The Sword: On the Attack

But, what if all the people and the British soldiers did was to build bomb shelters? What if all they did in the wartime factories was to build armored vehicles – so that the people in England could drive around London, while bombs were falling from the sky? In any type of warfare – defense means so much more than waiting for another blow to come, so you can deflect it and try to stand against it. Defense means more than that – so much more.

In sports – in many circles it’s a maxim that, “Defense wins championships”. It’s true. I have seen it time and time again. But defense is more than just standing back and waiting for the attack of your enemy to come. We’ve spoken in this series already about the Second World War. The Blitz of London and how the Nazi planes were dropping bombs in wave after wave of attack on the beleaguered city. It was so magnificent that the people, forced to run and hunker down underground, didn’t cave in to the attacks and surrender.

We have been studying the armour that God provides to you, as a Christian, for your joy. Let’s never lose sight of that purpose – the armour of God is for your joy – ever piece is a love-gift from the Sovereign God of the universe, who knows the world that you are living in right now.

But, what if all the people and the British soldiers did was to build bomb shelters? What if all they did in the wartime factories was to build armored vehicles – so that the people in England could drive around London, while bombs were falling from the sky? In any type of warfare – defense means so much more than waiting for another blow to come, so you can deflect it and try to stand against it. Defense means more than that – so much more.

Today we come to the last piece of armour that is specifically named. We aren’t done with the armour of God – we still have a couple of more weeks here –but this is the last NAMED piece of armour. We have seen God’s gift of a belt (truth); a breastplate (righteousness); a shield (faith); shoes (gospel of peace); and a helmet (salvation). Today’s piece is distinct – it’s different from all the others. Look at all the pieces we’ve looked at so far – what do they all have in common? They’re all DEFENSIVE. Period. They’re all intended to protect you from the enemy’s offensive attacks. That’s critical. So many pieces devoted to that one purpose – shows how important that is.

But if ALL you have is defensive armour – you aren’t going to fare very well – how are you going to push forward? Football analogy – If your opponent is on offense and knows that you are never going to rush the quarterback – that you’re only going to drop back into coverage and maybe try to hold the line and keep the running back from carrying the ball across the line of scrimmage … well, that may work for a little while. But you will never win a game that way.

We have been studying the armour that God provides to you, as a Christian, for your joy. Let’s never lose sight of that purpose – the armour of God is for your joy – ever piece is a love-gift from the Sovereign God of the universe, who knows the world that you are living in right now.

Your opponent will get the idea quickly that you aren’t coming with any threat – then he’s going to stand in your face and pound and whack away without fear … and the time will come when your protection breaks down.

Today we come to the last piece of armour that is specifically named. We aren’t done with the armour of God – we still have a couple of more weeks here –but this is the last NAMED piece of armour. We have seen God’s gift of a belt (truth); a breastplate (righteousness); a shield (faith); shoes (gospel of peace); and a helmet (salvation). Today’s piece is distinct – it’s different from all the others. Look at all the pieces we’ve looked at so far – what do they all have in common? They’re all DEFENSIVE. Period. They’re all intended to protect you from the enemy’s offensive attacks. That’s critical. So many pieces devoted to that one purpose – shows how important that is.

But if ALL you have is defensive armour – you aren’t going to fare very well – how are you going to push forward? Football analogy – If your opponent is on offense and knows that you are never going to rush the quarterback – that you’re only going to drop back into coverage and maybe try to hold the line and keep the running back from carrying the ball across the line of scrimmage … well, that may work for a little while. But you will never win a game that way.

Our text this morning makes it clear that you will not win the battle for joy by standing still and enduring a beating. You NEED TO ATTACK. That’s part of defense, too. And It’s not enough to try and NOT be conquered … you are called TO CONQUER.

Paul is saying here, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “You need something more than protective armour! You HAVE MORE! You need a weapon of attack … and you have it! …. SO TAKE THE SWORD!!”

Your opponent will get the idea quickly that you aren’t coming with any threat – then he’s going to stand in your face and pound and whack away without fear … and the time will come when your protection breaks down.

Our text this morning makes it clear that you will not win the battle for joy by standing still and enduring a beating. You NEED TO ATTACK. That’s part of defense, too. And It’s not enough to try and NOT be conquered … you are called TO CONQUER.

Now, the type of sword Paul is referring to is a specific one. Last week, I told you about the broad sword - - it’s 2-4 feet long, you need 2 hands to hold it … and you use it for big, heavy blows – like when you’re taking a home-run swing in baseball. This is NOT that sword.

Paul is saying here, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “You need something more than protective armour! You HAVE MORE! You need a weapon of attack … and you have it! …. SO TAKE THE SWORD!!”

The sword that Paul is talking about here, is the normal sword that a soldier would carry. It’s somewhere between 6-18 inches long and the soldier has this sword in a sheath, strapped to his side. And when an enemy wsa close enough for hand to hand combat … and, when an enemy is close enough for hand to hand combat – this is the sword you reach for.

With that in mind, I’m here this morning to urge you: TAKE THE SWORD! DON’T BE CONTENT to always play defense. In your spiritual battle for joy - - go on the offensive …. And TAKE THE SWORD!

Now, the type of sword Paul is referring to is a specific one. Last week, I told you about the broad sword - - it’s 2-4 feet long, you need 2 hands to hold it … and you use it for big, heavy blows – like when you’re taking a home-run swing in baseball. This is NOT that sword.

