Double-Edged Sword

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. – Hebrews 14:12

In the first century, a Roman soldier would never be caught without his sword; for without a sword a soldier would not last long in battle.  A Roman soldier was well trained in the use of his sword to the point that it was like an extension of his arm.  He was so skilled in its usage that in the soldiers hand the sword was a powerful offensive weapon.

Paul tells us in Hebrews that the word of God is like a double-edged sword.  He also makes this same analogy in his letter to the Ephesians when he lays out the pieces of the armor of God.  The word of God is the only offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit, listed in the armor of God.  The word of God is a powerful and effective offensive weapon that God has placed in our hands to be used in the battle against evil.  Therefore, as Christians we must never go forth without it.  We must know God’s word so well that it becomes an extension of our thoughts, words and actions.  Often times we use God’s word as weapon to defend our beliefs, when we should be using it as an offensive weapon to spread the gospel message.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord, for the gift of your word and the power that it gives.  Forgive me when I ignore your word and fail to know it well.  Help me to know and understand your word so that it can be a transformative tool in my life and the life of those around me.  Amen.

Faith Tip:   Make it a point to be in God’s word daily so that it can become a powerful and effective tool in your hands.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson