Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Right Road

          Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:7-12)                  For years before GPSes existed, I told people I wanted something in my car that would tell me, “Turn left in half a mile…turn left in a quarter mile…turn left in 500 feet… turn left in 100 feet…turn left now …You missed the turn, Dummy!” The problem isn’t necessarily that I get lost so much as I’m afraid I’ll get lost. I don’t want to have to spend my whole trip stressing over the next turn. I have the same problem with my spiritual journey.   
Post a Comment
Read more

Died as a Ransom

                 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. (Hebrews 9:15)                  This is something I’d really rather not think about but here it is and it’s important. I was reading in Bold Love about seeking revenge.  The author wrote of seeking justice when a supposed Christian does something sinful, harmful, and/or horrific, like sexually abusing a daughter.  And the thought that came to mind was of God asking if Jesus’ death was sufficient payment to me for the sin committed against me.                I have no specific longing for revenge, vengeance, or justice. I’m sure there are some lurking somewhere in my heart, but this wasn’t a response to one. It was more a question of principle. Jesus’ death was sufficient payment for to God for our sins.  That’s the standard Sunday Schoo
1 comment
Read more

Out of the Depths

  Out of the depths I have cried to You, Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the sound of my pleadings.   If You, Lord, were to keep account of guilty deeds, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, so that You may be revered. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and I wait for His word. My soul waits in hope for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; Yes, more than the watchmen for the morning. Israel, wait for the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his guilty deeds . (Psalm 130)             I like Mr. Peterson’s interpretation of the first line. “The bottom has fallen out of my life!” Of course, the problem for some of us is the fact that we’re drama queens, and/or we’re weak. Any time anything happens that disturbs our sense of mastery and control, the bottom has fallen out of our lives. If the past couple of days have taught me anything, they’ve t
1 comment
Read more