The Sword of the Spirit

Next we are to take up the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, an offensive weapon for our protection as well as our defence.

How does the word protect us?

• It is truth that defends and protects.
• when Satan attacks us by bombarding us with lies, doubts, deception- only being firmly grounded in God's word, which is truth, can keep us firmly planted, unshaken, immovable.
• when our minds are filled with doubt, fear, anger- the truth corrects our thinking and keeps us in the path of obedience.
• Scripture reproves, rebukes, exhorts, encourages, challenges, and gives comfort so we must read, study, memorize, and regulary meditate in it to apply these benefits.
• It is truth that wards off attacks.
• Jesus quoted scripture when He was tempted in the wilderness. Unless you are familiar with it you will not know how to use this weapon effectively.
• Take it, use it verbally as an offensive weapon. When we are studying to show ourselves approved unto God as a workman who is not ashamed, accurately handling the Word of Truth, we will know when to use it to teach, when to use it to correct error or false teaching, when to use it to destroy arguments and lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God. We will know when to use it to bring comfort and encouragement.

Can you see how in every piece of armor is the necessity of knowing the Word?
Are you satisfied with what you already know? Do you think you know it well enough that you can live off what you do know and therefore do not need to read and study daily? You cannot survive on day old 'manna'. God wants to feed you fresh 'manna' every day.

I challenge you to become a part of a group Bible Study that will help you stay in the word faithfully everyday. There are many good options. Check them out to be sure they are teaching correct doctrine. Here are a few suggestions: Bible Study Fellowship, Precepts Ministries (Kay Arthur), Mary Kassian, Beth Moore... and just those will keep you in the Word for years to come. These are women's studies but see my favorite sites section for powerful teaching of the truth of God's Word and enjoy learning and growing!

To know God- study His Word- You will fall in love!

to the praise of His glory,
Norma