Hi all, I stumbled on this verse today and had some thoughts. :)

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. NASB

Iron is strong stuff. When you take an iron hammer, and a heated piece of metal and shape it, you can use another piece of iron to produce an edge on a cutting instrument, a useful tool. When a carpenter reaches into his tool box for something he can use to cut or shape things into what he wants, he wants to bring out a sharp useful tool. A dull, rusty tool doesn't work well, and is rejected for one that is sharper and ready for use.

You can't take a piece of cloth, or a piece of wood, and use it to sharpen iron. You need a material of about equal, or greater strength. God designed things that way.

It's the same way with us. If we're going to be made useful tools for Him to use, we need to be sharpened and we need to be maintained. It seems to me that one of the ways He provided for this to happen, is through fellowship. When we 'rub up' against those who share a oneness in and through the Holy Spirit, where Jesus is lifted up and taught, prayed to, praised and worshipped, we get our hearts and minds exposed to His will, and we get sharpened and made more useful. When we stay with His teachings and when we continue to pray to Him, praise Him and worship Him, we are maintained as useful tools for Him.

When the Carpenter reaches into the body for a useful tool, I don't want to be rusty and dull, I want to be sharpened and ready for His use.

Pro 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. NASB

Acts 2:41-42 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.NKJV

Heb 10:24-2524 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.NASB

Have a blessed day in the Lord!
Yours,
seekHm1st