Looking at the Sword of the Spirit

Devotional Help

Ephesians 6:17b
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

[ESV]

Many are familiar with the chapter in Ephesians dealing with putting on the Armor of God and I would like to look at the sword of the Spirit, which is the written word of God that empowers the church. There is no greater strength than dependence on God’s word and no better example to us of the power and understanding of the word than Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). We can learn from this passage the power of knowing the word of God to overcome adverse circumstances in our life.

Hebrews 4:12
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.

[ESV]

The word of God is to be used with great power, cutting deeply as a double-edged sword, living, active, sharp, piercing, and discerning. It is God’s written word that exposes our hearts through our actions. To the Jewish mind, when God spoke, several things happened. God spoke and history changed, He spoke and blessings or judgment occurred, God spoke, and miracles happened. We, too, must see God speaking when reading and understanding the Bible. Then we will understand to follow its precepts, as the Bible is dependable and correct in what it says, and we should allow it to disciple us and guide us in life.

For thought:

1.     As Christians we have believed from the beginning that the Scriptures are divine and inspired. Have you given thought to whether your actions show if you believe that or not?

2.     Have you set a regular time of reading and understanding the Bible?

3.     Do you see the power in knowing God’s Word?

Prayer:

Father as I seek to be in your will and be obedient to you, I know the Bible to be the Holy and inspired Word of you speaking to me. May you teach me as I learn to listen, as I read and study your thoughts and desires for my life and prepare my heart in service to you.