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The Sword of The Spirit

             Take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17b)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Jesus answered, “It is written: …”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: …”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written:” (Matthew 4:4a, 7a, 10a)

 

 Sunday School teachers have long pointed out that the sword is the only weapon mentioned.  Of course, you could shove or bonk someone over the head with the shield, but that’s not an effective or safe use. No, we are advised to use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And if we consider the example set by Jesus in Matthew 4, one might say we’re supposed to engage in repartee or quick-witted and witty replies drawn from Scripture.

          To do that, we need to be well-versed in what Scripture says, as Jesus demonstrated. But, a quick note here, Jesus didn’t feel the need to say “In Deuteronomy 8:3, it says…” The chapter and verse divisions weren’t added until later. While it is definitely useful to know where to find passages in the Bible, not knowing chapter and verse doesn’t make the passage less useful for spiritual warfare.

          This passage is simple to apply when it comes to comforting others. It’s not always easy. We may have to prayerfully search Scripture for passages that apply to our current situation or someone else’s. We need to know, practice, and teach proper understanding of the text. I don’t mean that we should say, “Read [Biblical reference] and apply it.”

          Instead, we should practice or demonstrate and/or explain the process, taking them through praying, using a search engine, properly evaluating the text, discussing practical steps to try, and ending in prayer again.

          The other factor we need to impress on ourselves and those we are trying to comfort so that they can do battle themselves is that the bulk of spiritual battle is within ourselves and with ourselves. The Word of God divides our souls, spirits, joints and marrow, and the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. While Jesus was putting Satan in his place, He was also putting Himself in proper relationship with the Father, with Satan, with Himself, and with everyone and everything else.

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