Key Verse: Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even the to division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” So far we have learned that the Word of God living, able to meet us where we are. Effective to accomplish all that God desires to accomplish, and that included encouraging us and condemning us. Today we will learn that the Word of God is sharp. What does this mean? This seems like such a strange illustration until you remember what the Jewish Christians are afraid of. They are afraid of facing the executioners sword. They fear physical death and physical judgment. Here they are reminded of the same truth that Jesus speak in Matthew 10:28. There Jesus told his listeners that they should not fear those who can kill the body and nothing more, but instead they should fear those who can cast the body in hell. Here the Word of God is described as something that cuts deeper than just the physical. It cuts just as deep as the executioner sword can in the physical world. Yet, it is still sharper then any two edged sword because it can divide soul and spirit. The sentence God can give a person by just speaking a word is something that is far more fearsome than any sentence a king, judge, or terrorist could give on this earth. This serves as a reminder that even in the midst of persecution we must remain faithful to God in spite of the earthly consequences. The true Christians remain faithful in the face of persecution while the false Christians fade away when difficulties arise. Those who prove themselves unfaithful will face the just judgment of God. Remain faithful today! God’s judgment on sin and on unbelief is far more fearsome than any judgment on earth!
