The Word is Living and Powerful
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit… (Heb. 4:12 KJV)
The Holy Spirit uses four keywords to describe the Word of God in Hebrews 4:12 above: quick(or living), powerful, sharper, and piercing. Let this revelation change your attitude towards the Word, especially the Bible, in your hands.
The Greek term used for the word of God above is logos. In this verse, it means that which God speaks through any medium. The emphasis is not on the medium He uses, such as the scriptures, prophets, or dreams but on the fact that it is a message from God. Regardless of how it comes to us, every message or communication from God is living and powerful.
The Word of God is a living thing all by itself. It has life, and it imparts life. In creation, it imparted biological life to living creatures. In redemption, it imparts eternal life to human beings. Think about this—when a sinner hears the Gospel message, that message all by itself recreates that sinner and imparts God’s life to them. God does not need to come down in person; His Word alone acts like Him because He is His Word. If God’s Word can interact with us at salvation as a living thing, it can do the same with our spiritual lives, health, finances, etc.
Besides being alive, God’s Word is powerful. The Greek word for power here is energeo. It means effective or active. Active means it exhibits activity, a feature characteristic of living things. It is not a dead thing but is active in the hearts of people. Effective means it can produce the intended results.
Any message or communication from God has and imparts life and is effective. Put it to work in your life.
Read more: His Words are Spirit and Life
What is the meaning of living and powerful as used in Hebrews 4:12?
The Bible you have is God’s Word. It is living and powerful. Revelation and faith are two mandatory requirements to live by the Word. Put God’s Word to work in your life.
Ask the Spirit to help you experience the truth that His Word is living and powerful.