Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.
In our opening scripture, we find the Word of God to be alive, powerful and sharper than a sword which has two edges. Even though powerful, the Word of God, at times, can be rendered weak and ineffective. You might ask, how so?
Open your Bible to Mark 7:1-16. We find the Pharisees and some scribes being upset when the disciples ate their food without first washing their hands. This washing of hands wasn’t to keep germs and sickness away, but rather a tradition which was handed down by their ancestors.
They questioned Jesus about His disciples not holding this tradition. Jesus refers to Isaiah 29:13 and says this was referring to them. In their words they seem to be close to God, but their true desire and intention is far from God.
He then goes on to state a commandment God gave, for which they make an exception, if someone follows one of their traditions. In other words, the Pharisees said you can keep the tradition we made if someone found that better then following the command of God. In doing this, they make “the word of God of none effect.”
As powerful as the word of God is, it can be made obsolete by tradition. I personally made the Word of God without effect in my life by following a tradition. Growing up I was told you went to a Priest to confess your sins. In doing this, I was not practicing the following scriptures:
Hebrews 4:14-16
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
I John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
In going to a man and confessing my sins, I was not going to the Lord Jesus and confessing my sins. I wouldn’t go “boldy” before the throne of God and talk to Him. In turn, I followed a tradition which kept the Word of God from being powerful in my life. I was missing out on the true forgiveness of sins which comes from God.
I believe we would all like to have the Word of God have an effect on our lives. How can we ensure we are not taking away the power of the Word?
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
When we open up the Bible for ourselves, we gain a knowledge of the Word. Gaining knowledge, we will find there may be some ways we feel we are pleasing God, in reality, are not in His Word. We learn the proper way to come to him which allows the Word of God to be alive and powerful in our lives.
Today, why not make a commitment to open your Bible for yourself. Learn of the promises God has for you in your life.
For more information on learning the Word of God, feel free to reach out to us at truth@northwoodswi.org to learn of our many options to aide in gaining knowledge of the Bible.
