For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

                                                                                                             Hebrews 4:12 

The sword of the Spirit is the word of God and rightly so. Today’s passage reminds us of how powerful the written word actually is and what it is capable of accomplishing.

First, the word of God (the Bible) is living and active. No other book ever known to mankind is equivalent to the Bible. It is a living book. No matter how many times we look into its pages, there is always something for us to discover. This is one of the reasons that I love studying scripture. As we read the words on the page, we encounter the living God speaking directly to us in all things pertaining to life and eternity. I can think of no greater thrill than to spend time alone with God, enjoying His presence, and listening to His words. I recommend that when we read the Bible, we do so out loud. I know that is not always practical but when we are having those times alone with Him, hearing the spoken word brings a whole new level of power and understanding. Try it sometime!

In addition to being living, the Bible is also active, meaning that it is effective. I believe that this is why so many people avoid the Bible. No other book seems to foster two such opposite reactions, one that cherishes and feeds on the word and the other that rejects and avoids it. People who create their own spiritual paradigm will usually avoid this living and active book. They know that it may reveal something that does not agree with their created beliefs. Therefore, by reading the word and hearing the truth, they would either have to conform or reject that truth. The Bible is living and it is effective in speaking to the very hearts of man.

Secondly, the Bible is described to be sharper than any two-edged sword. That fits well with Paul’s use of the Bible as the “sword of the Spirit.” It is how God speaks to mankind. But just as a physical sword has the ability to cut deep into our flesh, this spiritual sword has the power to cut deep into our hearts, minds, and souls. The words of scripture are living and active and entirely capable of doing the work necessary for salvation and spiritual transformation to take place. That is why I believe that the enemy would like nothing more than to convince churches to abandon the teaching of scripture and substitute it with clever sayings and catchy phrases. When preaching and teaching are taking place, ask yourself, “How much Bible teaching is going on during this message or presentation?” “How much of the message is that of the speaker and how much is that of God’s word?” It is vital that the church remain focused on scripture or return (if needed) to sound biblical instruction as the foundation for the teaching ministry of the church.

Finally, the Bible has the ability to judge the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. When we think, say, act, and believe certain ways, it is the Bible that holds the standard for measuring whether or not those thoughts, motives, attitudes, or actions are consistent with what God would want for His people. This is what we call conviction. This is when we read the word of God and compare our response to it. If our lifestyle is consistent with that of scripture, then we can know that we are moving in the right spiritual direction. When are lives do not line up with the instructions found in the word, then we have a choice to either change our behavior or continue on the same path. Again, I believe that this is why so many people avoid scripture. In order to live a comfortable, ungodly lifestyle, one must avoid all contact with the truth, including reading the Bible, going to church, and associating with Christians. Consider Jesus’ words concerning this issue:

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

                                                                                                         John 3:19-21 (NIV) 

As believers, the written word is the primary mode in which we hear directly from God. This is done through the Spirit. Spending time with God and His word everyday will have a tremendous impact on the life of anyone who will make this privilege a priority.

Taking up the sword of the Spirit means:

1. Using scripture to defend against the lies of the enemy
2. Understanding that the Bible is a living, active, effective, and powerful book