Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Hebrews 4:11-13

11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
12 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. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Questions to consider:

  • Explain the sort of disobedience evidenced by the Israelites in the wilderness?
  • What excuses do you use to hide spiritual laziness? Why?
  • Characterize the word of God. Compare or contrast your personal view of Scripture.
  • Why can’t you fool God about your attitude toward him?
  • How does God’s word prevent you from pleading ignorance concerning your true attitude?

Possibilities for prayer:

The author of Hebrews reminds us that the word of God is alive and active. My guess is that many of us recognize that the statement is true in some kind of vague or nebulous way; but what would our lives look like if we lived them in that knowledge, with complete and utter faith in the truth of that statement? All of our actions and thoughts could be so much more different, and our world could be transformed! Let’s ask God to increase our understanding of what it means for His word to be alive active, and to give us courage to live lives that reflect the power of that truth.