Word Divides Soul and Spirit

So how did you do last week? Did you take the challenge and read an old story? Did you find something new in it? Let me know. I would love to hear more comments and stories from YOU.


Read Hebrews 4:12-13

The next concept to consider is: the Word is sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit; joint and marrow.

I did so much study on the soul and spirit as it pertains to this verse. Sometimes soul and spirit (little 's') are used as the same word. I can't put my finger on it yet, but there is a subtle difference.

1 Thes. 5:23 says, "may your whole spirit, soul and body be kept clean." I believe we have to make an effort to keep all three in check. One can become 'dirty' and out of balance with the others. One can affect the other two.

Definitions: Soul- non-physical part of humans.  spirit (small 's')- inner man

They can be the same or used interchangeably depending on the context of the verse. But there is a difference: we can choose to save or forfeit our soul (Mt. 16:26). But our spirit is produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit. I think the spirit (small 's')  is more like the characteristics I possess. And the drive, desire and perseverance I possess; maybe the force behind my heart.  For example,   I can have a gentle and quiet spirit (1Peter 3:4), I can pray for God to renew a steadfast spirit in me (Ps 51:10), I know my spirit is willing but my body is weak (Mt 26:41). The spirit seems to be my motivation behind my actions.  The demons have a spirit, too. Theirs is not a Godly spirit. Even the Word tells us to distinguish between spirits and test them to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1).

My soul can be restored by God (Ps 23:3), my soul can yearn or pant after Jesus and goodness (Ps 42:1),  my soul can be downcast (Ps 42:11), my soul can praise (Ps 103:1), my soul can delight (Is 55:2), man cannot kill the soul (Mt 10:28),  I can forfeit my soul by disobedience (Mt 16:26), I can win souls to Jesus (Pr 11:30), I can find rest for my soul (Jer 6:16 & Mt 11:29).

I can forfeit my soul through disobedience or save my soul. I choose to save my soul by encapsulating my soul with the Spirit of Jesus Christ. I want God to see, at judgement, that my soul is so engulfed with Jesus' Spirit that God sees righteousness. Not my own, of course, but the righteousness God promises is mine thought Jesus. My heart accepts him and my actions show who my soul yearns for.

I don't fully understand how the soul and spirit will be divided. There are just things we know only in part (1Cor13:9). But, I have enjoyed studying for this post. If you have any insight...please share it with me!!

Next week I have a post about the Spirit (capital 's') that is our counselor and promised to all believers.

Blessings!!