The following verse is often used to describe Scripture's supernatural authority and spiritual impact when we study God's Word ...
For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
There is yet another application. When a man of God is called to shepherd the flock as a teacher, pastor, evangelist, or missionary ... divinely inspired messages addressing the spiritual condition and need of the hearer come forth. A preacher who has surrendered his life to Christ will always deliver sermons that are built upon the truths found in Scripture.
The Lord's directives for those who are unswerving in their calling are not taken lightly ... Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2)
The impact is undeniable.
You feel exposed when you 'hear' the inerrant Word of God proclaimed. You may dodge and twist under anointed preaching but you cannot evade the Holy Spirit's sifting of your soul. God gets to the marrow of every secret thought and motive.
All the ways of a person are clean in his own sight, but the Lord examines the motives. Proverbs 16:2
You can pretend that your decisions in life are made with God in mind, and even convince yourself that your heart is in the right place ... when in reality, you have an egocentric purpose for every thought, word, and deed.
He is not fooled by selfish motives.
1. If no one ever knew that I give, serve, or sacrifice ... would I still do it?
2. If there was no tangible payoff ... would I do it?
3. Am I doing it for the praise of others?
4. Do I judge what I do based on obedience or how it compares with someone else's service?
When you give an outward appearance of obeying God but your intent is not pure, the only way to correct the situation is to ... Walk in the Spirit, so you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)
If you surrender control of every facet of your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, your heart's desire will be to please Him alone.
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