Pastor Craig taught last week about the “Helmet of Salvation." He will conclude the current sermon series with a message about the “Sword of the Spirit.”
I explained in a previous blog post* that the armor is not just something God gives us, but it’s the armor that he wears too (Isaiah 59:17). Ephesians 6:17 starts a whole new sentence with a verb. The shift is noticeable. Before this, we are told to put on the armor. Instead of asking its audience to put something on, Ephesians 6:17 opens by encouraging its audience to “receive” the helmet and sword.
God’s word is the only weapon he needs to defend himself (See Hosea 6:5; Isaiah 11:4; Revelation 1:16; 19:11), and it’s all that we need too. Jesus used the sword. He used it to defend himself from temptation (Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13).
How can we use the Word as a weapon, like Jesus? I suggest that the Word protects and supports our spiritual, emotional, and cognitive life. Jesus was able to resist the adversary by relying on God’s Word. He quoted it. He recited it. He spoke it. I also believe that the Word gives life (1 Peter 1:23). Whenever we preach the gospel, we are spreading the message of new life. Whenever we preach the gospel, we are exposing the darkness. This helps people to see their relationship with God.
The Helmet and the Sword
Pastor Craig taught last week about the “Helmet of Salvation." He will conclude the current sermon series with a message about the “Sword of the Spirit.”
I explained in a previous blog post* that the armor is not just something God gives us, but it’s the armor that he wears too (Isaiah 59:17). Ephesians 6:17 starts a whole new sentence with a verb. The shift is noticeable. Before this, we are told to put on the armor. Instead of asking its audience to put something on, Ephesians 6:17 opens by encouraging its audience to “receive” the helmet and sword.
God’s word is the only weapon he needs to defend himself (See Hosea 6:5; Isaiah 11:4; Revelation 1:16; 19:11), and it’s all that we need too. Jesus used the sword. He used it to defend himself from temptation (Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13).
How can we use the Word as a weapon, like Jesus? I suggest that the Word protects and supports our spiritual, emotional, and cognitive life. Jesus was able to resist the adversary by relying on God’s Word. He quoted it. He recited it. He spoke it. I also believe that the Word gives life (1 Peter 1:23). Whenever we preach the gospel, we are spreading the message of new life. Whenever we preach the gospel, we are exposing the darkness. This helps people to see their relationship with God.
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*https://sccib.com/blogs/2009423--shoes-of-peace