How Not to Lose Your Cutting Edge

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How Not to Lose Your Cutting Edge by Pastor Steve Kelly

Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NIV)
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For 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.

2 Kings 6:1-7 (GW)
The disciples of the prophets said to Elisha, “The place where we’re staying is too small for us. Let’s go to the Jordan River. Each of us can get some logs and make a place for us to live there.” Elisha said, “Go ahead.” 3 Then one of the disciples asked, “Won’t you please come with us?” Elisha answered, “I’ll go.” So he went with them. They came to the Jordan River and began to cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the ax head fell into the water. He cried out, “Oh no, master! It was borrowed!” The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed Elisha the place, Elisha cut off a piece of wood. He threw it into the water at that place and made the ax head float. Elisha said, “Pick it up.” The disciple reached for it and picked it up.

What makes us dull:

1. No Vision.

2. Unconfessed sin.

1 John 1:2 (NIV)
The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.

3. Negligence. Not going to church.

Hebrews 10:25 (CSB)
Not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

4. Wrong Friends.

Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV)
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

5. Poor spiritual life, prayer, and word.

6. No respect for time.

7. Unrenewed mind.

Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

How to sharpen your life and edge:

1. God’s word is sharper than any two-edged sword.

2. We have to think bigger and better than we do.

2 Kings 6:1 (GW)
The disciples of the prophets said to Elisha, “The place where we’re staying is too small for us. Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

3. Have a plan that includes teamwork.

2 Kings 6:2 (GW)
Let’s go to the Jordan River. Each of us can get some logs and make a place for us to live there.” Elisha said, “Go ahead.”

4. Your vision has to have God on it.

2 Kings 6:2b (GW)
“Go ahead.”

5. Your edge is sharp when godly leaders are in your life with you.

2 Kings 6:3 (GW)
Then one of the disciples asked, “Won’t you please come with us?” Elisha answered, “I’ll go.”

6. What do you do when you lose your cutting edge?

2 Kings 6: 4-5 (GW)
So he went with them. They came to the Jordan River and began to cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the ax head fell into the water. He cried out, “Oh no, master! It was borrowed!”

7. Where did it fall?

2 Kings 6: 6-7
The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed Elisha the place, Elisha cut off a piece of wood. He threw it into the water at that place and made the ax head float. Elisha said, “Pick it up.” The disciple reached for it and picked it up.

Proverbs 6:10-11 (ESV)
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

If you’ve made a decision click the link below to get a copy of Pastor Steve’s book “The Christian Walk” I’ve Made a Decision