Listen up, little ones
Listen for the words word and sword.
Reading
Hebrews 4:12-13—The Living and Powerful Word
Optional Reading
Rev 2:12-17
Keys for kids
- The Bible is God’s Word.
- The Bible is powerful.
- The Bible works its way into the innermost parts of who we are.
Questions
- How should you respond to God’s Word?
- What sorts of things does God’s word penetrate or divide?
- Can anyone hide from God? Explain.
Notes
(See below for all authors.)
How do you respond to God’s word? As we have seen so far in Hebrews 4, Israel in the wilderness didn’t believe. They disobeyed and hardened their hearts (Heb 4:2, 6, 7). How do you respond? And is the effectiveness of the Bible dependent on your response? Not at all. God’s word goes out and will accomplish what God wants it to accomplish (Isa 55:10–11).
But the benefit to us does depend on our response. So, the Holy Spirit calls you to respond to God’s powerful word. Kistemaker notes that the writer reminds the reader that God’s Word cannot be taken lightly; for if the reader does not wish to listen, he faces no one less than God himself (see Heb. 10:31; 12:29). The Bible is not a collection of religious writings from the ancient past, but a book that speaks to all people everywhere in nearly all the languages of the world. The Bible demands a response, because God does not tolerate indifference and disobedience.
So, when you read the Bible and when you hear the Bible read, taught, and preached—respond. Let God’s word work in you for your good, as you trust in Him from whom nothing is hidden.
Swedish Method questions
Praise
Psalm 119r, 2a
Prayer
- Ask God to help you constantly respond well to His Word.
- Pray for the reading and preaching of God’s word tomorrow.
- Pray for a member of our church, for your family, and for a non-Christian friend/family member.