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As Christians, we're called to be soldiers of the cross. God didn't call us out of sin and into salvation just to "sit, soak, and sour." He called us to be prepared for battle. The battlefield is hot, and as soldiers, we will get shot at and wounded from time to time. But God has given us everything we need to be prepared.

What is the Whole Armor of God?

In Ephesians 6:11, Paul instructs us to "put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Many Christians leave home without being properly prepared for the day's battle.

We've previously discussed:

  • The helmet of salvation - where it all starts
  • The shield of faith - both defensive and offensive

Today, we're focusing on the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Why Do We Need the Sword of the Spirit?

The enemy knows what you didn't put on this morning. If you're not prepared, he knows exactly how to attack. Our battle isn't against flesh and blood - your spouse, your children, your coworkers aren't the problem. We wrestle "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).

As Christians, we must take in the Word of God daily - either by reading it or listening to it. The Bible says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Without the Word, you'll become a casualty on the battlefield.

What Makes the Sword of the Spirit So Powerful?

The sword of the Spirit is a convicting sword. It cuts, confronts, and corrects.

It Cuts

Hebrews 4:12 tells us, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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."

If you'll get into the Word of God, it will cut out what needs to be cut out of your life. You don't have to wonder what needs to be removed - the Word will show you and help you get it out.

It Confronts

In Acts 2:37, after hearing the Word, people "were pricked in their hearts" and asked, "What shall we do?" The Word confronts us with our sin and darkness because God is light, and in Him is no darkness.

It Corrects

2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

None of us like correction, but we need it. That's why we sometimes avoid reading the Word - we're comfortable in our sin and don't want to be confronted. But God loves us enough to correct us.

How Does the Sword of the Spirit Comfort Us?

The same sword that cuts also comforts. It calms, confirms, and counsels.

It Calms

Just as Jesus calmed the storm with "Peace, be still," the Word can bring peace to your troubled life. When your world seems to be taking on water, when friends turn against you, when everything seems to be falling apart - God can step in and bring instant healing and peace.

It Confirms

Romans 15:4 says, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

The Word confirms that God is still in control and that He has prepared a place for us. It gives us hope when we wonder what will happen when we die.

It Counsels

Psalm 119:105 tells us, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Some of us are tripping through life because we're not following the sword of the Spirit. The Word gives wisdom and guidance for life's trials.

How Does the Sword of the Spirit Help Us Conquer?

The sword is not only convicting and comforting - it's conquering. It encounters, crushes, and captures.

It Encounters

When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He responded with "It is written" (Matthew 4:4). Every time Satan tries to defeat you, go to the Word of God. It will conquer your challenges, depression, anxiety, and sin.

It Crushes

Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." The enemy cannot stand against the authority of Scripture.

It Captures

Romans 10:17 reminds us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The Word wins souls and brings people into the kingdom.

Life Application

The average Christian doesn't put on the whole armor of God each morning. When you put on God's armor, it makes you walk differently, talk differently, and carry yourself differently. But that's the whole point - it protects you from Satan, who "seeks whom he may devour."

Your sword isn't made to keep in a sheath - it's made to be pulled out and used. Many Christians will put their Bible on the counter and never draw their sword until the next time they come to church. But there's no way to be successful as a Christian without the Word of God.

Ask yourself these questions this week:

  • Am I taking in God's Word daily, either by reading or listening?
  • What areas of my life need to be cut out by the sword of the Spirit?
  • Am I allowing God's Word to comfort me in my trials?
  • How can I use the sword of the Spirit to conquer the challenges I'm facing?

Remember, you're missing more blessings than you can imagine if you don't let God be God in your life. Draw your sword daily and allow it to affect your heart.