Photo Credit: Snufkin
Key Verse
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than
any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both
joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the
heart. Hebrews 4:12 (WEB)
Lesson
Note: This lesson is
best demonstrated by showing how much more easily a sharp knife cuts than a
dull. Use each knife to slice through a piece of paper pointing out the ease
with which the sharp knife works. This is best done just after saying the old
saying, “a sharp knife, is a safe knife” third paragraph.
The Bible says God’s word is sharper than any two-edge
sword. Some translations say a two edged dagger which is a kind of knife. Of
course you know what a sword is, but we don't use them much anymore. A
pocketknife is much more familiar to most of us. If not, a kitchen knife surely
is. The thing about knives is that they have the same basic purpose as
swords—cutting. So why does Paul compare God’s Word to a sword or knife? Well,
it is rather simple.
A knifes sole purpose is to cut, to penetrate, to divide. It
is used to get to the center or heart of something. It is also used to separate
into parts. This is the same purpose of God’s Word, the Bible. It gets to the
center, to the heart of people. It gets in behind the mask we put up. It gets
to the root of our being. It separates the good from the bad, the light from
the dark. It shows us sins we have tried to cover up, negative habits we try to
excuse away. It helps us discern truth from error.
Have you ever felt like a verse in the Bible really hit home
with you? Have you felt like a Bible truth struck to the core of what you were
feeling? The thing about a knife is that to really work it must be sharp. In
fact there is an old, wise saying that goes “a sharp knife, is a safe knife”.
This is true because a sharp knife is actually easier to use than a dull one
and makes it less likely that you will use so much force you slip and cut
yourself.
Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s Word is even sharper than a
very sharp knife. We might even say it is shaper than a razor blade. This is
because a knife or razor can only cut physical things. But God’s Word can cut
through spiritual things. It can cut through our soul to remove hurt and bring
healing. It can cut through lies and get to the truth. It can cut away the bad
parts of our character. It can pierce through all the shields we put up to hide
our true selves. God’s Word cuts through to our deepest thoughts and intentions
to bring them into the Light. To show us that we are sinners and that only
faith in Jesus can redeem us.
Questions
Have you ever felt God’s Word at work in your life cutting
away or exposing unwanted things? Would you like to share?
Can you think of an example it the Bible that seems to be
sharp? How about Romans 3:10?
How can we use God’s Word the Bible as a knife to discern
truth from error?