It was great to unpack the two universal principles of the power of the Word of God and the importance of a personal prayer life. Even though Hebrews is a Jewish book that reveals Christ as creator, as the divine Son superior to angels, the great high priest, and much more, we have these two transdispensational truths revealed to us at the end of Chapter Four.
Hebrews 4:12: 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, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
First, see the high esteem given to the Word of God – God communicates with us through His Word! It is our only weapon given to us to defend ourselves against the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Ephesians 6:10-17
We are in constant conflict with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). It is only by keeping a steady diet of the Word of God – hearing it, reading it, studying it, memorizing it, and meditating on it that we have any chance of success of living a victorious Christian life. There is such great power in the Word and knowing that the Bible that has been preserved for us is the pure Word of God and it will last forever. Psalm 119:89, 119:160, Matthew 24:35, 1 Peter 1:25a, Proverbs 22:20-21, Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Proverbs 30:5-6: Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Hebrews 4:14-16: Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Secondly, the battlefield where we need the whole armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-17, is in our prayer lives. We are called to take up the challenge and stand in the gap for each other by praying for one another, supplicating with a thankful heart before the throne of grace in heaven. Exercise your right, as a child of God, to come boldly to the throne of grace with your prayer requests. Cast your burden upon the Lord!
Ephesians 6:18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
The by-product of a faithful prayer life is experiencing the peace of God that is beyond human comprehension.
Philippians 4:6-7: Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A key ingredient of God’s will for our lives is that learn to be thankful in every circumstance of our lives. The attitude of gratitude is something we learn. Rejoicing when we don’t want to is something we learn. Praying for each other when we don’t feel like praying is something we learn!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
These two foundational truths will help us stay focused on eternal values when we give them the proper place of importance in our lives. Growing in our Christian walk is impossible without a consistent prayer life and a consistent time of hearing, reading, and studying the Word of God.