30 June 2024
Scripture
Ephesians 6:17-18 (ESV)
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Luke 4:3-4 (ESV)
And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ”
Devotion
This is the last study in our seven-day quest of taking ground. And what a way to finish— the Sword of the Spirit, the word of God! As we discovered on day one, every piece of the armour is some kind of offensive weapon to take ground, but none more so than the sword. Again, let’s be reminded that the command was to “take up!” Take up the Word of God which is a powerful weapon, but only if it’s used. A sword does nothing for a soldier while it’s out of reach. God’s word is so powerful, but it’s our responsibility to seize it, take it up and have it ready for battle!
A sword would clear a path ahead of a soldier as he would wield it. It would cut down anything that might stand in his way. The Bible speaks of a “double edged sword,” sharpened both ways. That means that it doesn’t just scratch the surface…it’s sharp enough to cut right through bone! Another picture that helps paint the picture is that of David taking out Goliath. After he knocked him flat with the stone from his sling, David walked over, took Goliath’s own sword and cut off his head. He completely took out his enemy, ensuring he was never able to rise against him again. Imagine the damage we can do to our spiritual enemy as we use this sword of the Spirit to be completely victorious!
Jesus perfectly illustrated this strategy when He defeated the enemy’s temptations in Luke 4. In each of the three instances, He answered the enemy’s attacks only with scripture… “It is written.” He didn’t complain about why He was facing that battle. He didn’t get introspective and start thinking deeply. He definitely didn’t listen and consider the lies coming against Him. He just firmly stood His ground and cut down every thought and argument with the sword of the Spirit. And we can do the same! We are becoming unstoppable as we cut through the opposition and take ground!
Let’s get in the word and get the word in us like never before. This is the season of abundance and we are taking ground as sons of God as we walk in obedience to His word!
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