The Sword

THE SWORD

Eph. 6:17

INTRODUCTION:

1. Quotes about the Bible:

a. Victor Hugo, French writer, 1802-1885

“England has two books; the Bible and Shakespeare. England made Shakespeare, but the Bible made England.”

b. Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, 1858-1919

“A thorough understanding of the Bible is better than a college education.”

c. Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, 1809-1865

“I am busily engaged in the study of the Bible. I believe it is God’s word because it finds me where I am.”

“I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good of the Savior of the world is communicated to us through the Book.”

d. Robert E. Lee, Civil War General who fought for the Southern Confederacy:

“In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.”

e. President George Washington, First President of the United States

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible.”

f. Napoleon, Emperor of the French (1804-1814), 1769-1821

“The gospel is not a book; it is a living being, with an action, a power, which invades everything that opposes its extension, behold! It is upon this table: This book, surpassing all others. I never omit to read it, and every day with some pleasure.”

g. Pascal, French philosopher and mathematician, developed the modern theory of probability, 1623-1662

“I prefer to believe those writers who get their throats cut for what they write.”

h. Isaac Newton, English mathematician and scientist, 1642-1727

“We account the scriptures of God to be the most sublime philosophy. I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatsoever.”

2. In Revelation we see a picture of the Lord wielding the sword.

Rev 1:16-18

(16) And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

(17) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

(18) I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

I. THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SWORD

A. The sword is the word.

1. John Wesley said of this passage;

“And the sword of the Spirit, the word of God - This Satan cannot withstand, when it is edged and wielded by faith. Till now our armour has been only defensive. But we are to attack Satan, as well as secure ourselves; the shield in one hand, and the sword in the other. Whoever fights with the powers of hell will need both.”

2. Barnes noted concerning the sword;

“The sword was an essential part of the armor of an ancient soldier. His other weapons were the bow, the spear, or the battle-axe. But, without a sword, no soldier would have regarded himself as well armed.”

3. Illustration;

“In a museum in Scotland, resides the sword of the famous Scotsman Wallace who was a hero and patriot. A visitor once said, “I do not see how it could win such victories.” “Ah sir, you do not see the arm that wielded it,” came the reply.” (G.B. F. Hallock. 2500 Modern Illustrations. Harper’s and Brothers Publishers. New York. 1935. Pg. 269.)

B. The description of the word.

1. It is the production of the Holy Ghost (II Tim. 3:16, II Pet. 1:19-21).

2Ti 3:16

(16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Pe 1:19-21

(19) We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

(20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

(21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2. It is the instrument the Holy Ghost uses to influence his purposes.

II. THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE SWORD

A. Satan’s assaults will be stopped by the word.

1. Martin Luther wrote:

The prince of darkness grim

We tremble not for him,

His rage we can endure,

For lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him!

Eph 6:11-12

(11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

(12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.