~ 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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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/).
