THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

A man who experiences the Word of God as a sharpened sword will be transformed. It hews to pieces his old depraved life and awakens a new spirit within him.

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. Hebrews 4:12 

Martin Luther - The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold on me. It is alive in every part, and in every part keen to cut the conscience, and wound the heart. Depend on it, for there is not a superfluous verse in the Bible, nor a chapter that is useless. The Word of God is so sharp a thing, so full of cutting power, that you may be bleeding under its wounds before you have seriously suspected the possibility of such a thing. 

John's Gospel reveals that Jesus Christ is the Word ... 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:1-3,14

You cannot study the Bible without its having a life-changing influence ... 

C H Spurgeon - Why, the Book has wrestled with me; the Book has smitten me; the Book has comforted me; the Book has smiled on me; the Book has frowned on me; the Book has clasped my hand; the Book has warmed my heart. The Book weeps with me, and sings with me; it whispers to me, and it preaches to me; it maps my way, and holds up my goings; it is the Young Man’s Best Companion, and is still my morning and evening Chaplain.

When was the last time you felt the blade pierce your heart? Can you remember that moment when the steel ripped at your conscience and brought you to your knees? Has the sword made an indelible mark on your soul? 

If so ... you understand the power of God’s Word.