Wednesday Night Bible Study
At SJMBC, we are firm believers in following the dictates of The Written Word of GOD (The Holy Bible). In our weekly Bible Study, we are not afraid to take on the so-called challenging or “Taboo” topics because we believe what the Bible states:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
One of the many topics we have studied is “The Whole Armor of God.” We examined each part of the armor and explained the purpose of each part.
The sword is the only item listed by Paul that serves in an offensive capacity. We know that the Shield might be used a little against an enemy, but by definition it is not intended to be an offensive piece of armor; so without our sword, we amount to little more than heavily armored moving targets. While the rest of the armor is very important, even vital to our defense, it is the sword and only the sword that allows us to attack!
What is the Word of God?
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
God’s Word—the Holy Bible—illuminates. It reveals to us the good and the bad, the wise and the unwise. It is the ultimate tool in learning how to live the best possible life, free from the restraints of stumbling in darkness.
John 17:17
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
God’s Word is truth, plain and simple. We can have perfect confidence in the fact that His words are accurate, true and unerring. When followed, they guide us without fail in the paths that we need to walk. We can be destroyed by lack of the knowledge of God (Hosea 4:6), but we will be blessed if we hear and keep the Word of God (Luke 11:28). And the knowledge is not just for us. We are to be ready to answer others who ask us (1 Peter 3:15).
Why a sword?
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The all-powerful sword of the living God is able to cut through every defense our enemy can raise—down to the very division of bone and marrow. When wielded by a servant of God, nothing can withstand its ability to cut straight to the core of a matter and uncover the truth. As soldiers in God’s army, it is our responsibility and duty to use His Word to discern the truth and then follow it. When God’s Word shows us something wrong in ourselves, we can use this spiritual weapon to “surgically” remove the offending thoughts and actions (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Unlike all other pieces of the armor of God, which are solely defensive, the sword is uniquely suited for both defensive and offensive roles. A solid defense is invaluable, but the sword is the only way we can complete the work we have been given to do. Notice that Jesus Christ used the Bible to counter Satan’s attacks (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). We must also learn to live “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Swords are used for close combat, not long-range warfare. Could this imply the nature of the battle a Christian is expected to fight?
Acts 14:22
…strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
The Romans relied in part on assailing their enemy from a distance with javelins and darts, but God does not give us that option as Christian soldiers. If we were able to fight our battles from a distance, we would never experience an actual trial. At first glance, that might not seem like such a bad thing. But when we stop to consider that without trials, there is no growth, and without growth, we will not be able to enter God’s Kingdom, we see that trials, however uncomfortable, are essential in our journeys as Christians. After all, the promises of Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26 and 3:5, 12 and 21 are given “to him who overcomes” and not “to him who remains as he is.”
Paul only lists one weapon because we only need one weapon: There is no enemy the Word of God, coupled with His Spirit, cannot defeat. And so, armed only with our sword, we step out to fight our enemies head-on. The struggle is real. It is immediate, and it is in front of us. Our future in God’s Kingdom is on the line, and we take up the battle so that we may hold fast to the future He has promised us.
What promises can we stand on?
Matthew 24:13
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
We fight knowing the end of the story. Two of the many powerful and sure promises in God’s Word tell us that if we remain dedicated to God and His Word, we will make it to the end, and we will be saved. There is no doubt in this statement. God’s promises are as sure as the one He told Isaiah: “Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:11).
So, take up your sword. The battle and the victory is Yours!
