READ Hebrews 4

Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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.”

The Bible is a precious book in every way.  It has been described as God's love letter to mankind. 

The importance of the Bible is seen in its message of eternal life, as Paul stated in 2 Timothy 3:15, "...that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."  

The Bible is God breathed, therefore it has come directly from Him and is profitable for us all, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."  

It is through the Bible that faith grows, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

 In today's verse we are given a thorough description of the inherent power within the Word of God.  It is quick (living), it is powerful (energized and active), it is sharp (cutting keenly), and it is precise (dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow), and it is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of your heart.  The word "discerner" speaks of the skilled judgment found in the Bible.  Nothing can examine our hearts and clearly capture its condition like the Word of God.  It reveals how we think and what we are meditating upon.

 How do we take these truths and get the most benefit from the Word of God?  Read the Bible, study the Bible, embrace the Bible as coming from God, live the Bible, and trust the Bible.  For it is God's: 

          (B)asic

          (I)nstruction

          (B)efore

          (L)eaving

          (E)arth

Yes, the Bible is a precious book in every way.  Don't neglect it or reject it. It will mold and shape you into the person God intended you to be all along.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Describe what Hebrews 4:12 means to you.  What is God saying about His Word? 

2.  If the things of this verse are true, then what is the key to your getting more out of the Bible?

3.  How is the Bible a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of your heart?

4.  What does the word “quick” mean as it relates to the Word of God as spoken in this verse?