The Sword and the Shield: How to Activate Spiritual Warfare Through God’s Word
The Sword and the Shield: How to Activate Spiritual Warfare Through God’s Word
Discover the significance of the Sword of the Spirit and how God's Word becomes our ultimate weapon. It surpasses a mere physical tool; it embodies the divine Word found in the Bible. Together, let's explore how to effectively wield it in our spiritual journey of warfare.
Embracing the armor of God, this indispensable piece empowers us to stand strong against evil forces and temptations. As disciples of Jesus, it's time we learn how to effectively wield this sword if we want to walk in victory!
What is Spiritual Awakening?
When thinking about a spiritual awakening, many used to picture revival moments and God breakthroughs. But more and more, an awakening is being realized as also a call to war - an alert that it is time to fight the good fight of faith.
We live in a world with a very real devil whose aim is to steal, kill, and destroy. But we don't have to be victims - we can be warriors equipped to engage the enemy and experience victory.
Let's look at Ephesians 6:17 together:
“And take... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
This sword is meant for battle. And it is activated by another vital piece of armor - the helmet of salvation. Let me explain...
The Sword is Activated by the Helmet
One of the funniest stories illustrating this is in Acts 19. The apostle Paul was ministering in Ephesus, demonstrating the gospel with signs, wonders, and miracles. He was casting out demons in Jesus' name.
Some Jewish exorcists saw what Paul was doing and decided to try it themselves. They came across a demon-possessed man and said: "We command you in the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, come out of this man!"
But the evil spirit beat up the exorcists and sent them running! Why? Because they didn't have the helmet of salvation. They didn't know the authority they had in Christ to wield the sword.
The helmet of salvation, a powerful spiritual armor, activates the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God!
When you have a deep understanding of your identity in Christ and the redemption He offers, you can confidently and fearlessly wield the truth of God's Word to engage and overcome any opposition from the enemy.
Embrace the authority and victory that comes from knowing who you are in Christ.
God's Word is a Two-Edged Sword
In Matthew 4 when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He responded to Satan by saying, "It is written..." and quoting Scripture. He didn't argue or debate, but used the authority of God's Word like a sharp two-edged sword coming out of His mouth.
What does two-edged mean? The original language refers to two mouths. Here's how it works:
● God's Word flows from His mouth to our hearts - that's revelation.
● When we establish that Word in our hearts, it flows out of our mouths as confession.
To effectively yield the sword of the Spirit, we must listen for God's voice, let His Word take root in our hearts, and confidently declare His message. Speaking God's Word deliberately and purposefully ensures its impact and effectiveness. Experience the power of God's Word as we align our hearts and voices with His divine truth.
“For the word of God is alive 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. (Hebrews 4:12)”
Satan Still Questions God's Word
In Genesis 3, Satan came to Adam and Eve in the form of a serpent, questioning what God had said:
"Did God really say you can't eat any tree in the garden?"
His strategy hasn't changed. Every trial we face boils down to Satan trying to undermine God's Word. He wants us to doubt it, rationalize it away, reconstruct it, and excuse ourselves from obeying it.
Jesus commissioned us to go into the world preaching the gospel and making disciples. Many believers know some Scripture, but disciples are established in God's Word. They don't just believe about the Bible, they believe the Bible is God's Word.
Disciples measure themselves by the Word, not by comparing themselves to others. And they exalt Scripture above opinions, emotions, and circumstances. God said it, now we must believe and obey it. As disciples of Christ, we must stand firm on God's truth, no matter what the world or Satan throws our way.
2 Keys for Boldly Wielding the Sword
If we want to wield this weapon effectively, here are two crucial keys:
1. Put God's Word above your own thoughts, emotions, and opinions. Our minds and ways have fallen. We can't trust our own reasoning or emotions. But we can have total confidence in God's revealed truth as contained in the Bible.
2. Believe the Word of God over any circumstance. Even when situations seem contrary to God's promises, we hold fast to what He has said. Speak Scripture out loud. Prophesy the future it declares. Though the world passes away, God's Word remains forever.
It's Time for Action
We have spent enough time just listening to the Word. As Jesus said, blessed rather are those who hear the Word and do what it says (Luke 11:28). Only through active obedience and bold declaration will we discover the real power and impact of the sword of the Spirit.
This mighty weapon has been given to you! Don't allow the enemy to intimidate you into silence or paralyze you with fear. Now is your time to daily take up the sword of the Spirit as a soldier in God's end-time army. Allow the Word to dwell richly in you. Then open your mouth to release Kingdom truth and enforce Jesus' victory against the forces of darkness seeking to dominate your life and sphere of influence.
Together let's pray for fresh revelation and courage to boldly wield the sword of the Spirit - both absorbing God's Word and declaring it forth.
The enemy wants to render you useless, but God wants to activate you as a victorious overcomer for His glory!