THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

 

This world is not a playground, but a battleground. If we seek to be in God’s will, then we will run head on into the devil. The only perfect Man—the Lord Jesus—had to face and fight the devil. Yet, He was victorious each time. Hebrews 4:15, states Jesus was, “in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”  He sets the standard for successful spiritual warfare. He did not defeat the devil as God. Being fully God, He could have cast Satan into the abyss by a command. Yet, Jesus was also fully man, and overcame Satan as a man can—with the Word of God!  This displayed His flawless nature, qualifying Him as the spotless Lamb to die in our place. 

Further, by wielding the Spirit’s sword as a man, he showed us how we also may overcome the wicked one. That divine weapon is available to us!  Paul described the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6, and the one offensive weapon, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (v.17b).  Each time, Christ met the Tempter with, “it is written,” three times beating back the thrust of temptation and putting the devil to flight.

That Word must be committed to memory. The ingestion of God’s Word is essential. David underscored that winning the war depended on wielding the Word, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you,” (Ps.119:11). 

The Word must be communicated in ministry. The proclamation of God’s Word is non-negotiable. The teacher in the classroom and the preacher in the pulpit must believe in the Word as their authority and proclaim the Word with all clarity. This will enable those sitting under the Word to experience victory!

It is the power of the Gospel message that summons sinners to salvation (cf. Rom.1:16). It is the power of God’s Word that breaks strongholds and sets saints free. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭3‬-‭5‬‬).

On Monday through Saturday, I will study God’s Word, store it in my heart, and submit to it with my life. Then, I can stand with a Bible in my hand on Sunday morning before God’s people and by that sword see lives transformed with truth. “It is written!” is my conviction and my communication!