Sermon Title: The Word that Works!

Based on Hebrews 4:12

Series Title: The Word That Works

Based on Hebrews 4:12

Week 1: The Word is Alive

Text: Hebrews 4:12a – “For the word of God is living and active…”

Key Idea

God’s Word is not a dead letter—it’s alive, powerful, and still working today.

Supporting Scriptures

• John 1:1–4

• John 1:14 . The Word is Jesus, Jesus is the Word.

· When we spend time in the Word we are spending time with Jesus

· When we do not spend time in the Word we are not spending time with Jesus

• Isaiah 55:10–11

• Rain and so = now cannot return to Heaven

· God’s word cannot return to him without accomplishing what God sent it for.

• 1 Peter 1:23

· Incorruptible Seed.

• Mark 4: The Word of God is a seed, but it needs good soil of the heart

• With a seed in a garden, you tend to it and nurture it so it flourishes

• You have to do the same with the seed / word of God with Prayer, study, and applying the teachings to your life.

• Jeremiah 23:29 Expanded Message

• Fire consumes all that It touches

• A Hammer can destroy or it can build up

• If God’s word is a hammer, what are you going to do with it?

· When you read the Bible, you’re not just studying history—you’re encountering God’s voice.

· His Word speaks today as fresh as it did when it was first spoken.

· That’s why sometimes one verse can change your whole life. Rom 1:17

Illustration: Just like a seed carries life inside it, God’s Word carries divine life. When planted in your heart, it grows, it moves, it transforms.

Application

• Read with expectation: don’t just read words, listen for God’s voice.

• Pray before reading: “Lord, speak to me through Your living Word.”

• Share one verse with someone this week, trusting it will come alive in them too.

Week 2. The Word Cuts Deep

Text: Hebrews 4:12b – “…sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow…”

Key Idea

The Word doesn’t stay on the surface—it penetrates to the deepest parts of us, cutting away what doesn’t belong so healing can begin.

Supporting Scriptures

• Jeremiah 17:9–10 – The heart is deceitful, but God searches and tests it.

• Psalm 139:23-24. NLT

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

• Ephesians 6:17 – The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit.

• Cuts in both directions (more effective)

• It can be used for bad things or good things. (surgery story)

• Acts 2:37 AMPC. Peter’s words pierced their hearts,

• Now when they heard this they were stung (cut) to the heart,

• God’s Word Convicts the unsaved and Converts the saved (if you let it)

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 . NTL

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

· Romans 12:1-2. NLT

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Expanded Message

God’s Word cuts through excuses, exposes hidden sin, and reveals what’s really inside. But it’s not for destruction—it’s like surgery. A surgeon cuts to remove the disease and save the patient. God’s Word does the same in us.

Illustration: Think of a gardener pruning a plant. The cut looks painful, but it’s the only way the plant will grow stronger and bear more fruit.

Application

• Don’t resist conviction—it’s God cutting to heal.

• When the Word challenges you, lean in to it, instead of walking away from it.

• Write down one way the Word has “cut” you this week, and thank God for it.