he Whole Armour of God

Stage 3: Level 2 - Class 3 Pastor Simon	Part Eight: The Sword of the Spirit	Click here to print! Print or Copy available here
	Copyright © 1998 P.F. (Simon) Measures

In the whole armour of God you have footwear, a girdle, a breastplate, a helmet and a shield. These all keep you well defended against the devil's terrorist strikes. You also have a sword so you can go on the offensive! The devil may strike at you but with the sword of the spirit you strike back at him!

The sword of the spirit is a very strategic part of the whole armour of God. John saw Jesus in glory with this sword,

"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day...having turned I saw...One like the Son of Man...out of His mouth went a sharp, two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength." Revelation 1:9-17 - NKJV

This same sword that John saw coming from Jesus' mouth is provided for us by the whole armour of God. The sword of the spirit is the word of God and it should be coming out of our mouths!

We see Jesus using this sword when the devil attacked Him at the beginning of His earthly ministry. The account of this confrontation is the best place in scripture for you to learn how to wield the sword of the spirit. Matthew tells us,

"The devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, 'All these thngs I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Away with you, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' Then the devil left Him." Matthew 4:8-11 - NKJV.

The devil left! Jesus declared, "It is written..." and the devil turned to leave! He wasn't going to risk any further confrontation with the sword of the spirit being used against him. Jesus put the devil to flight by speaking the word. Jesus used the sword of the spirit against the devil.

Paul exhorts us,

"Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17 - NKJV.

The sword of the spirit is for putting to flight the devil. It is not a duelling weapon. It is not for engaging the devil in combat. It is a short sword more accurately called a dirk. It is for finishing an adversary off with. You thrust and pierce the devil with it. This short sword is the sword of the spirit and it is the word of God.

There are a number of things you are going to need to do if the sword of the spirit is to be an effective part of your armoury.

Firstly, you will have to get to know by heart some striking scriptures. As David used diligence in selecting his stones for his battle against Goliath so you'll need to use diligence in selecting scriptures for your battles. Like David also you'll need to deposit them in your pouch - the pouch your heart provides for God's word. 1 Samuel 17:40.

Secondly, you're going to need to get skilfull in using the word of God. The word of God is very specific and it needs to be used very specifically in order to have dynamic and full impact. (See 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:13-14.)

Thirdly, you're going to need to get bold with the word of God. For this you need to pray as the disciples prayed. They requested of God,

"Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word." Acts 4:29 - NKJV

God's answer to this prayer came immediately. The Bible tells us,

"And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:31 - NKJV.

Take the sword of the spirit! Wield the sword of the spirit! It's the offensive part of the whole armour of God!

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