wellsprings of
understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.’”
His father expressed the hope that
Sigmund might, as a mature man, once again read and obey God’s law. We have
no evidence, however, that Freud took to heart his father’s exhortation. How
different his life and influence might have been if he had!
><>><>><>
The Robber - When evangelist John
Wesley (1703-1791) was returning home from a service one night, he was
robbed. The thief, however, found his victim to have only a little money and
some Christian literature.
As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out,
“Stop! I have something more to give
you.”
The surprised robber
paused.
“My friend,” said Wesley, “you may live
to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here’s something to remember:
‘The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!’”
The thief hurried
away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit.
Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was
approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn that this visitor, now a
believer in Christ as a successful businessman, was the one who had robbed
him years before!
“I owe it all to you,” said the
transformed man.
“Oh no, my friend,” Wesley exclaimed,
“not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all
sin!”
God's Word is an arrow
that never misses its mark. (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
><>><>><>
First In Our Lives - Actor Sylvester Stallone is applauded for his
strongman movie roles as Rocky and Rambo. But what is he really like in his
personal life? During an interview he honestly admitted, "If I were watching
a home movie of my life, I would shake my head in despair and wonderment.
It's a comedy of errors."
Suppose a movie were made of your life or mine. Would it reveal not only
errors and poor choices but also a sinful person who doesn't even act like a
follower of Christ? Would we be ashamed of some scenes? Would we be
motivated, as Stallone says he was, to shift our values and start paying
attention to "relationships . . . and putting someone else first"?
Jesus wants to be the "someone else" in our lives whom we put first (Matthew
6:24-note,
Mt 6:33-note). But how do we do that? It starts with confession of any sin that
is between us and Him, and then experiencing the Lord's cleansing and
forgiveness (Psalm 32:5-note). Then we are gradually changed by Him through the
work of the Holy Spirit and by the Word of God (Galatians 5:22-note,
Gal 5:23-note; Hebrews
4:12). If we make our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ our first
priority, He will make us into the kind of people He wants us to be
(Philippians 2:3, 4-
note,
Php 2:5, 6, 7-note,
Php 2:8-note). —Vernon C Grounds (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free. —Orr
The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to change the people of God.
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Sigmund Freud - Few thinkers in recent times have exerted so
pervasive an influence as Sigmund Freud. Although he claimed to be an
atheist, he continually speculated about religious issues as if
subconsciously haunted by the God whom he denied.
When Freud turned 35, his father sent him a copy of the Hebrew Scriptures he
had given to him when he was a boy. Sigmund had read and studied that book,
at least for a while. Enclosed in that worn copy of the Scriptures was a
note from the elder Freud reminding his son that “the Spirit of the Lord
began to move you and spoke within you: ‘Go read in My Book that I’ve
written and there will burst open for you the wellsprings of understanding,
knowledge, and wisdom.’”
His father expressed the hope that Sigmund might, as a mature man, once
again read and obey God’s law. We have no evidence, however, that Freud took
to heart his father’s exhortation. How different his life and influence
might have been if he had!
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One Verse - Which of the 31,173 verses in the Bible is your
favorite? And do you think that verse can make a difference in someone's
life?
God has used certain verses to make a remarkable impact on the world. For
example, the author of Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan, touched the lives of
thousands by preaching from John 6:37, "All that the Father gives Me will
come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out."
Noted reformer Martin Luther greatly influenced the course of church history
because of his understanding of Romans 1:17-note, "The just shall live by faith."
And missionary pioneer William Carey introduced the gospel to India after
being touched by the words of Isaiah 54:2, "Enlarge the place of your tent."
As a young person about to embark on my first overseas missionary venture, I
was moved, challenged, and comforted by Jeremiah 33:3. God used this verse
to remind me to call on Him because He had "great and mighty" things in
store for me.
Maybe a specific verse from Scripture has touched your heart in a special
way. Share that truth with others—because God's Word will always have an
impact. —Dave Branon (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power. —Wilkinson
One truth from the Bible is worth more than all the wisdom of man.
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J C Philpot...
