The Sword of the Spirit
“The Sword of the Spirit”
Spiritually Strong series cont’d
by Pastor Andrew Malek
November 22, 2020
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. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)
In our “Spiritually Strong” series, we have been learning about the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation. Today, we are talking about the Sword of the Spirit. Even when the enemy attacks us, we can be spiritually strong and focus on God. The word of God defends and strengthens us.
When we think about picking up a sword, we often think about attacking; however, scripture says to pick up the sword so we can stand. The Sword of the Spirit is the word of God. It is the right-now word that meets us where we are. When we’re under attack, the word of God is there to strengthen us.
Many things are unknown in our world right now. Nevertheless, when we pick up the word of God, it speaks truth into our lives. John 16:33 tells us that we can have peace because Jesus already overcame the world. This verse is a sword amid uncertainty. Colossians 3:9-11 (MSG) becomes a weapon to help us face the attacks of insecurity in our lives. It’s easy to get lost in the many decisions we have to make every day, but Psalm 119:105 teaches us that the Word of God lights our path.
David faced numerous attacks in his lifetime. In Psalm 139, he gives us three steps to help us walk in spiritual strength amidst an attack:
Search our heart. When attacked, how we respond reflects what’s on the inside of us. It doesn’t have to be a real attack; it can even be a perceived attack. Whatever’s on the inside of us comes out when we perceive an attack. Although David lashes out in Psalm 139 against his attackers, ultimately he is reconnecting his heart to his creator’s. Spiritual strength is about allowing our creator into our hearts.
Test our heart. In Psalm 139, David asks God to test him. When David asks God to test him, he’s saying, will you do what you need to do to take me where you want to take me. We often ascribe everything negative in our lives to the enemy, but while the enemy wants us to get tripped up by the tests, God wants us to pass our tests. In Psalm 139:5-6, David welcomed the test because he understood that it was a blessing. When we are tested, we have to seek God in it and allow it to be a blessing. He wants to strengthen us and renew our minds.
Lead us in the way everlasting. As Christians, we must understand that we are followers. We are following Jesus' life and his directions. Sometimes it may feel like we are following a leader who is leading us into danger, pain, or isolation. Whenever we face financial uncertainty, we need to know that Jesus is with us in it. When we face a doctor’s report, Jesus is with us in it. Attacks are going to come, but Jesus is with us in it. It is not about the attack; it is about our savior being right there with us in the middle of it.
Many of us are facing things that are scary and overwhelming right now, but if we keep our eyes on Jesus, then he will lead us out. Nothing can stand in the way of God’s mighty power. We must continue to focus on him, his word, and follow him by the grace of his strength. Attacks are inevitable, but we can put on the armor of God and have the strength to face it. We can stand strong in his mighty power. No matter what we are facing, Jesus is with us in it.
Reflection/Discussion Questions:
1. What area of your heart do you feel led to invite God to search?
2. What comes out of you when you perceive an attack?
3. What area of your life do you believe you are being tested in?
4. What is your response when God tests you?
5. Think of a time that Jesus has led you through something difficult and taken you through to the other side. How did you perceive his presence with you in the middle of it?