Our Modern Warfare (Part 2)Sample

Sword of the Spirit Did you know that the Roman soldier carried two swords? Most people mistakenly assume the sword Paul is referring to had a blade measuring 24-33 inches long. The sword Paul was actually pairing the sword of the Spirit to was a double-edged dagger measuring 7-18 inches long. This dagger was designed for close combat, because it could be drawn quickly, taking its opponent by surprise. God’s Word is an offensive weapon that requires His warriors to know the Word in order to stand firm against our enemy. If you are not in your Bible every single day, you are not maintaining the sharpness of your blade. A warrior understands the importance of taking care of her weapons so that they are ready for whatever comes next. The strength of our sword is compromised when we’re not standing firm on all of God’s truth. If we want to win our battles, our sword must be used in its entirety and not just the parts that are noncontroversial to our culture. As we verbally declare God’s truth against our enemy, the Holy Spirit is fighting alongside us, wielding the sword on our behalf. The sword belongs to the Spirit, but we have the authority to summon its presence whenever we need it. Every single time we activate our sword by declaring God’s Word, the Holy Spirit fights for us in the spiritual realm. I hope you sear this truth onto your heart and mind; God’s Word alone holds the power and authority necessary to gaining the victory. Specific Example: If the enemy is assaulting you with shame or regret, stop what you are doing and pray to God, asking for wisdom and strength for the battle at hand. Then, open your Bible to 1 John 1:9 and verbally declare, “to the enemy that is causing me to feel shame and regret for my past (be as specific as possible), my God says in 1 John 1:9 that if I confess my sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness. I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to leave me now.”