Growing up in Texas, I heard the Word of God described as a weapon. I was told that I need to memorize and build up my knowledge of scripture because it would prepare me for key moments, whether it was an evangelical one for others or for myself.
I didn't like the idea of memorizing scripture because most of the people I knew who did attacked other people. They turned discussions about personal beliefs into a debate. Attacking someone isn't going to make them listen. I would rather talk about a matter civilly. Surely, there's another way to use the Word as a "weapon."
In Ephesians 6, Paul mentions that the armor of God has a sword. Paul says that one should carry "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" to combat spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:17). In this brief verse, Paul expresses that the Spirit of God uses scripture to defend Himself and you.
First, let's consider why Paul chose a sword. A sword can be used as decoration, used to exhort someone to a higher status, used to cut them down, and etc. Likewise, words can be flowery, promote life, and death.
Perhaps one reason Paul chose the Word to be depicted as a sword is because effective and "good" swordsmanship comes with practice. The trickiest part of using the Word as a weapon is knowing the best way to wield it.
I have come across those who don't eat fresh bread or, at best, eat bread crumbs (the Word of God); those who bare the mark of a Christian by being kind, uplifting, encouraging, and sympathetic, especially to their enemies; as well as those who don't know how to share the gospel in a loving way, or they push their personal view onto someone. The list goes on in regard to how someone can use the Word of God as they'd like.
I have also been each of those people. Paul has been too. He started off killing Christians before giving his life to Christ. Last week, we focused on Peter walking on water. He, too, denied God time and time again, before he gave his life to God. We call them Christians because there is grace for their past and because they ultimately chose to see life in the Word of God, rather than seeing death in it.
So, how then does this sword—or scripture—protect?
It depends on if you chose to seek life in scripture. Deciding to seek life in scripture leads to at least two major forms of protection against spiritual warfare.
First, reading scripture allows for you to know the Spirit of God, or to experience Him. It can reveal God's love, zealousness, wisdom, desire to protection and bless, as well as His overall heart for His child. He might be a God of love, but He's also the God who would go to war with Death for you—and win. If you know God's heart and what He's like, it's easy to know His positive voice from those negative ones.
Secondly, time in the Word yields edification, refinement, and transformation: scripture is useful for "teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Life lessons and the extension of the gospel can be found when reading. For instance, I recall a former roommate of mine was reading scripture when I interrupted her. She expressed how she read about God thinking his children were beautiful and it helped her because she struggled with self-image issues. This is just one example of how reading scripture can combat negativity in your life.
However, if you chose to seek death in scripture, that's what you will yield. You will make those who have very little faith, waiver even more.
Overall, words have power.
They can produce life and death.
When wielded well, scripture can promote life, as well as be a tool for protection and cultivating positivity. It can help you grow in faith. Going forward, know that you can encourage or cut someone down, even if you aren't sharing scripture. Sometimes, it's not even someone else you're tearing down, it's yourself or God.
Consider how you want to slay your enemies and your demons.
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Your playlist for the week:
"Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts)" by Shane and Shane
"Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy)" by Shane and Shane
"Though You Slay Me" by Shane and Shane
"Overcome" by Elevated Worship
"Do It Again" by Elevated Worship
