This morning, we continue our study of the armour of God.
Our study to date:
- Part one - Holy War
- Part two - The Enemy
- Part three - A Command
- Part four - When?
- Part five - The Belt of Truth
- Part six - The Breastplate of Righteousness
- Part seven - The Shoes
- Part eight - The Shield
- Part nine - The Helmet
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God.
Ephesians 6:17 NIV
Roman soldiers carried a pointed, double-edged sword into battle. It could stab,
cut on the down stroke or on the upstroke. It was an ideal weapon for both offence
and defence.
The sword of the Spirit is God's Word. It too, can cut and divide.
For the word of God is living 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. 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.
Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV
Unlike a metal sword, or any other book ever written, God's Word is alive. It
has power to separate truth from lie, good from evil, bone from marrow. Not even
the finest Roman blade compares to it.
In the desert, Jesus defeated the temptations of Satan with the simple Word of
God.
The Word came to divide. It came to separate sheep from goats, saved from unsaved,
the redeemed from the lost. That's not a popular perception in some quarters today,
even within those who claim to be part of the church. Yet Jesus Himself proclaimed
that He came bringing the sword.
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come
to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn " `a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law --
a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' "Anyone who loves his
father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or
daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross
and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever
loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:34-39 NIV
When He comes again the same two-edged sword will be upon His lips.
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider
is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are
like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him
that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and
his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on
white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes
a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an
iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD
OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:11-16 NIV
The sword gives power to stand, but all will kneel to it in due course. Will
you kneel as one of His, or fall by the edge of the sword?
Until next time, rejoice in the sword of the Lord.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin
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