Our Whole Armor, 7of9

~ Sword Of The Spirit ~

“And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). 

This is the Christian soldier’s primary offensive weapon—not the only offensive weapon, as we have previously seen.  The Word of God is your sword.  How well do you know the written Word of God?  “The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). 

Once again we should model the behavior of our Savior.  When Satan tempted the Messiah three times in the desert, He replied each time by quoting the written Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11).  While we know Satan’s tactics are continual, we also know that the Word of God has not changed; therefore, we have confidence that the Word of God will provide victory over the temptations of Satan.  Read the Scriptures, ingest the Scriptures, study the Scriptures, memorize the Scriptures, understand the principles of Scripture, internalize the Word, and you will be prepared for Christian warfare.  All of God’s Word is truth (Psalm 119:60 and John 17:17).  There is no power on earth, or in the universe which can successfully stand against the Word of God.  

It is called the “Sword of the Spirit” because the Word of God does not penetrate without the Spirit of God at work.  It is the indwelling Spirit living within the individual Christian that brings to mind the appropriate passage of Scripture.  It is the Spirit that guides the Christian who is in communion with God.  Without the power of the Spirit of God we can do nothing—but He uses our knowledge of the Word of God to lead our response and attacks on the enemy.  Sometimes He gives clear and loud directions, but other times He uses His “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12 nkjv) or “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12, niv) to guide us. 

don’t miss this  ~  (1) The weapon used by Christ against the temptations of Satan was the written Word of God.  What a great blessing we have at our disposal, the same weapon which the Messiah used against Satan!   Our primary offensive weapon is the Word of God.  How well do know the “Written Word of God”? 

(2)  Soldiers of that era had two swords attached to their belt of truth—both were offensive weapons.  There is a tendency to think of a large sword, but they also carried a small dagger-like sword which was often the critical difference in battle.  Both swords were vital for success in close combat.  Both were readily available, ready for use at all times.  Jesus Christ is the living Word (John 1:1-4, 14).  Our knowledge of Jesus Christ and the Spirit of God within us is vital for spiritual success in spiritual battles.  How well do you know the “Living Word of God”? 

additional comment:   A previous Abundant Life Now post was directly related to the heart of America (“Follow Me” posted on June 29, 2010).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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Our Whole Armor, 4of9

~ Shoes of Peace ~

“Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).

Good feet are essential for any soldier.  Without good footwear it is hard for a foot soldier to accomplish military feats.  Good sandals, shoes, or boots represent movement and the ability to go.  There is historical evidence that suggests superior footwear allowed the Roman army to advance successfully due to the spikes on the soles of their footwear.  Good traction provides stability on uneven or slippery ground and provides protection for the feet.  In martial arts the stance is considered critical.  It is only from a proper solid stance that all kinds of kicks and punches can effectively be launched. 

In Biblical days the enemy would sometimes scatter sharp stones or barbed spikes along the main routes to slow the enemy down.  In modern warfare mankind uses land mines, or more recently IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) just under the surface.  Satan, the great enemy of Christ and His army is similar in how he scatters snares and traps to slow us, or even stop us, from spreading the gospel of peace. 

The cleats or spikes of a Christian soldier are fashioned by the Word of God.  Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).  When Jesus came to earth the first time, an angel accompanied by a multitude of heavenly beings pronounced, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14).  When He comes the second time it will be as the Prince of Peace bringing lasting peace to His people.   Is it surprising that our foot protection is related to the gospel of peace?  

The Word of God is both an offensive and defensive weapon.  When Satan tempted the Messiah, each temptation was responded to with God’s Word (Matthew 4:1-11). 

The Word of God is likewise critical for our spiritual battles.  We have been given clear commands to go on the offense such as, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’  Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).  Another related command is, “Sanctify [set apart] the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). 

We have also been given clear commands about being prepared defensively.  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9a).  Defensive preparation is the major point of the passage we are looking at in this series.  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11-13). 

don’t miss this  ~  (1) The shoes of peace – Jesus Christ is our peace!  “For He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14a).  (2) In any war it is the soldier’s responsibility to not only hold his ground but to advance and take new ground.  How are you doing?  When was the last time you witnessed about your Savior?  How long has it been since you gained new souls for the Savior? 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website. 

If you would prefer to copy this post, please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).

Our Whole Armor, 2of9

~ The Belt of Truth ~

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14a, niv).   

In the armies of Biblical days the belt was the first piece of armor to be put on—that is why it is listed first.  Many other items of warfare, such as sheaves for swords and loops for critical items were attached to the belt.  For this reason the belt while basically passive could easily be considered an offensive piece of equipment.  Success in battle depended upon the belt being on correctly with everything attached to it.  If everything was not in place, ready for battle, the soldier was vulnerable. 

Likewise in spiritual warfare the belt of truth is the foundational item.  We maintain truth by learning from Jesus Christ who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).  We are to learn to think like our Savior, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).  Only when we are armed with truth are we ready for battle.  “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). 

 Not only is the belt of truth the first thing to be put on, it is often the first thing which is distorted—therefore it needs to be maintained and kept tight and secure.  Without truth a soldier cannot be effective in the Christian Army.  Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) and one of his favorite tactics is the distortion of truth.  When we begin to move off the truth of God’s Word, we are beginning to lose the battle.  We are to always stand for truth. 

It is interesting to note than in the old world the belt of truth was often wide, like a girdle, and was protecting vital internal organs, the core of physical existence.  Likewise only when we are correctly wearing the belt of truth are we prepared for spiritual warfare and protecting the very core of our faith. 

don’t miss this  ~  (1) The belt of truth – Jesus Christ is truth! “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).  (2) Is truth holding your spiritual pants up so that you are protected from false doctrine and beliefs?  If not, you are spiritually vulnerable.

additional note  ~  “Righteousness shall be the belt of His [The Messiah’s] loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist” (Isaiah 11:5). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website. 

If you would prefer to copy this post, please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).