The Bible uses many figures of speech to describe itself such as seed, fire and in this passage a sword. God’s Word is sharper than any two-edged sword. See also Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 1:16 & Revelation 19:15.

1 – This sword is productive (vs. 12

The word “quick” does not mean fast. When translated it meant “to make alive”. The Word of God is living. Anything that is living can be productive. A physical cannot produce by itself unless it is in the hand of a person. The Bible is different, it can produce by itself. A physical sword will stab living people and make them dead. The Bible will stab dead people and make them alive.

• It is continually productive – It is “continually living”. The Word of God has been productive for a long time. It is contemporary even though it has been around for thousands of years. The Bible never goes out of print. The Bible never goes out of date. There is no need for an updated or revised edition. When people read the Bible their life can be changed. You can’t do that with a Maths book!
• It is completely productive – “It is sharper than a two edged sword”. This sword will cut the human heart. If you stay under the teaching of God’s Word it will change your life. It may take some time but it will cut through in the end. We can be stubborn but God’s Word will do the job. It is not the Christian’s job to change a person. God’s Word will change the person. We will see the weeds in our lives from the Word of God.
• It is powerful – “It is powerful” (Energising). It means “to work inside”. It really works on the inside. God’s sword starts cutting on the inside and moves out. This sword converts. See James 1:21. If you read the Bible it will bring you to salvation. This sword also comforts. See Psalm 1:19. When you have been through difficulties this sword will be a comfort to your soul. This sword will also cleanse. See John 17:17 & Psalm 119:9-11. Only one book will cleanse your soul. See Ephesians 5:26. What a powerful book is this double-edged sword of God.

2 – This is sword is penetrating (vs. 13)

This sword gets on the inside. It does not matter who you are.

• It penetrates sinners. You can use this sword to reach sinners. See Acts 2:37 “cut to the heart”.
• It will also penetrate saints. It goes deep. It will go to places that you never knew existed. It will explore and examine your life. It will look at why we do what we do. Our thought life is put on display. It is no wonder some don’t want to read the Bible! The Bible is a double-edged sword that goes deeper into our hearts. The Bible will examine our lives. What a sword! It will also expose us. (vs. 13). This sword will catch up with you. You can’t get away from it. It is like having a knife to your throat. You have to stand eye to eye with God. There is no way you can hide or run away from God if you read this sword.
• This sword will also penetrate Satan. Satan tried to tempt Satan and Jesus used the Word of God to defeat Satan. This same Word of God will come out of Jesus’ mouth in the book of Revelation. See Psalm 149:6. Let the Devil bring his best shot at you. You can’t lose if you trust in Jesus and carry in your hand the sword of God.

Categories: Hebrews