HEALTHY CHURCH: ONE THAT STUDIES
HEBREWS 4:12-13
INTRODUCTION
READ HEBREWS 4:12-13
I. DESCRIPTION OF THE WORD OF GOD
I must confess that I love this passage because it is so descriptive about God’s Word. We have in this passage a wonderful picture of God’s Word and its purposes in our lives. The Scriptures are described as four things.
First, it is described as ’living.’ One of the first thoughts that we might have is, how is something, like the Bible, either alive or dead? That makes no sense. People and animals are living. Books are inanimate objects and therefore do not live. I then had a thought. I remembered that the Latin language, which some of you may have taken in high school, is described as a ’dead’ language. Why is that? Why that title? Latin is considered a ’dead language’ because it is no longer actively spoken or written anywhere in the world and there are no native speakers of Latin in the world. Latin is not able to change in anyway to accommodate new words or phrases. It has its uses, but for most people, Latin has no use (colfa.utsa.edu/drinka/pie/lang_latin.htm). For these reasons, the Latin language is considered ’dead’ and I hope that by seeing this, we can see how God’s Word might be considered ’living.’ The Word of God is the complete opposite!
* The Word of God reaches all people at all times and is not bound to any one language.
* The Word of God is actively used by Christians all over the world and is an essential part of Christian living.
* The Word of God is able to speak to situations and moral dilemmas that were not even dreamed of when it was
written.
Second, the Word of God is described as active. What does that mean? This same word is used only three times in the New Testament and the other uses can help us understand what it means here in Hebrews. In 1 Corinthians 16:9, Paul says that a door for service has been opened for him in Ephesus and it will be ’effective’ service. The book of Philemon (1:6) records that Paul’s prayer for Philemon is that his faith would be ’effective.’ The picture that we get is that the Word of God is active and effective for those who read it. We know this to be true. God’s Word can change hearts. God’s Word can soften someone’s spirit. It is active and effective in people’s lives. God’s Word changes attitudes and actions and is an active force in someone coming to believe in Jesus.
Third, the Word of God is described as heart-dissecting. A double edged sword is a sword that has a sharp edge on both sides of the blade. It can cut up and down. Most of the steak knives and other knives that you have at home in your kitchen are single-edged and only cut in one direction.
ILLUSTRATION... A double edged sword [you will need a big double-edged sword for this]
[Hold up the sword, show it, swing it, explain about the sword and relate to the verses]
I have here, a double edged sword. This is what you are to think of when reading this passage.
The Word of God is just like this sword. This sword can penetrate anything that is needed and will find its target. This sword is sharp and will slice the finest materials. It is the same with the Word of God. The Word of God targets the heart of people and pricks truth into their souls. The Word of God can even divide the soul and spirit of a person, which most of us think are one and the same. The Word of God is described as heart-dissecting because God’s Word can indeed search your heart, find the target, and expose that which needs exposing.
Fourth, the Word of God is described as judging or discerning (maybe the better word). To me, this description of God’s Word makes the most sense. The Bible does in fact judge for us right and wrong, what is best, what is pleasing to God, what God’s desires are. The Bible does in fact show us when we are wrong, communicates to us the consequences of our sins, and describes for us over and over how not to live.
II. POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD
ILLUSTRATION... Reading Out of Context, www.ozsermonillustrations.com
A pastor was once approached by a young woman within his congregation. In a gushing voice she explained she had found the man she was to marry. The more he heard about this man however the more disturbed the pastor became. He shared few values with the young woman and did not have a Christian faith. Yet the young woman insisted that not only was he the man she would marry but that God had told her that he was the one. "And how did the Lord reveal this to you?" asked the pastor. "Oh" said the young woman, "well I had just finished praying about the matter when I opened my bible and read Matthew 16.24 - "If any man would come after me, let him". Now that is the power of God’s Word!
More than anything, I hope that you realize that the Word of God is powerful. Jeremiah 23:29 says, “’Is not my word like fire,’ declares the Lord, ’and like a hammer that breaks a rock into pieces.’” The Word of God has in it the most powerful words every written. These are the Words that communicate the news about Jesus Christ and what He has done for us! These are the Words, as Psalm 119:9 says, that will help us to keep our lives pure! There are the Words that speak the Truth about God and this life (John 17:17, 1 Peter 1:22)!
ILLUSTRATION... The Robber, Our Daily Bread, October 1, 1994
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!”
III. OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE WORD OF GOD
So what is to be our response to God’s Word? We know from Hebrews that God’s Word is living and active and heart-dissecting and discerning. We know from Hebrews and other passages that the Word of God is powerful. What is the application of this for us? What is the application for our church? My thought for you today is a very simple one: a healthy church is one that studies the Bible.
The mission statement of this church (found on the back of your bulletin) states, “To bring people into a
growing relationship with Jesus Christ which is characterized by a faith in God and knowledge of His Word that motivates them to become supporting members of His church, active in His service.” The center of this mission statement makes it clear that ’knowledge of His Word’ is essential for strong faith and a growing relationship with Jesus and a willingness to serve. I believe that to be true. Do you?
If you in fact believe that to be true:
* Then you will attend Wednesday Night Bible Study (it has 10, board meeting has 30)
* Then you will attend a ’How to Study the Bible’ class is offered, and more than 6 people will show
up
* Then you will attend Sunday School and we will have as many in Sunday School as we do in worship * Then you will study the Bible on your own ay home
And folks, these things aren’t happening. Our responsibility as Christians is to study the Word of God:
1) so that we know what His will is.
2) so that we know what we believe and why we believe it.
3) so that we can fight off temptation and sin.
4) so that we can teach our children and grandchildren about God.
5) so that we will know how to act in a world that tells us so many different things.
CONCLUSION
A healthy church is one that studies God’s Word on a consistent basis.
