Sword Of The Spirit

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Ephesians 6.17

Read Ephesians 6.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The Roman soldier wore on his girdle a short sword which was used for close-in fighting. The bible says that the God’s Word is a weapon that we can use against the devil. How can God’s Word be our weapon against the devil? God’s Word can be our weapon against the devil when we honor it.

God’s people should honor God’s Word before we can use it against the devil. We need to respect or esteem God’s Word. We should recognize its authority and influence over our lives.

EXPOSITION

How can we demonstrate that we honor God’s Word in our lives?

1. WE CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT WE HONOR GOD’S WORD BY GIVING PRIORITY TO IT.

A sword is a weapon that a soldier uses to engage against an enemy. Jesus used God’s word to engage against the devil. Three times He quoted the word of God—not just random verses but the appropriate verses which the Holy Spirit gave Him for that occasion (Read Matthew 4:1-11).

Jesus was exposed to two conflicting words – Satan and God. Jesus however honors God’s Word by giving priority to it. God’s Word is the authority over his life and mission. The devil suggested ways to live his life on earth but Jesus rejected them in favor of God’s ways.

Every day or every moment we are place in a situation where we need to make a choice between God’s word and the devil word. This happens through the use of suggestions in our minds.

FOR EXAMPLE: Today is the Lord’s Day. Should I go to church or stay at home and do my favorite hobby? Should I worship God or just let the time passed or do something else in the church? When you go to work tomorrow? Should I give my best or just settle for accomplishment? Should I be honest or dishonest? As a student, should I study or just hang around? In terms of our money, should I be wise or just spend it aimlessly?

So you see, there is always a choice. The choice most of the time is not between better and best but between right and wrong; between legal and moral; and between spiritual and sensual.

The Word of God gives us the best, right, and moral options in dealing life responsibilities and challenges. We can defeat the devil if we give priority to God’ word. This would mean obeying God’s word in our lives.

Most of God’s people lives are in a mess because they did not give priority to God’s Word or instructions; either by willful disregard of God’s word and follow the ways of this world or by being indifferent and failed to do what is appropriate.

FOR EXAMPLE: At work, instead of following the standard procedures we intentionally “cut corners” or by passed them to finish the job quickly or to have greater production. (Share the peanut butter manufacturer in Georgia.)

Sometimes we are accused of being insensitive and uncaring because we did not do what we are supposed to do as God’s people – helping those who are in need, sharing our resources, and serving others.

When we established a relationship with God by having a covenant with Him that He is our Lord and Savior and we are His children, we gave our commitment to obey Him. Believing Christ means trusting and obeying Him. Let us learn from the experiences of Israel with God. (Read Leviticus 26:1-46)

2. WE CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT WE HONOR GOD’S WORD BY SUBMITTING TO ITS SCRUTINY OF OUR LIVES.

Read Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living 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.”

For the Word of God is alive and active. It is effective and able to cause something to happen. It is powerful. It scrutinizes our fears and anxieties and encourages us to trust Him.

Read Isaiah 55:10-11. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

This means that promises, warning, guidance, and benefits of heeding God’s word would come to pass.

FOR EXAMPLE: In the subject of prayer, God gave various promises when we pray. At one time, there was this person who came to know the Lord and the person wanted to share God’s word to her spouse. But the spouse was indifferent, argumentative, and resistant to any spiritual things.