For the word of God is living and active
William MacDonald emphasizes that the Word of God is living, powerful, and effective in convicting hearts, urging believers to boldly use Scripture in witnessing rather than relying on human arguments.
In this teaching sermon, William MacDonald explores the living and active nature of God's Word, emphasizing its power to convict and convert even the hardest hearts. Using practical illustrations and biblical truth, he encourages believers to rely on Scripture boldly in evangelism rather than human reasoning. MacDonald highlights the importance of Scripture memorization and trusting God's promise to honor His Word in the work of salvation.
Text
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.” (Heb. 4:12a NASB)
A Christian university student was witnessing to another student who was from a liberal seminary. When the believer quoted a verse, the seminarian said, “I don’t believe the Bible.” The Christian quoted another verse, only to be met with “I told you I don’t believe the Bible.” The third time the Christian quoted a verse the seminarian became agitated and exploded, “Don’t quote the Bible to me. I’ve already told you I don’t believe it.” By then the believer felt completely frustrated and defeated. He figured that he was a total failure as a soul winner.
It so happened that Dr. H. A. Ironside was a guest at his home that night. At the supper table, the Christian student shared his disappointing experience about the seminarian. Then he asked Dr. Ironside, “When you are trying to witness to someone and he says to you, ‘I don’t believe the Bible,’ what do you do?” Dr. Ironside replied with a happy smile, “I just quote more of it.”
That is excellent advice for any would-be soul winners. When people say they don’t believe the Bible, just quote more of it. The Word of God is living and powerful. It has an effect on people even when they don’t believe it.
Suppose two men are dueling. One says to the other, “I don’t believe your sword is real steel.” What happens? Does the second man lay down his sword and admit defeat? Or does he give a scientific discourse on the carbon content and malleability of the metal? Ridiculous! He gives his opponent a good sharp jab and lets him feel how real the sword is. So it is with the Bible. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. It needs to be used more than it needs to be defended. It is well able to defend itself.
I do not deny that there is a place for proofs of the inspiration of the Scriptures. Such proofs serve a valuable purpose in confirming the faith of those who are already saved. In a few cases they help people come to saving faith. But generally speaking people aren’t convinced by human reasonings or arguments. “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” Men need to be confronted with the powerful Word of God. A single verse of Scripture is worth a thousand arguments.
This highlights the importance of Scripture memorization. If I haven’t committed verses to memory, the Spirit will not be able to bring them forth at the appropriate time. But the main point is that God has not promised to honor my words, but He has promised to honor His own. So in dealing with the unsaved, I must use the sword of the Spirit generously and watch it produce conviction and conversion by a miracle of grace.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction with a witnessing encounter
- The challenge of unbelief in the Bible
- Dr. Ironside’s advice to quote more Scripture
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II
- The Word of God as a living and active sword
- Illustration of a duel to show the power of the Word
- The Word’s ability to defend itself without human defense
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III
- The limited role of human reasoning in convincing unbelievers
- The necessity of Scripture memorization for effective witnessing
- Relying on God’s promise to honor His Word
Key Quotes
“When people say they don’t believe the Bible, just quote more of it.” — William MacDonald
“The Word of God is living and powerful. It has an effect on people even when they don’t believe it.” — William MacDonald
“A single verse of Scripture is worth a thousand arguments.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Memorize key Scripture verses to be prepared for witnessing opportunities.
- Use the Word of God boldly when sharing your faith, trusting its power to convict.
- Rely on God's promise to honor His Word rather than trying to defend it with human arguments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we quote more Scripture when someone rejects the Bible?
Because the Word of God is living and powerful, and it can convict hearts even when people initially reject it.
Is human reasoning effective in convincing unbelievers?
Generally, no; people are rarely convinced by arguments alone and need to be confronted with the powerful Word of God.
What is the importance of Scripture memorization in witnessing?
Memorizing Scripture enables the Holy Spirit to bring verses to mind at the right moment during evangelism.
Does the Bible need to be defended with human proofs?
While proofs can confirm faith, the Bible primarily defends itself through its living and active power.
What is meant by the Word of God being a 'two-edged sword'?
It signifies that Scripture is powerful and penetrating, able to convict and transform hearts effectively.