The Sword of the Spirit

Ephesians 6:17

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

We who are saved have been called into the army of the Lord. In Ephesians we are encouraged to put on the whole armor of God. As part of the armor we are to take the sword of the Spirit. This sword is the Word of God. What is the sword for? It is to defend us and to attack the enemy. This warfare is a spiritual warfare. As we use this sword we are to be skillful in its use.

Let look at the Master as He uses it in Mathew chapter 4 verses 4, 7 and 10. As He fights against Satan He reminds him of scripture. The blade is put forth every time He says, “it is written.”

As we are attacked daily do you know the scripture to defend yourself and attack the evil one?

If someone said:
You don’t need to be saved
There is no hell
There is no God
I believe in evolution
Live and let live
It does not matter how you live your life
God would not cast me into hell

How would you respond? Would you try and use your own human reason or would you be able to use the sword of the Spirit? We need to be careful and take captive every thought to ensure it is in line with God.

2 Corinthians 10:4 - For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;

To use the sword skillfully we must take instruction. Instruction will be given at Church, Bible Class, Youth Fellowship or the Mid-week Meeting. We must attend. You must be dedicated to your division. There should be no going AWOL. Not only are we to take instruction but we are to practice. We must read, study and memorize His word. After taking instruction and practicing we must put all that we have learned into practice.

Young person as the world advocates its wisdom let us test it in the light of scripture. As we meet others let us use the word skillfully to witness of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Death

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

There are not many certainties in life. Some are born rich and some poor. Some achieve great things while others do not. One thing is sure; we will all meet death, unless Christ returns.

The verse above reminds us that we may plan our future, and we should, but we do not know whether we will be able to fulfill our plans. What plans have you made for tomorrow? Life is so uncertain. Recently a friend of mine went in for an operation. They were to get out of hospital in under a week. This was what was expected but life is not certain. They will have spent nearly 6 months in hospital, before they leave.

We may plan to have a great family, to have a great job or business, to have a beautiful home but life does not always go to plan. If death put his hand on your shoulder tonight where would you be? At that point it does not matter how much you own or how much you have in the bank. It will not matter what status you have achieved in life - it will be worthless.

The only thing that will matter is “have you made your peace with God?” Are you saved?

I can remember the time in my life when I thought that others in their 30s and 40s were old. I have now left my 30s behind and now realise that life moves very quick.

Life is like a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Death will and must come to all of our homes and will one day come for you.

Are you prepared for when the death angel comes?

Let us not put our roots down too deep in this world but let us look toward the world that is to come.

We would do well to take note of the first catechism:

1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.