Get on Offense - The Sword and Prayer

Introduction

Washington crosses the Delaware - December 25, 1776. Attacking Hessian mercenary troops early the next morning. His force of 5,400 was divided. It became a victory that increased morale after several losses early in the Revolutionary War.

We are in a battle and in “enemy occupied territory”, but it does not belong to him. It belongs to the Lord. He has called us to advance with the Gospel in the power of the Spirit and the promise of His Word.

Use the Word Precisely - Requires Time

The sword here was like a long dagger used in hand-to-hand combat.

Rhema is the term used for individual word and specific statements. Not just general knowledge (logos), but the specific use.

Paul encourages the believer to know the truth of God’s Word in order to be able to specifically counter the lies of Satan.

Jesus used specific verses to address Satan’s temptation. ()

(ESV) But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

(ESV) Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

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(ESV) Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”

God’s Word will meet your precise need, therefore you need to study it.

(ESV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

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We make time for what is important.

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Understand the Word’s Power - Requires Trust

The power does not come from you, but from the Spirit of the living God. The power of God’s Word lies in the fact that is instrument of the Holy Spirit. It has the authority of God Himself and the promise that it will accomplish his purpose.

(ESV) “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

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10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

God’s Word has the power to save.

(ESV) since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

God’s Word has the power to grow you.

23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

(ESV) Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

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2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

God’s Word has the power to keep you from sinning.

(ESV) I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

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God’s Word has the power to convict the heart and, by the Spirit, bring repentance.

11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

(ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Use the Word Prayerfully - Talk to God

Prayer ties all of the armour of God together. It connects us to the Father and bends our heart to His will in our lives. It accomplishes God’s will in our hearts as we commune with Him.

The Spirit works through prayer and the Word to strengthen you in your walk.

What to pray for:

“All prayer and supplication” - your needs and concerns, what is troubling your heart or your daily necessities.

“supplication for all the saint” - the needs of your brothers and sisters in Christ. (Don’t just say “I’ll pray for you”, act)

“me also...” - the advance of the Gospel. Are you praying for your leaders.