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Ephesians 6:17

“Sword of the Spirit”

Sword of the Spirit…•How would you like to find your self in a firefight, without a rifle?•Can you say “sitting duck”?•Roman soldiers carried a 2ft long broadsword called a Gladius, and a double-edged dagger, a Pugio•All the other pieces of armor were defensive, now we learn offense…

“14…HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Ephesians 6:14-17, NASB

“14…HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Ephesians 6:14-17, NASB

A. Sword of the Spirit…•Many Believers wear all their Armor, but never un-sheath their sword•They may study, compare notes, etc., but never used it in spiritual battle•Why is the best defense a good offense?•Offensive action preoccupies the opposition and ultimately its ability to directly harm•Let’s see how/why we can use the Word as the Sword of the Spirit…

1.) God’s Word is EFFECTIVE•The Enemy knows the value of our Sword, even if we don’t•He directs attacks towards the Word in our lives because of above•How? Interruption of study, hindering memorization and daily devotion time•He knows how powerful the above is for you

“16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;It will not return to Me empty,Without accomplishing what I desire,And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11,

NASB

2.) God’s Word is ACCURATE•It has proven its accuracy in history, prophecy, science, and archaeology like no other book in human history•It’s the first book Archaeologists look to•Liberal Biblical Scholars have tried to discredit it, but history always proves it•That didn’t work, so they took it out of schools

5 Every word of God is tested;He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.6 Do not add to His wordsOr He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.

Proverbs 30:5-6, NASB

3.) God’s Word is ALIVE and POWERFUL•Not just words, but breathed from the Holy Spirit, a Head of the Triune God!•Only HE can give understanding, enabling us to use it properly•Stephen Hawking•God can reveal amazing things to you•Would you go to war with rusty dull sword?

3.) God’s Word is ALIVE and POWERFUL•Of course not! Sharper the better!Hebrews 4:12 says, “For 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.”

Here’s how it actually happens…After you sin, the Devil will come to you and whisper, “You failed. There is no forgiveness for you from God.”You whip out your Sword and say, “It is written in 1 John 1:9: ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’”The devil says, “You are wrong. God condemns you.”

Here’s how it actually happens…So you strike back with your Sword of the Spirit and say, “No, you are wrong, because Romans 8:1 says, ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.’”Then the devil says, “Ha, you are going to fail again. I am going to take you all the way down to hell.”

Here’s how it actually happens…Then you say, “No. You are wrong again, Satan. In John 10:28, Jesus said, ‘And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.’”Thusly, thrusting your Spirit Sword once again!

See why memorization is so vital?

4.) God’s Word is ESSENTIAL and REVEALING•Do you read the manual when you buy new furniture at IKEA?•The Bible, the Word of God is our Life Manual to guide us and teach us the way to walk with the Lord in this messed-up world

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”

5.) God’s Word is HOLY•Though God used over 40 different authors, He literally breathed the words into them to write down

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your loving- kindness and Your truth; For You have magni- fied Your word above all Your name.

B. The Word and the Spirit of God•If you only focus on the experience with the H.S., w/o the balance of the Word, there is no foundation, and you are apt to false teaching•Lots of Charismatic churches where the Bible is never opened•Also, many places where the Word is believed, but the Spirit is kept at bay

Take Home!1. God’s written Word is

the most important evidence any person can examine

2. God’s written Word is the most compelling information to prepare us for life after death