Based on Hebrews 4:12, we know that God’s Word remains relevant for today because it’s alive. And, we know it’s a means God uses to work in people’s lives because it’s active. Did you also notice how accurately it zeros in on and addresses our deepest needs?
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Heb. 4:12)
Metaphor that Shows How the Word of God is Accurate
Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as sharper than any double-edged sword. That metaphor lets us know that …
the Bible pierces deep into the inner part and exposes what’s there.
Like a sword, which has a sharp point, the Word “penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow” so it accurately targets what’s truly happening. Since our inner being is so intertwined, we humans have a difficult time distinguishing between soul and spirit but God, through His Word, pinpoints the precise need, motivation, attitude, or thought. Consequently, it is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).
the Bible cuts to the core of the matter and gets it right every time.
As a double-edged sword can cut from either direction, so the Word cuts away all our excuses, denials, and disbelief and leaves us with the choice to either follow the Lord or not.
Often metaphors used to describe that which relates to an eternal, infinite God tend to fall short. So it is with using a double-edged sword to illustrate the way God uses Scripture. Hence, we must make sure to include the part about how it is “sharper than” a double-edged sword, of “any” double-edged sword. The powerful effect of God’s Word goes beyond our ability to fully understand or describe.
Teach the Bible Like the Powerfully Accurate Book It Is
Though we may not be able to fully grasp just how God uses His Word, we can trust Him to use it in students’ lives even when we don’t see or understand how He’s using it (Isa. 55:11). We just need to remain faithful in preparing and presenting Bible lessons as “a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
Of course, when we truly believe how powerful God’s Word is, prayer will be critical throughout the entire teaching process from preparation to follow-up and everything in-between.
We will want students to grasp how Scripture addresses their deepest needs. We can do that by not only teaching what the Bible says but also sharing how God uses it by …
- testifying about how God has used the Scripture being learned in our own life.
- illustrating (verbal story or video clip) how God worked it out in another person’s life.
- incorporating time for students to share what God is teaching them through it.
And, then be sure to celebrate what God does in and through the teaching of His powerful Word, giving thanks to Him and praising His glorious name!