The Penetrating Power of the Scriptures
Here’s one more “power of the Scriptures” study from our Intensive Discipleship Training at our church. Here we spent time meditating on Hebrews 4:12 and reflected on the power and adequacy of God’s Word to penetrate the deepest recesses of our hearts—even to the depth of our motives. Wow, what power! We noted five descriptions of the Scriptures (the voice of the Living Word, v. 11), their meaning, and then looked at some examples in other Scriptures. Consider doing the same in your personal study time or small group discussion.
| DESCRIPTION | MEANING | EXAMPLES |
|---|---|---|
| Divine | The Bible is the word of God. | Matt 4:4; 2 Pet 1:19-21 |
| Living | The Bible is able to change the heart because it is alive. The word living is from the Greek verb meaning “to live.” It is in the present tense and could be translated, “constantly actively alive.” Because it is the voice of Jesus Christ the Living Word, the Bible never rests. It is always working. | Jam 1:21; Jer 15:16; Ps 119:150 |
| Active | The Bible is productive. Active comes from the word from which we get “energy.” It means to energize or be productive. While the Bible is constantly actively alive, it is also productive. In other words, Scripture is God’s instrument for the production of spiritual results. | Isa 55:9-11 |
| Penetrating | The Bible is a piercing book. The adjective sharper originates from the primitive root (temno) meaning, “to cut.” The Word has surgical power. | Acts 2:36 |
| Discerning | The Bible is a discerning book. The Word is able to “judge,” “to discern.” | Ps 119:130; Eph 6:17; 2 Cor 10:4-5 |