February
10 - "For the word of God is quick and powerful." He 4:12 - What is
meant by the word of God being "quick?" That it moves with swiftness and
velocity? It is certainly said of God's word (Ps 147:15) that "it runs very
swiftly;" but that is not the meaning of the word "quick" in the text. It
there means "living," and corresponds with the expression (Acts 7:38)
"living oracles." It is an old English word signifying "living;" as in the
expression, "who shall judge the quick and the dead" (2Ti 4:1), that is, the
living and the dead. So we read of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram "going down
quick (that is, alive) into the pit" (Nu 16:30). So the Lord is said to have
"quickened (that is, made spiritually alive) those who were previously dead
in trespasses and sins" (Ep 2:1). The word "quick," then, does not mean
moving with velocity, but "living", or rather "communicating life", and thus
distinguished from the dead letter.
Truth, as it stands in the naked word of God, is lifeless and dead; and
as such, has no power to communicate what it has not in itself, that is,
life and power to the hearts of God's people. It stands there in so many
letters and syllables, as lifeless as the types by which they were printed.
But when the incarnate Word takes of the written word, and speaks it home
into the heart and conscience of a vessel of mercy, whether in letter or
substance, then he endues it with divine life, and it enters into the soul,
communicating to it a life that can never die. As James speaks, "Of his own
will begat he us with the word of truth." And also Peter, "Being born again,
not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which
lives and abides forever" (1Pe 1:23). Eternal realities are brought into the
soul, fixed and fastened by an Almighty hand. The conscience is made alive
in the fear of God; and the soul is raised up from a death in sin, or a
death in profession, to a life heavenly, new, and supernatural. (J. C.
Philpot. Daily Words for Zion's Wayfarers)
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A "Dangerous" Weapon
-
One Sunday evening at church a
short-term missionary reported on her overseas experiences and told about
crossing into a communist country. At the border, the guards asked, "Do you
have any guns, drugs, or Bibles?"
Although they probably hadn't read it, those communist border guards
apparently believed Hebrews 4:12. To them, the Bible was as dangerous as
guns and drugs. Guns injure and kill the body. Drugs alter and distort the
mind. The Bible exposes and destroys falsehood. But the Bible threatens more
than their religion of atheism. It threatens their place of power and
control over the people because it gives to the people what no government
can. The Bible enriches lives, instills hope, and frees the human spirit,
which makes it as threatening to an atheistic government as guns and drugs.
In Psalm 119, the psalmist refers to some of the powerful effects of the
Word of God on his life. It revives his soul (Ps 119:25-note); it imparts inner
strength (Ps 119:28-note); it guides him into truth (Ps
119:30-note); and it enlarges his
heart (Ps 119:32-note).
We who are blessed with both the Old and New Testaments have God's full and
final written revelation of Himself. When we meditate on the truths of this
powerful book, we experience its impact on our lives by the indwelling Holy
Spirit, who makes it real to us.
Guns, drugs, and the Bible all wield power, but only the Bible destroys what
is false and builds what is true. —D. J. De Haan (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
No weapon in Satan's arsenal can destroy the sword of the Spirit,
which is
the Word of God.
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Changed By The Book -He was trouble. He lived in a home for orphans, but he
didn't like it. He was disobedient and miserable, so he ran away. When he
did, he took with him the Bible his housemother had given him.
Several years later, the young man returned to the home he had abandoned. He
told the people that while he was gone, he had begun reading the Bible. "Now
I want to accept Christ," he told his astonished listeners.
What a remarkable book the Bible is! Read by a hurting and troubled young
man, this Book was used by God's Spirit to show him his need for salvation.
We live in a world that needs what the Bible offers. People need to read its
words of comfort, hope, cleansing, and joy. They need to discover in its
pages the good news of salvation in Christ.
Not everyone who reads God's Word turns to Christ. Jesus made this clear in
the parable of the sower (Lk. 8:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15). We are to be sowers of God's Word,
but we don't decide who will receive it. Our job is to scatter the seed.
Maybe you've been looking for a good witnessing tool and never thought that
God's Word is the answer. Why not give a Bible to those you want to reach.
Then watch what happens. They can be changed by His Book. —Dave Branon (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
The world's greatest Book is the Bible,
Its words are inspired and true;
Some may have scorned as they read it
But found their lives changed and made new. --Byer
God's Word is an arrow that never misses its mark
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The Big Questions - Author Ronald B. Schwartz asked scores of
well-known contemporary writers to name the books that influenced them most
deeply. Their responses ranged from the novels of Dostoevsky to the popular
stories of Mark Twain. The works of Dickens, Shakespeare, and Faulkner were
mentioned many times. But topping the list was the Bible. Why?
