THE WORD OF GOD: The Full Armor of God Series (Part 5)

"To the Christian armed for defense in battle, the apostle recommends only one weapon of attack... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. It subdues and mortifies evil desires and blasphemous thoughts as they rise within; and answers unbelief and error as they assault from without. A single text, well understood, and rightly applied, at once destroys a temptation or an objection, and subdues the most formidable adversary." ~Matthew Henry

God's Word is so important. In fact, EVERYTHING He has said (and not said) has proven to be instrumental and monumental for His people.

Think about it. God said, "Let there be light."... and by-golly there WAS light! Jesus said, "Peace. Be Still."... and a raging sea instantly became silent. If I tried that, nothing would happen. My words don't have that kind of power. To even get a glimpse of our Mighty Creator who spoke such words, we would need to be plugged in to the ultimate power source that He has preserved for us throughout all history... THE WORD OF GOD.

God's Word furnishes us with the ultimate offensive weapon... The Sword of the Spirit. It contains ideas which no human philosophy or theory could furnish. It stands on it's own and is alive and at work - even this very day. This living sword is faithfully backed by the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit and reinforced with our Savior's spoken promises. No enemy is capable of overcoming the Word of the Almighty God! NO ENEMY! WOO HOO!!!

This is why it is so important to know scripture like you know your own name. You see, if we take the time to understand the truth of our redemption, and then further grow in knowing God's thoughts while seeking to be guided by the Holy Spirit - our words will become His Words... our ways, His Ways. The more we become like Jesus, the more HE will guide us in how we are to live.

So, if we know what God has said... when the enemy appears, the right words at the right time will be available to us. We will be able to ward off an assault from the enemy as well as strike a telling blow for the sake of TRUTH. And the best part is, irrespective of Satan's attempts to thwart God's plan... if we confidently know the Words of our Master amidst all spiritual warfare, the love of Jesus Christ will work through us and claim the victory!

How cool is that?

By speaking His Holy Words against evil, we can be effective warriors in Jesus Name as well as avoid getting bogged down from strongholds presented by the enemy. I don't know about you, but that is definitely how I want to live!!! I want my weapon against that old snake to be Divine and not from my own bumbling lips!!! My own words will NEVER produce what God's Words already have!!!

His Word is our lamp! If we treasure what God says... if we keep Him in our heads and hearts, we can walk through life without fear. For with our Spirit's sword, we are able to boldly speak truth and drive away temptation and defeat. Because of this, we should study the Bible regularly so that we understand what TRUTH really is. We should have texts of Scripture at ready command, just as Jesus did when He was faced with temptation. Most importantly, we should always avoid seeking dependence on the reasoning of men. The fact is, one truth from scripture is better than all the philosophy and mental wisdom the best minds of this world could ever produce. NOTE: Satan is able to successfully debate and reason plausibly with the rational of mankind, but he is unable to resist the direct and unchanging commands declared by God Almighty!

Ladies, we must always be ready and at the offensive in this matter. Temptation often appears suddenly and can easy ensnare us. We do not want to be confused or misdirected as Eve was by the wicked enemy. We must be prepared with a solid understanding of scripture to drive the Tempter away. Otherwise, we can lose our bearings and eternal focus.

I encourage each of you to ask God to give you a mind to study His Word daily. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and prepare you for what is to come. We must carry His sword with us - always ready to combat the enemy's assaults. (And trust me, he will indeed assault us... and assault hard!) So, study God's Word and show yourself approved. Rightly divide the word of truth. Meditate on His commands day and night. KNOW HIM and you will be able to ward off Satan in Jesus Name!

Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy; and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:3)

Lord Jesus, give all DW Flowers your DIVINE POWER! Help us to withstand the enemy with the armor you have provided us. Thank you for Your powerful Words of LIFE, that we may not only defend ourselves - but go on the offensive and boldly advance your Kingdom! We will hide your commands in our hearts so that we will not sin against you! Help us to always be aware of the evil that surrounds us. Give us Your scripture and guide us in TRUTH. See us through each trial successfully. We wish only to please and glorify you, Father. Provide us with intimate glimpses of how wonderful our eternity will be in your perfect presence - - secured in your gracious, loving arms! You are faithful, precious Lord! We love and trust you FOREVER!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Blessings!!!

~Victoria

P.S. Tomorrow, we will wrap up this series by discussing PRAYER and STANDING FIRM! WOO HOO! Keep that armor secure, ladies. LOVE YOU ALL!

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson