|
HELEN SANDERS
11-27-2021
THE ARMOUR OF GOD PART 8
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
As we continue our study of the armour of God, it brings us again to Ephesians 6:10-18. This portion of scripture is so important to each individual Christian. Without understanding the reasons why we need the armour of God, we lead a defeated Christian life. With the armour, we have the protection we need against our adversary, the devil. In I Peter 5:8 it says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Do you notice the word “may” devour? He has to have permission to devour us. That permission comes through ignorance, and also from opening a gate through sin that gives him a legal right to “devour” us. Without knowing the word of God, teaching us what is sinful, you will never be able to resist his attacks.
Ephesians 6:17b says, “…and the sword of the Spirit (Holy Spirit) which is the word of God.” You see my friends we don’t fight with physical weapons. We fight with spiritual weapons. We are told in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul (mind, will, emotions) and spirit (your inner man), and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
As we read the Word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit, it discerns our heart, and brings us conviction, but also encouragement. It speaks to our spirit because it is spiritually written. This is the reason that a non-believer cannot understand scripture because their spirit has not been born again. Once we are born again, our spirit is in communion with Holy Spirit. Our spirit is seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), so we are “in tune” with God. This is why we must be led by the spirit (the inner man) and not the flesh.
The Word of God brings correction to our “fallen nature” by bringing wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 1:1-9). John 1:1 tells us that “In the beginning was the word (logos) and the word (logos) was with God, and the word (logos) was God.” When we read the word of God, we are reading what Jesus is saying. He is the word made flesh that dwelt among us (John 1:14).
Without the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, none of the other parts of the armour would be effective. It would be like having the sword but not knowing what it is used for, just letting it be on display to look at and admire. By reading the word of God and acting on it, we are wielding the sword of God. It is our offensive weapon. It cuts through the darkness and brings us light.
Study the word of God and learn who you are in Christ, and your authority through the name of Jesus that God intended you to have. By doing this you will win the battles instead of being a defeated Christian.
Easy? No, it takes time and discipline to study. Most students in a classroom are lazy when it comes to studying, but those that do study will always fare better than those that don’t. The choice is ours. God will not push himself on anyone. He empowers us through the Word and wants us to live victorious lives. Again, the choice is ours. Choose wisely.
Missed some of Helen's messages? Click here to read
| 
