For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Is the “Word of God” just a printed book? Or is it more than that? What does the writer of Hebrews mean when they say it is “living and active”? Do our ‘hearts’ have thoughts and intentions? What is the difference between the soul and the spirit of an individual? There is so much here for a person to ‘unpack’ and learn if you are willing to ‘dig’ with the Holy Spirit for understanding.
Here the word ‘living’ in this verse is the Greek word záō – which means …to live, and experience God’s gift of life. And ‘active’ is the Greek word energḗs (an adjective) meaning properly, energized, full-of-energy (operative). The Word then is energized and FULL OF THE LIFE of God. How then is it activated within us? How do we experience this ‘energized God-life’?
In Ephesians 6 we are told that the Sword of the Spirit is the Rhema Word of God and is our only offensive weapon in the spiritual fight. So there is another analogy to the Word being thought of as a sharp ‘sword’ in this Hebrews verse. And in this verse what does that sword / Word do? It effects every part of our human existence, body, soul, and spirit.
Is our spirit the same as the concept of our heart? Are those terms used interchangeably in the scriptures?
So many questions one can ask the Holy Spirit for clarification and understanding.
How and when does God infuse this energy of life into us? Does this only happen at our ‘acceptance’ of Him or is this a process through our entire lives as we learn with Him? What could be we be doing that would cause us to get regular infusions / injections from Him of His life within us?
This is my current understanding: our body is our flesh and blood, bones and marrow, muscles and sinews, nerves and electrical impulses. Our soul is comprised of our minds and emotions, with our memories. Our spirit houses our ‘free will’ and the place where we ultimately make our decisions. Our soul and spirit are the ‘eternal’ parts of us. Our bodies will need to be re-made / resurrected by Him for our next assignment when we live with Him in His Kingdom / Home / Heaven.
How exactly does the Word get used to discern the very intentions and thoughts of our inner most being? How exactly do we learn that process?
Obviously all of this needs to be answered by the One Person who has ALL the answers for us. You guessed it! The Holy Spirit. He can answer all those questions for us … personally.
If the living and active Word can do all this — what is actually ‘hid’ from Him?
Do you allow Him to explain to you what is actually going on in your entire being? Have you ever asked Him?
Why do we always turn to other sources when we want answers?