SPIRITUAL WARFARE | PART 7 SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Sermon Intro: SS United States

Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV2011) 

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
We are to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

Clarification:

“The Word of God” Graphe: The written word.

“The Word of God” Graphe: The written word. Logos: The message of the Bible.

“The Word of God” Graphe: The written word. Logos: The message of the written word. Rhema: Utterance; Declaration of the message.

Example: Sword fighting

FIRST:
The Sword can block Satan’s blows
Example: Jesus

Matthew 4:4 (NIV2011)
4  Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3)

Matthew 4:7 (NIV2011) 

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Quoted from Deuteronomy 6:16)

Matthew 4:10 (NIV2011)
10  Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Quoted from Deuteronomy 6:13)

Effective use of the sword requires prior preparation

Psalm 119:11-16 (NIV2011)
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

SECOND:

Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV2011)
12  For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

The Sword can penetrate the human heart

Application: “Changing” God’s Word
Example: College

Isaiah 55:11 (NIV2011)
11  so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

THIRD:
Ephesians 6:17 (NIV2011) 

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

This sword – the Rhema – belongs to the Spirit! It’s the Spirit’s sword.
Wielding the Sword requires yielding to the Spirit

Example: President of Company
1 John 4:4 (NIV2011)
…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.