There was an interesting conversation between a hammer and a key. Hammer complained: “I use all my strength to open a lock, it does not.” The key replied: “You bang on the head; I touch the heart the lock opens.” Interestingly, God uses both in tandem to achieve his plans and purposes.
1) Hammer: Prophet Jeremiah states that God’s word is like fire and like a hammer or dynamite that could break the rocks into pieces. (Jeremiah 23:29) There are people with stubborn minds and hardened hearts like that of stone. The Word of God is powerful to break the rebellious mind, break the stony heart and make it a contrite heart. Of course, the rejection of the Word of God will invite condemnation.
2) Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit functions like a key. The Holy Spirit works in the minds of people to convince them of their sinfulness and need for the savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
3) Combo Mission: It is evident in the Bible that the Word of God and the Spirit of God work together. The Word of God is termed as the Sword of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:17) Though the Bible is written by over forty authors, the ultimate author is the Holy Spirit. The Word of God convicts a person of his sins, while the Holy Spirit convinces him for the need of Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God brings every lofty thought to become captive to Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God provides renewed mind. When Peter spoke in the home of Cornelius, the Spirit of God fell upon Cornelius and his household. (Acts 10:44,45) When Ezekiel spoke the Word of God to the dry bones, the Spirit of God gave life to make bones as an army. (Ezekiel 37)
4) Truth and Love: Paul exhorts to speak Truth, the Word of God in love, the Spirit of God. (Ephesians 4:15) Because the Holy Spirit is poured in our hearts as love of God. (Romans 5:5)
Do I handle the Word of God with the help of the Spirit of God?