The Sword Of The Spirit Series

The sword of the Spirit

Ephesians chapter 6:10-20

Introduction-

Ephesians chapter 6:10-6:20

Prayer-

We are still in the series “Putting on the full armor of God”. We have looked at all the pieces except the sword of the Spirit.

We have the belt of Truth

We have put on the Breastplate of Righteousness

We have put on the shoes of peace

We have taken the shield of Faith

We have the helmet of Salvation.

We have been told that “when we have done all that we know to do, we are to stand firm.”

We know seen in God’s word that you cannot put the armor of God on and expect it to work if you have no relationship with God.

We know that the shield of faith must be taken up- you don’t put it on, you take it up.

Each piece is supposed to accomplish something spiritually in your life if you will let it.

You have all the body wear- you look like a soldier and very quickly we will learn if you have been taught by God to be able to do spiritual warfare and not only survive but to successfully accomplish something for the kingdom of God.

For each of these pieces is for defensive purposes.

Again, let me say this- you cannot defeat the enemy in your own strength.

He gives us protective armor to combat the attacks that we face.

He gives us only one offensive weapon, and that is the Sword of the Spirit. It is to be used by praying believers, prayed up In the Spirit of God.

The sword for the Roman soldier was a long double-edged sword about 24” long.

It was edged on both sides so that it could do damage going in and coming out as it was thrust into someone’s body.

They developed it by trial and error and found that this sword was good in hand-to –hand combat with the enemy.

The soldier carried it on the right side and was attached to the belt and below his breastplate.

You can see how you need all pieces of the armor and how you needed to know how to use them.

Once a soldier was properly trained, he could wield that sword with accuracy and power.

For the believer- the sword is the word of God. (Repeat)

Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

The word of God is God’s truth- revealed by Jesus Christ (incarnate word)

The word of God is active in accomplishing God’s purpose- Amen!

The author of Hebrews describes it as living power that judges as with an all seeing eye, penetrating a person’s innermost being…soul, spirit, joints, marrow.

God’s Word! God’s spoken word recorded for us to use as a weapon against the enemy of your soul.

The spoken word of God thrust Satan out of heaven for his rebellion and disobedience.

The spoken word of God is what will keep him defeated.

Every encounter that Jesus had with Satan Mt. 4

Turn these stones to bread

Throw yourself down and let the angels protect you

I’ll give you all this if you will fall down and worship me.

Was answered by…..it is written! The spoken word of God recorded.

It is written

“Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Away from me Satan, for it is written… “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.”

Mt. 4:11- “Then the devil left him, and the angels came and attended him.”

If there is anything that a Christian better be skilled at, it is to be using God’s Word.

2 Tim. 2:15-

“Do your best to present yourselves to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

The sword is the word of God- it defeats the enemy and it will transform our lives.

The soldier’s sword can only destroy. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

The thief thinks only of himself.

Jesus is interested in his people and enables us to live life to the full.

The word of God is a double-edged sword. It will defeat the enemy and transform our lives if we will let it.

Knife in a soldier hand brings death.

Knife is a surgeon’s hand brings healing and comfort.

The battle is spiritual and must be fought in God’s strength depending on the word and on God through prayer and relationship with Him