“The Sword of the Spirit”

Memory Verse:  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.  Hebrews 4:12 

Any failure of faith will surely be known by Him and exposed by His Word. So, before you begin, ask Him for understanding and openness as you study - take time to focus on Him in praise and worship.

Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE (Heb 4:12).  Meditate, Review! Ask someone to listen as you recite the verse.

DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and the sermon about “Living in Accountability?”

Meditate upon (Heb 4:12-13) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online).  Be still before Him and think about what you have just read. In your own words, summarize the passage.

• In what way(s) is God’s Word “living” and “active”? (v 12; Isa 55:11; Heb 1:3,11:3)
• How have you experienced God’s Word as “living” and “active” in your life?
• What message is being conveyed by the metaphor “Sharper than any double-edged sword”? (Acts 2:37;Ps 139:1-12)
• Why do people often try to conceal the truth? (Jn 3:19-21)

Apply the Word

• Why does it matter that God sees and knows all about you? (2 Cor 5:10)
• When you come to God in Bible study and prayer, how would you describe your attitude?

Respond in Prayer

• Pray that God would examine your heart and mind, and give you a will to obey. (Ps 26:2,19:14)
  

(Resource – Faith Foundations Study Guide, Alan Perkins)

***************************************************************************************************************************************************
Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT

Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word.  We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it.  Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn.

Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.

• Pray – Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the passage and give you understanding. Remember, your goal is to meet with Him, so spend time in Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication (ACTS) – the supplication is to understand the Word, to know Him and to enjoy Him!
  
• Preview – Read the passage quickly; what’s the topic or theme? Did you notice anything in particular?
  
• Read – Read the passage again more slowly.  Is God trying to tell you something?  Is there something you haven’t noticed before?  
  
• Observe – Read the passage again out loud.  Look at each word; each phrase; underline or mark key words; vary the emphasis you place on the words.  What is He saying to you; what is He asking you to do?  Paraphrase the passage in your own words.
  
• Apply – Is there a command to obey; a sin to confess or an action to take?  How can you apply this scripture to your life?  Does He want you to do it now?
  
• Pray – Pray that He would enable you to do what He has told you to do in applying the scripture. Memorize (Phil 2:13); stand upon its truth. Be still before Him, listen, and let the Word saturate your thoughts and your heart.
  
• Tell – Write in your journal what He has revealed to you, then share with someone what you have learned. Don’t place your light under a basket (Mt 5:15). Remember to have a plan, a place, a purpose (to meet with Him), and finally – PERSEVERE, even when you don’t feel like it or don’t think you have the time, give God the “first fruits” of your day! Early mornings are wonderful in His presence; set your alarm clock 20 minutes earlier.