Understanding "Iron Sharpens Iron" with Bishop Nelson Nzvimbo
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (NIV)" This ancient proverb holds a timeless truth about the power of fellowship and mutual edification. Let's delve into what this means and how it applies to believers today.
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| Bishop Nelson Nzvimbo |
The Meaning Behind the Proverb
Written during the Iron Age, this proverb uses the imagery of metallurgy. Iron in those days was impure and of varying strengths. Sharpening requires grinding away material with a substance harder than the tool itself. In a similar manner, a person stronger in faith can sharpen another to help them become stronger in knowledge and deed.
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) expresses a similar concept, “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Humans were created for fellowship. When we live in healthy fellowship, we rely on and help one another, making us more effective in our calling.
The Sharpening Process
Very sharp knives are sharpened at acute angles, scraping off material to make the edge finer. In the same way, bad habits and negative thoughts are removed from our lives through the encouragement and loving criticism of a fellow believer. This "polishing" allows us to more brightly reflect God's love.
In the sharpening of iron, both pieces change. Similarly, our faith is strengthened when we test and encourage another. Just as the Bereans searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), we sharpen one another by searching the scriptures together.
Sharpening also means to intensify or focus. One person can intensify another's focus on the things of God. As Warren Wiersbe observes, we often learn more by disagreeing and “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
The Purpose of Sharpening
God's psychology insists that friends sharpen each other instead of tearing down. Proverbs 27:5-6 (NKJV) states, "Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend." We need to appreciate both the encouragement and the candid criticism from our friends.
Iron Sharpens Iron 2017 Conference
Host: Bishop Nelson Nzvimbo
Date: Saturday 25 February 2017
Venue: Ablaze Churches International, Unit D Seke, Chitungwiza
Theme: PROVOKING THE LEADER Unto Love & Good Works (Hebrews 10:24)
Investment: $2.00 (Cash Payment) | $2.50 (Via EcoCash) | $3.00 (At The Gate). Lunch will be provided.
Ecocash and RSVP: +263 78 318 5443 and +263 77 333 3091
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