Perhaps because most writers want to deal with the "big questions" of life,
and the Bible is the ultimate book for life's big questions: Who am I? Why
am I here? Is there a God? Does life have any meaning or purpose?
The pages of Scripture bring us face to face with ourselves, with God, and
with His grand design for our lives. The Bible, according to the late
journalist Malcolm Muggeridge, is "the book that reads me." The writer of
Hebrews said, "The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the
heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
When we read the Bible, God speaks personally and powerfully to us about the
big questions that matter most in life. David C. McCasland (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
What is the meaning of life here on earth?
What is its purpose, and what is its worth?
God has the answers in His holy book;
That is the first and the best place to look. —Hess
The Bible is God's answer book.
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Change The Word? - The Bible, God's written Word, changes lives.
Its message of salvation makes the most profound change, of course, but
Scripture can also change the way we treat others. It can provide a firm
foundation for society with its clear teachings on institutions such as
marriage, family, and the church.
But what happens when what the Bible clearly says—as understood for
centuries by learned believers and scholars alike—is rejected? Those who
reject its teachings try to change the Word.
Two Greek words can help explain this: eisegesis and exegesis.
Eisegesis is
the process of reading into a passage something that is not there—inserting
a meaning that flows from a personal agenda. By contrast, exegesis means
drawing from the passage the clearly intended meaning, using context, other
Scripture passages on the same topic, and legitimate tools of understanding
such as Bible commentaries.
Instead of trying to change God's Word to fit our own ideas, let's allow the
Word to change us. As we read His Word and obey it, the Holy Spirit will
transform us into the kind of people God wants us to be.
Don't change the Word—let it change you.—Dave Branon (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
The Lord has given man His Word,
His will He has made known;
Let man not try to change that Word
With words that are his own. —D. De Haan
The Bible—eternal truth and never-fading beauty.
><>><>><>
Excuses - Unbelief, indifference, busyness, and laziness are some
of the excuses people give for not reading the Bible. Gamaliel Bradford, a
renowned American biographer who explored the lives and motives of famous
individuals, candidly admitted, "I do not read the New Testament for fear of
its awakening a storm of anxiety and self-reproach and doubt and dread of
having taken the wrong path, of having been traitor to the plain and simple
God."
Fear of facing up to failure, guilt and sin is not a very reasonable reason
to avoid reading the Bible! It's about as irrational as refusing to see a
doctor because there's a suspicion that cancer has started to develop in
one's body.
Yes, the Bible does indeed compel us to face ourselves. It is like an x-ray
machine that penetrates below the facade of goodness and shows up any
spiritual malignancy. It enables us to see how God views all the worst
diseases of the soul. But the Bible does more than expose a fatal condition.
It introduces us to the Great Physician, who can cure our sin and bring
spiritual healing.
If you read the Bible with a willingness to obey the truth, you will find
life's greatest cure. Vernon C. Grounds (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
Instill within our hearts, dear Lord,
A deep desire to know Your voice;
We need to learn to hear
Your Word That we may make
Your will our choice. - Dennis J. De Haan
Many people criticize the bible because the bible criticizes them
><>><>><>
The Big Questions - Author Ronald B.
Schwartz asked scores of well-known contemporary writers to name the books
that influenced them most deeply. Their responses ranged from the novels of
Dostoevsky to the popular stories of Mark Twain. The works of Dickens,
Shakespeare, and Faulkner were mentioned many times. But topping the list
was the Bible. Why?
Perhaps because most writers want to deal with the "big questions" of life,
and the Bible is the ultimate book for life's big questions: Who am I? Why
am I here? Is there a God? Does life have any meaning or purpose?
The pages of Scripture bring us face to face with ourselves, with God, and
with His grand design for our lives. The Bible, according to the late
journalist Malcolm Muggeridge, is "the book that reads me." The writer of
Hebrews said, "The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the
heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
When we read the Bible, God speaks personally and powerfully to us about the
big questions that matter most in life. —David C. McCasland (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by
permission. All rights reserved)
What is the meaning of life here on earth?
What is its purpose, and what is its worth?
God has the answers in His holy book;
That is the first and the best place to look. —Hess
The Bible is God's answer book.
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F B Meyer in his chapter
entitled
