The Powerful and Living Word of God
Scripture: Hebrews 4:12
Sermon preached at Gospel Light Christian Church, Singapore
by Pastor Dr Paul Choo
on 09 January 2005
Scripture: Hebrews 4:12
Introduction: GLCC is a Fundamental church because it stands on the “fundamentals” of the Word of God. The word “fundamental” comes from the root word which means “foundational.” In other words, we stand on the foundational truths of the Bible. While it may seem obvious that all Christians should base their beliefs on the Bible, this is not the case. While almost all “Christians” claim to base their beliefs on what is taught in the Bible, many place “church traditions,” eg. Roman Catholics (Matthew 15:3) and personal experiences, eg. Charismatics, on par with bible truths.
Today, the term “fundamentalist” has been hijacked by militant religionists who kill others who do not agree with them. Therefore, we prefer to be called “bible-believing Christians” – though we are more accurately “bible-believing, bible-defending” Christians.
Today, Christianity is divided into the “Fundamentalists” who emphasize the Bible truths and the “Charismatics” who emphasize the Holy Spirit. Those who emphasize either one without the other are in danger of error.
Dr James Singleton said: “If we have the Word of God without the Spirit of God, we dry up. If we have the Spirit of God without the Word of God, we blow up. But if we have the Word of God and the Spirit of God, we grow up!”
GLCC is a Bible-believing church but are we indeed Bible-believing Christians? Do we know the Bible? Have we even read it through once? I am sure that we do not want to be hypocrites who say one thing and do another! Today, I want to encourage you to read the Book of books by telling you, from Hebrews 4:12, that the Bible is among other books, like God is among other gods!
“For the Word of God…” – The Word of God can refer either to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Living Word (John 1:1,2) or to the Bible, which is the Written Word of God. “Words” are used to describe. We cannot conceptualize without words. Both the Lord Jesus and the Bible reveal God – the former by His life and the latter by its words and illustrations. Therefore, this verse can refer to either the Lord or the Bible equally accurately. Today, I will speak of the “Inspired Word” rather than the “Incarnate Word.”
“…is quick…” – In present-day English, the word “quick” means “speedy.” In old English, it means “alive” or “living.” The Bible is “living” in several different ways. Firstly, it is living because it has continued to be used to this day. In fact, it is the most popular book in the world for hundreds of years. Only a handful of ancient books continue to be in print today, and only One remains at the top of the “popularity list” all these centuries. Secondly, it is living because every attempt to destroy it has failed (eg. the Roman Catholic Inquisition, Communism). Thirdly, it is living because its truths are not outdated with the passing of time but continue to be truths (not outdated “truths”) for each succeeding generation. Fourthly, it is living because even on an individual basis it does not become too “childish” as we become “mature” Christians. Fifthly and most importantly, it is living because it imparts spiritual life to the reader. I was personally saved by reading the first three chapters of the Gospel of John. The words of the Bible to me were like Jesus’ words to Lazarus! The words in the Bible are described as “life-giving seed” (Psalm 126:6). I am sure that this is the personal testimony of many here. Therefore, we need to “sow” this life-giving seed! Though the words of the Bible look like “dead seed,” they are alive!
“…and powerful….” – The word “powerful” means that it is full of powerful energy. It is true that every thing that we read has the power to influence us but the difference between the power of other books and the Bible is the difference between the power of a flashlight and the sun. The most powerful and eloquent orator using his own choice words cannot change life as the weakest stammering speaker using a single verse of the Bible. I was saved by reading the Bible – without a preacher to help. There was obviously a great power that gripped me, turned me 180 degrees from my agnostic rebellion against God and opened my “eyes” to my selfish sinfulness and to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior (Ecclesiastes 8:4). Therefore, it is good that people hear the Word, even if they do not seem like they will respond to what they hear. We must trust in the power of the Bible more than the power of our persuasion, or the power of the listener to change. It is indeed “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17).
“…and sharper…” – When an instrument is very sharp (eg. edge of a thin sheet of plastic) it often cuts us without us realizing we have been cut. When we read God’s Word, God often deals with our sins without us realizing it (Ephesians 5:26), God “operates” on us with His Word like a skillful surgeon gently and painlessly removing every cancerous tumor in our bodies.
“…than any twoedged sword…” – A one-edged sword is blunt on one side but a two-edged one is sharp whichever way it is used. There are many portions of the Bible that seem “ineffective” to us and we often wonder why it is a part of the Bible. But we are told that “all scripture….is profitable” (2Timothy 3:16). Even the genealogy passages with repeated “and he died’s” have been used to wake people to realize their mortality and trust in the Lord. My wife was saved by reading the “judgments” in the first few chapters of the Book of Revelation. Though all scripture is profitable, it does not necessarily mean that all parts of the Bible are equally profitable. Certain portions are more important (eg. Romans is important because it teaches us about the vital topic of salvation) and yet again, certain other portions are more important at different times (eg. verses of comfort at a time of sorrow).
“…piercing…marrow…” – We are usually resistant to making changes in our lives, so we “wrap” ourselves with stubbornness, prejudice and self-righteousness. Therefore, it is usually futile to try to persuade someone (or ourselves) to make life-changes. However, the Word of God is able to pierce through all the “wrappings of our resistance” and change us from the inside, ie, the marrow (which is the innermost part of our bodies).
“…dividing asunder of the soul and spirit…” – The “soul” refers to the “natural non-physical nature” of man. The “spirit’ refers to the “spiritual non-physical nature” of man. In terms of definition, it is fairly easy to differentiate the two. However, in reality we have a hard time differentiating whether we are living carnally or spiritually because of our ability to cover our carnal actions with spiritual reasons. However, the Word can “tear off the spiritual camouflage” and expose the carnality of our actions.
“…discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart…” – When a preacher preaches from the Bible regarding a sin, listeners often feel that someone had told the preacher about their “secret” sin. So, they feel angry against the imaginary “tale-bearer” and “vindictive pastor” who attacked them.
Conclusion: The Word of God – both the Living Word and the Written Word – is the most precious gift that God has given to us.
Don’t receive the Living Word and ignore the Written Word! Read your Bible!