The Mighty Sword of The Lord

29 Oct

So far, each part of the armour of God protects a certain part of our bodies, each with their own spiritual applications. Today, we take a look at the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, which like the shield and the helmet are to be taken up by us. The sword of the spirit protects us from the whole onslaught of the enemy, and when wielded correctly, we are able to parry his blows and push him back. Today we will look at the spiritual as well as practical applications of the sword of the Spirit and how we can wield it in our own lives, so that we can have an impact on this spiritual war we are engaged in.

Scripture

Ephesians 6:16-17 ESV In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Bible Study Questions

The focus of the attack

We see the struggle of good vs evil throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. It is what this part of Ephesians focuses on. While there are many things that we are fighting for, what would you say is the most important for the enemy to destroy?

John 14:6 ESV Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 8:32 ESV And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Us under attack

The truth is under attack and we are all affected by it. Satan attacked the truth in the garden of Eden and he continues his onslought in our lives. How are we under attack? What methods does Satan use to attack us?

John 8:44 ESV You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Genesis 3:4 ESV But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.

2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Satan’s power

One of the hard parts about scriptures like this one in Ephesians is that we have to come to terms with the enemy. Unfortunately in the modern church, many churches make a mockery of Satan, downplaying his power. This is dangerous and one of his own lies. He is real and a real threat to us all, we need to acknowledge this.

1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Jude 1:9 ESV But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”

God’s power

Whilst we must acknowledge Satan and his power, we must not focus on it or become terrified of it or him. Our God is true power, and His power surpasses all other powers, including that of Satan’s. How can we rest assured, knowing that God is most powerful?

Genesis 1:1 ESV In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

1 Chronicles 29:11 ESV Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.

Revelation 20:10 ESV and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The sword

God’s power comes to us in many ways, but of the most significant is His written word. This is the sword of the Spirit, and it is a mighty weapon of God’s, given to us to push the enemy back. How can we use the Word of God to push the enemy back?

James 4:7 ESV Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Luke 4:41 ESV And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

The Spirit

So Paul is telling us that we have God’s incredible word and it is there for us to take up and use in battle against evil. But with great power comes great responsibility. What do you think could be one of the biggest dangers of using God’s word. How would you overcome these dangers, and ensure the sword is used correctly?

Hebrews 4:12 ESV For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

1 Timothy 3:15 ESV If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

Weilding the sword

To wield the sword, we need to know God’s Word, the Bible. How can we use God’s Word to repel the enemy?

Matthew 4:4 ESV But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Martin Lamberti