I've Lost My Cutting Edge

Introduction

Welcome to Grace Haven Christian Church, where we believe in creating a safe place to experience, grow, and heal in the grace of God. From the sermon, delivered by Pastor Andrea Rogers, is titled "I've Lost My Cutting Edge." This message dives deep into the story from 2 Kings 6:1-7, exploring the importance of maintaining our spiritual sharpness and how to regain it when it’s lost.

The Importance of a Sharp Blade

A dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one because it requires more force and increases the chances of human error. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we must keep our "sword of the Spirit" sharp to be effective in our walk with God. Ephesians 6:17 reminds us to take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Without a sharp spiritual edge, we risk becoming ineffective and prone to mistakes.

The Story of Elisha and the Prophets

In 2 Kings 6:1-7, the sons of the prophets tell Elisha that their current dwelling is too small. They decide to go to the Jordan River to build a new place. As they cut down wood, one of the prophets loses the head of his borrowed axe in the water. Elisha asks where it fell, throws a stick into the water, and miraculously, the iron axe head floats.

Recognizing When You've Lost Your Cutting Edge

Many of us may find ourselves in a place where we feel spiritually dull. This can happen gradually, often unnoticed, as we become complacent in our spiritual practices. The prophet’s realization that he lost his cutting edge serves as a metaphor for our own spiritual lives. We may not pray, fast, or study the Word as we used to, leading to a loss of spiritual sharpness.

Identifying the Place Where You Fell Off

To regain our cutting edge, we must first identify where we lost it. This could be due to various life events such as a breakup, job loss, sickness, or even complacency. Just as the prophet showed Elisha where the axe head fell, we must pinpoint the moment or situation that caused us to lose our spiritual sharpness.

The Role of Obedience and Community

Restoring our cutting edge involves obedience and community. The prophets didn’t just move to a new place; they built it together. Similarly, we must engage with our community of believers and be obedient to God’s Word. This collective effort helps us regain and maintain our spiritual sharpness.

Life Application

Challenge for the Week

This week, take time to reflect on your spiritual practices. Have you lost your cutting edge? Identify the areas where you’ve become complacent and take steps to restore your spiritual sharpness. Engage in prayer, study the Word, and connect with your community of believers.

Questions to Reflect On

Where did you lose your cutting edge? Was it during a specific life event or a gradual decline?

What steps can you take to regain your spiritual sharpness?

How can you involve your community in your journey to restore your cutting edge?

Conclusion

Losing our cutting edge can happen to anyone, but the good news is that we can regain it. By identifying where we fell off, engaging in spiritual practices, and involving our community, we can restore our effectiveness in God’s kingdom. Let’s commit to keeping our spiritual blades sharp and ready for whatever God has in store for us.

Thank you for joining us today. If you need prayer or want to connect with us, please fill out the visitor form or reach out via our social media channels. Let’s reclaim our cutting edge and continue to grow in the grace of God.