I blew it on Monday’s blog in which we discussed the Christian soldier’s one offensive weapon in spiritual warfare, the Word of God, called our sword. An analysis of Hebrews 4:12 was done as it details key characteristics of God’s word (For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart). To achieve my analysis, my subject matter reference was sermon notes. After the blog was published, I did a deep dive study on my own and discovered the first two characteristics (“alive” and “active”) were not accurately analyzed. The purpose of today’s blog is to sort out the truth.
According to Greek scholar, Kenneth Wuest, the first characteristic of God’s word in Hebrews 4:12, “alive,” is translated “as the tense indicates, constantly alive.” When you approach the Word of God whether it is to read, study, memorize or meditate, never forget that it is the “living word, constantly alive” and not just letters on the page. 1 Peter 1:23 states this way, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” We “have been born again” as the result of the “imperishable seed through the living and enduring word of God.” The word of God brings us into the life of God. Whether you hear it or read it, you will discover the word is constantly alive.
There is an adjective introduced in 1 Peter 1:23 about the living word. This word is “enduring” meaning it will stay with you through the thick and the thin. If you are in the midst of darkness, a really tough trial or paying the consequences of sin, the “enduring word” is constantly actively living within you helping you sort out the truth.
The 2nd characteristic of the Word in Hebrews 4:12 is “active” and is the origin of our word, “energy”. The passion or energy shown by Christians because of the living word inside of them impacted the Roman world. God’s word has not changed. I am afraid it is us who has changed getting caught up in the cares, harshness, and the speed of our world. Let the word of God energize you.
Don’t you enjoy being around people that have an enthusiasm for life? Did you know the word “enthuse” originates from two Greek words “en” and “theos” or “in God?” Being “in God” and knowing his living, energy producing word should create a zest, a dynamic and a purpose that others do not have.
On Monday, we discussed the Word of God and its “dynamite” effect on our lives. As a result of my studies, I discovered that God’s “dynamite power” is used 120 times in the New Testament. We will discuss this in my blog on Friday.
“Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Jesus prayed to His Father the following prayer for us, “Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Stay in the living, energizing, enduring word and grow.
Barnabas Man 