Ephesians 6:17b

The sword of the Spirit is the first piece of armor that Paul provides us that is both defensive and offensive. All of the previous pieces were defensive. The weapon most effective to not only shield off the enemy but also to fight back with is none other than the very word of God. The word of God, according to Hebrews 4:12, is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. The Bible we have on our bookcase, or in the trunk of your car, or in an app on your phone, is more than just words printed on a page or screen.

Just as Jesus warded off the Devil when tempted in the wilderness, we have this great gift available to us to not only defend but strike back. But in order to use this weapon, we must know it in order to apply it. We must study it and be a constant learner of it. You won’t know it by casually reading it every so often. You know it because you devote yourself to it. You study it carefully and read with the intent to understand, which requires discipline. It’s no different if you were to learn how to combat with a real sword; if you don’t know how to use it, it will be of no use to you.

Pick up your Bible, study it, know it, and you’ll see a difference in your ability to fight the enemy.

Pastor Jason Witt