SHARPER THAN A SWORD

SERMONS

Hebrews 4:12-13 "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

All articles are written using the NKJV, unless otherwise noted! All articles are written by David Hicks, unless specified otherwise.

Paradoxes of Scripture:

A statement that seems contradictory, even absurd; yet, is in fact true!

God has always demanded that His special creation learn to think in a unique fashion, and often trained for that purpose! It should not surprise us to find within the confines of His word – these unique instructions!

Intro – “To get, we must give!” (Paraphrase) This is not the world’s method of increase!

Proverbs 11:24 “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.”

The Lord taught His disciples to pray and demanded that in order to receive forgiveness, they themselves must first forgive (“As we forgive”), Matthew 6:12.

1.     “To Really Live, We Must Die!”

What? Spiritually!!! Read: Romans 6:3-4! Paul defines further: Galatians 2:20; which precedes the next paradox.

2.   “To Save One’s Life, We Must Lose it!”

I am good at losing things; this is the first time I can remember that it has been suggested to do it on purpose!

Read: Luke 17:33 – The Apostle Paul was one of these; yet, he learned – Read: Philippians 3:8.

3.   “To Be Wise, We Must Be Fools!”

I must be the wisest man that ever lived! 1 Corinthians 3:18-23; 1:21-26.

4.   “To Reign, We Must Serve!”

Jesus taught that the kingdom of Heaven is like those who are servants with entrusted talents and were in their service expected to produce increase; to the successful – Matthew 25:21; 2 Timothy 2:3, 11-13.

5.    “To Be Exalted, We Must Become Humble!”

To the most self-righteous among the people, Jesus demanded that they first learn this (go over facts of this chapter) – Matthew 23:12; similar to Luke 18:9-14 read.

6.   “To Be First, We Must Be Last!”

This is one of the Lord’s favorite maxims (wise pithy saying) – Parable of the vineyard workers, Matthew 20:16 (which also teaches that “Called” and “Chosen” are distinctly different).

 

Conclusion: 2 Corinthians 6:8-10