Iron Sharpens Iron…
Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”
Proverbs is commonly known as the book of wisdom and this specific verse is abounding in wisdom pertaining specifically to relationships with others as well as our personal relationship with God.
- It Takes Two
In order to become sharper, something (or someone) else must aid in the process. It would be impossible for one to become sharper without the other. It is simply saying that God wants us to participate in community. We were never created to go through this life alone. Even Jesus, perfect in every way, chose to do his ministry with 12 disciples. Furthermore, we are not called to participate in just any community, but instead we were made to be a part of a Christ-centered community which makes us “sharper”
Hebrews 10:24-35 “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Like Hebrews 10:24-25 states, we are meant to make each other better through encouragement, love, and service. This is the kind of positive community we were created for.
2. Becoming “Sharper”
The incentive behind this practice is to become “sharper” or better, however this is not exclusive to just one of the two irons- this should be mutually beneficial. Both must work together to become stronger, it is not a one way street. We cannot just point out weaknesses in other people or stand back and simply judge the actions of others, but we must humble ourselves and realize that we fall short and need to be sharpened as well.
John 8:7 “…Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Matthew 7:1-2 “1 Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
3. Accountability
While we are not called to judge or look down on others, it is our responsibility to hold each other accountable according to Scripture. The intention behind these two are what separate them: the first is done out of spite and ill-will, while the latter is done out of love and concern.
Proverbs 27:6 “Faithful are the wounds of a friend: deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”
In order to establish the ability to hold each other accountable, it means that we must be honest and vulnerable with one another. We must allow ourselves to admit our struggles in order for that friend to be able to help you through it, give Godly advice, and hopefully keeping you from repeating those mistakes. This kind of relationship goes so much deeper than “Did you read your Bible today?” It is authentic and sometimes even hard conversations that result in both personal and spiritual growth for both parties involved.
So we must…
- Seek out Christ-centered community
- Be honest and vulnerable
- Accept the advice and council given
- Make an effort to grow
4. The Word
Sometimes, situations in life may range beyond the scope of what a friend or mentor can help with. Similarly, you may find yourself in a situation where you do not know the answer. Thankfully, God did not leave us on the Earth empty-handed, He gave us His Word.
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
In Hebrew 4:12, it says the word of God is sharper than any sword meaning it has the ability to sharpen us as well. Scripture is alive and even though it has multiple authors and was written over a span of hundreds of years, it is still very much applicable to our everyday life. It is God-breathed and in many cases it is the very source in which God uses to speak to us. It is full of wisdom and advice, what to do and what not do, and ultimately how to live life to its fullest.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Ultimately, everything we do and every relationship we have should be centered around God and His Word. It should be what we refer to when giving advice, what we turn to when we are lost, and what we cling to during trials and tribulations. It is the ultimate authority and our fellowship and community should constantly drive us back to the Word of God.
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Discussion Questions
- What is the purpose of community and fellowship?
- How can you tell the difference between positive and negative community?
- What are some ares of your life that need to be “sharpened”?
- What is the meaning behind Proverbs 27:6?
- What is the difference between helpful honesty and destructive honesty?
- How can we use scripture to strengthen relationships with others as well as our own personal relationship with God?
Challenges
- Find an accountability partner-pray for them, invest in them, be honest with them
- Invest in. your relationship with God by reading Scripture- read the Bible a little each day, memorize Psalm 27:17
Whom Jesus Loved 