Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil... Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore... and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God... Ephesians 6:10-18
In the above verses, "The Sword of the Spirit" is described as "the Word of God," which we are to take up daily and use as a weapon against Satanic forces. We are to be proactive by reading God's Word and using it to arm our minds, hearts, and souls so that we may live lives Holy and acceptable, as pleasing unto the Lord (I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2)
The Bible is not just any book, it is literally the inspired Word of God. It is a history and a science book. It is prophecy fulfilled and prophetic of things to come. It is a morality guide - it is your compass. We can plug into it and gain accesses to the very Power of God. Isn't that amazing!
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
I am a firm believer in reading the Bible every day. Yes, I may skip a day here and there, but overall, I love to dive into God's Words on a daily basis. Studying God's Words will not only benefit me spiritually and emotionally, but it proves to God how much I love Him and want to get to know Him better. It also greatly influences my daily walk. God's Word helps me make the best choices in everyday situations. If I am holding a grudge, for example, I can stop and reflect on God's Word and know how this displeases the Holy of Holies. I can remind myself what the Bible says on forgiveness and be able to let my heart heal as I let go of bitterness.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4
God's Word is our daily bread. It is all we need to sustain us. After reading a particularly powerful bible verses, do you ever feel like you have partaken of a wonderful feast? God's Words make you feel alive and will satisfy you to the very core of your being. It will help you find and maintain joy even during the dark times of your life.
Speaking of, Matthew chapter 4, verses 1-11 are another reminder of how powerful the Sword of the Spirit is in fighting off Satan. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus was able to make Satan leave by quoting scripture. We have access to the same scriptures as well as those written after Jesus' death and resurrection. The more we read the Bible, the greater our arsenal of scripture verses becomes, and the bigger and stronger our sword will grow. We will be armed with more knowledge on God's Truth versus Satan's (and man's) lies and it will be easier to argue with the devil (and man) by quoting scripture and sending all deceivers fleeing.
There are so many wonderful things that God's Word brings, that I cannot possibly name them all. I'll just focus on a few more areas.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Romans 1:16God's Word is our teacher on all areas concerning our salvation. It tells us that Jesus shed his blood on the cross and died for our sins. It also tells us that, if we repent of our sins, and choose Christ as our Savior, that we will be saved. We do not have to earn God's love or the death of His son on the cross, these are the free gifts of True grace. We are loved by an amazing God!
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4
But remember, God's Word does not exempt us from living a life of sin. We are not to use God's grace as an excuse to do what we know is wrong. God's Word is also great at convicting us of our sins. When in doubt if something goes against God's will, do not ask your buddies, read the Bible! I especially recommend reading and memorizing Galatians 5:16-26 & Revelation 21:7-8.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:1-5
If we abide in the Word (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1) and do our best to live by God's instructions, God's Word will keep us honest. If we set aside our egos and allow it, God's Word will show us where we need to improve, as well as showing us when we are on the right path. Here is one of my favorite verses:
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. Hebrews 4:12
When you read God's Word daily, it will really sink in to where you memorize scripture (even if you cannot remember the the exact reference). It is a good moral guide that you can and should keep with you wherever you go.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
God's Word is a reality check. When you read the gospels and Jesus' own Words, you will realize that Christ never sugar-coated things. He was very honest and told His listeners that life would be hard, some will be persecuted for their beliefs, and some will never find true happiness in this life. (These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33)
We live in a fallen world full of people not living a Godly life, and those people do not care how their actions affect others. Because of such people, most of us will experience unpleasant things in life. Living in a fallen world also means that diseases are allowed to exist and cause pain to the sufferer as well as to family members that endure loss.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9
Yet, if we endure, God's Word promises those who have repented of their sins, accept Christ as their Savior, and are striving to live holy lives, will gain eternal glory. (You can also read the beatitudes in Matthew 5 & Luke 20)
Ephesians 6:10-18 is an amazing section of scripture that should be carefully studied many times over. The Sword of the Spirit, God's Word, alone in those verses offers up excellent advice on how to survive in this world.
God's Words will bring you peace, joy, love, awe, conviction, and an overall honest look at life and make you take an honest look at yourself. But do not ever take my word for it, read it for yourself!
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