Had some runners and some ruckers this morning. Couple of guys just showed up for the Word. Most of us struggled to get out of bed on a Monday, but 8 of us ultimately resisted the fartsack.
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV) “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
pro·verb
/ˈprävərb/
a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice.
They are the only part of the Bible that is meant to be taken out and studied on it’s own, out of context.
A Principle of Relationship
When iron blades are rubbed together, each becomes sharper and thus more effective. Likewise, when believers are involved in one another’s lives, mutual edification occurs. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is a similar passage:
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (ESV)
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
The concept of “iron sharpening iron” obviously implies at least two pieces of iron. It would be impossible for one tool to become sharper without the presence of the other. So, this proverb implies that we can become better… and Ecclesiastes further explains, that we can even lift each other up!
God-honoring, inter-personal connections are designed to help both parties grow in Christ-like maturity. Relationships should be genuine, and uplifting.
The process of sharpening someone else requires a positive concern for someone else. Earlier in this same chapter (Proverbs 6:4) it says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” We know this concept to be true. It is much better to accept Godly advice or even constructive criticism from someone we have got to know and we understand they have our best interests at heart. We all need people who can help us rub off the hard edges and who honestly have our best interests in mind when they do it. There are times when these sharpening conversations, even from loving friends, can come across as harsh, mean, or judgmental. But it definitely helps to know that these people care and that they have a genuine interest in helping us improve.
A Principle of Accountability
God expects us to live and serve in a community of other believers.
Hebrews 10:25
“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.”
Spending time in community will give us opportunities to encourage and edify other believers through mentoring and discipleship.
One person can be used by God to help the other. There will always be a give and take, but the incentive here was to be mutually beneficial. Both pieces of iron work must work together to accomplish the desired intent. That is the motivation. Both items needed sharpening.
He desires for us to build loving and growing relationships with others
1 Thessalonians 2:8
“we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well”
If we aren’t involved in a church that is glorifying God and discipling brothers and sisters in Christ, we are missing the blessings God has for us.
“Iron sharpening iron” also requires a level of accountability – or a personal inclination to allow significant others look close enough into our lives so that they can see the specific weaknesses or problems areas.
These first two principles are important to apply together. We need the close relationships with other people we trust and respect – to give them the consent to identify weak areas of our lives and then to address those areas with us.
The principle of accountability must mean that helpful and real conversations grow out of growing, loving, and constructive relationships.
Iron Sharpens Iron: A Principle of Willingness
Yes, both parties should want what is best for each other; but to build on that concept, there is an additional step. Whenever a good friend sincerely wants to help us grow and it is obvious that they truly want what is best for us, then it is imperative for us to accept their counsel, advice, or constructive criticism with an attitude of willingness and acceptance of what they are telling us.
The Holy Spirit Convicts and the Word of God Sharpens
God can use the “wounds of a friend” to sharpen us, motivate us, and to provide some accountability for our lives.
However, true victory and lasting progress comes only from God Himself.
Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
God can and will use the “iron sharpening iron” process of good friends to help us in our walk for Him. But, most certainly God will use the convicting power of His Holy Spirit and the word of God to rebuke us of the sinful and harmful practices in our lives.
The “iron sharpening iron” process that Proverbs 27:17 provides is indeed a helpful and maybe even convicting part of a believer’s life. We must highly value and build Godly and growing relationships with other Christ followers who can exhort us to a closer walk with Him, but these relationships and the resulting conversations and discussions must drive us back to the Word of God where our loving and gracious Heavenly Father gives us true life-changing strategies.
Praying for Wichita’s Dad as he’s recovering.
Praying for our communities and how we can sharpen and encourage the people around us.