Sword of the Spirit

Introduction

Full armour of God

Belt of truth / Breastplate of righteousness / Shoes fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace / Shield of faith / Helmet of salvation / Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God - God’s words to us - our first place to look for them is in the Bible

Commands and Promises

Commands

King Josiah - discovery of the Book of the Law - Word of God

Reading the Book of the Law - realised that the people had been doing wrong and not living according to the Word of God … he was really sad … and he went to ask a prophet what to do next - because he was aware the the people had done wrong.

As the story continues, we see that Josiah helps the pepole to live the way that God has asked them to live in his Word - they change their practices - the don’t worship other gods - they worship the Lord only

Important to read Scripture and allow it to examine us … to follow God’s commands if we see them in the Bible

Commands

There’s an example in the NT where Jesus uses God’s commands like a Sword …

The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness and it is there that the devil tempts Jesus - he tempts him to:

turn stones into bread - humanity cannot live on bread alone

jump off a building and let angels catch him - do not put the Lord your God to the test

worship the devil and he would be given all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour - Worship the Lord your God and serve him only

Promises

Another thing that we can do is hold on to God’s promises

We often face challenging situations - things we find difficult - holding on to God’s promises

Corrine given this gift from her work … promises from God

When we are feeling discouraged, when we are feeling afraid, when we are feeling overwhelmed …

The other day, I was feeling a bit discouraged and a bit grumpy, and Ezekiel found these cards from Corrine’s desk … and he wanted me to read them … and I couldn’t help but feel encouraged as I read them

The truths of Scripture are encouraging and they give us perspective on the things that we are facing

Conclusion

The summer is starting to draw to a close, we enter a new season, a new term is starting at school and university, everyone is back in the office after summer breaks, and as we come into Autumn

We are encouraged with Josiah to read the Bible - read the Word of God - let it examine us

We are encouraged to remember the commands of God - and like Jesus did - respond when challenged

We are encouraged to hold on to the promises of God - so we know what God says about us and the world around us when we feel