The Spiritual Conflict PT8

Ephesians 6:17, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

INTRODUCTION

All of the armor we have looked at so far has been defensive armor. It is given to ward off the attacks of the evil one. But the Lord has also given us an offensive weapon...the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Every warrior needs an offensive weapon in this warfare. The weapon God has chosen is His Word, the Bible. Actually, it is that which we take and apply to our lives that serves as the sword.

I.   THE EXPLANATION OF THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

A.   The Word of God…Logos.

      There are two Greek words which are translated in the Scripture as the term

      "word."  

1.     Logos. The first and most common translation is "logos."  This is the 

term found in John chapter one when it refers to Jesus Christ as the Word. John 1:14

2.     Logos Usage. Mark 16:20, Luke 4:32, John 8:31, John 17:17, Acts 4:31, Acts 6:7, Acts 8:4, Acts 12:24, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 4:12-13, James 1:21, I Peter 1:23, Revelation 19:13

             B.   The Word of God…Rhema.

                        1.   The term that is used in Ephesians 6:17 is "rhema", and it is essential

                   that we understand the difference if we are to arm ourselves with the 

                   sword of the Spirit. The "rhema" of God literally means "the sayings

                    of God or an utterance."

II.   THE ESTIMATION OF THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

            A.  Awesome Power of Rhema. 

1.  His Power. Hebrews 11:3, Hebrews 1:3, II Corinthians 12:4 

             B.  Attentive Pursuit of Rhema. 

1.  Listening. Acts 2:14, II Peter 3:2, Jude 1:17 

 C.  Abundant Purpose of Rhema.

1.  Life. Acts 5:20, Luke 4:4, John 6:63 

            D.  Aggressive Possession of Rhema.

1.  Receiving. John 17:8, Hebrews 6:5 

III.   THE EFFECT OF THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

            A.  Rhema and Receiving.

1.  Hearing. John 8:47, Romans 10:18

2.  Hearing…And Obeying. Acts 5:32 

            B.  Rhema and Remembering.

1.  Remember. Acts 11:16, I Peter 1:25  

            C.  Rhema Resulting...

1.  In Faith. Romans 10:8, Romans 10:17 

2.  In Answered Prayer. John 15:7 

3.  In The Spirit Moving. Acts 10:44 

                        4.  In Cleansing. Ephesians 5:26 

CONCLUSION

            In Paul's day most soldiers were familiar with using their swords as both

            offensive and defensive weapons. These metal swords were plain, heavy,

            and extremely hard to keep sharp...but they were well-made and a soldier

            could expect to use the same sword most of his life.

            Every day that you live...the Word of God is available to you. Use it, keep.

            it sharp, and it will help you all the days of your life!