1. WHAT IS THE SWORD?

The sword that Paul is talking about here, is the normal sword that a soldier would carry. It’s somewhere between 6-18 inches long and the soldier has this sword in a sheath, strapped to his side. And when an enemy wsa close enough for hand to hand combat … and, when an enemy is close enough for hand to hand combat – this is the sword you reach for.

With that in mind, I’m here this morning to urge you: TAKE THE SWORD! DON’T BE CONTENT to always play defense. In your spiritual battle for joy - - go on the offensive …. And TAKE THE SWORD!

We are obviously talking about weapons that are spiritual – not physical here. This is a spiritual battle. So, what is this necessary piece of armour in the Christian life? What SWORD are we supposed to take up? Well, we don’t have to guess. Paul clarifies it – right in our text. Verse 17, “… and the sword of the Spirit, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD.”

Many of you have been in Christian circles long enough. The sword of the Spirit – the WORD of God - - you recognize that – you know what it is … “Why, it’s the Bible, of course.” And you’re right. It is the Bible. The Bible itself says so. Let’s take a look at :

1. WHAT IS THE SWORD?

We are obviously talking about weapons that are spiritual – not physical here. This is a spiritual battle. So, what is this necessary piece of armour in the Christian life? What SWORD are we supposed to take up? Well, we don’t have to guess. Paul clarifies it – right in our text. Verse 17, “… and the sword of the Spirit, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD.”

“… and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (16) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness …” SCRIPTURE is the Word of God – breathed out by God Himself.

goes so far as to describe that breathed out Word of God as a sword:

Many of you have been in Christian circles long enough. The sword of the Spirit – the WORD of God - - you recognize that – you know what it is … “Why, it’s the Bible, of course.” And you’re right. It is the Bible. The Bible itself says so. Let’s take a look at :

“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.”

“… and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (16) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness …” SCRIPTURE is the Word of God – breathed out by God Himself.

goes so far as to describe that breathed out Word of God as a sword:

“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” So you see – the SWORD, is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, which is … THIS BOOK. CHRISTIAN, THIS IS YOUR SWORD!

“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.”

I want to give you an illustration of what it looks like to use this sword of the Spirit in battle – and there is no greater example than the one provided by Jesus himself. You remember how, in and … Satan comes to Him three times – attacks him 3 times with direct, specific temptations.

“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” So you see – the SWORD, is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, which is … THIS BOOK. CHRISTIAN, THIS IS YOUR SWORD!

First, He tempts Jesus NOT to trust His Father. He’s been in the wilderness for 40 days with zero food. He’s starving. 40 days with no food? I guess so. If I wait too long to eat dinner - - I start to get light-headed … I get grumpy - - Everyone says, “Here, have something to eat”. Jesus has gone 40 days. Don’t think – “Well, he was God, it’s not the same”. Yes, He was fully God. He was also FULLY – not partially but FULLY MAN … and as man – he experienced fully the hunger that 40 days without food would bring.

I want to give you an illustration of what it looks like to use this sword of the Spirit in battle – and there is no greater example than the one provided by Jesus himself. You remember how, in and … Satan comes to Him three times – attacks him 3 times with direct, specific temptations.

Satan comes and says, “Turn these stones into bread. Feed yourself because God, quite obviously doesn’t intend to take care of you. You can’t trust Your Father.”

Satan comes back a second time and says, ‘Jump off the pinnacle of the temple here – and let God send His angels to catch you, so you don’t smash yourself against the rocks below. See if He will bless your foolishness.”

First, He tempts Jesus NOT to trust His Father. He’s been in the wilderness for 40 days with zero food. He’s starving. 40 days with no food? I guess so. If I wait too long to eat dinner - - I start to get light-headed … I get grumpy - - Everyone says, “Here, have something to eat”. Jesus has gone 40 days. Don’t think – “Well, he was God, it’s not the same”. Yes, He was fully God. He was also FULLY – not partially but FULLY MAN … and as man – he experienced fully the hunger that 40 days without food would bring.

A third time, Satan comes along and says, ‘Bow down to me. I will give you all of this – all the kingdoms of this world - - RIGHT NOW. YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL WITHOUT SUFFERING.” Three temptations from the devil.

Satan comes and says, “Turn these stones into bread. Feed yourself because God, quite obviously doesn’t intend to take care of you. You can’t trust Your Father.”

And, in every case – how does the Almighty Son of God respond to temptation? He could have called 10 thousand angels to come and carry him away from the temptation. He could have used his lips – and spoke with the same authority that created the entire universe out of nothing – could have spoken a command to the Devil to GET LOST – like he did with so many demons tormenting people that crossed his path. But he doesn’t here. Have you ever thought about that?

Satan comes back a second time and says, ‘Jump off the pinnacle of the temple here – and let God send His angels to catch you, so you don’t smash yourself against the rocks below. See if He will bless your foolishness.”

A third time, Satan comes along and says, ‘Bow down to me. I will give you all of this – all the kingdoms of this world - - RIGHT NOW. YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL WITHOUT SUFFERING.” Three temptations from the devil.

Jesus responds with the Word of God. He quotes Scripture in every instance – a specific Bible verse that deals with the specific temptation He’s up against. He did that for us.

And, in every case – how does the Almighty Son of God respond to temptation? He could have called 10 thousand angels to come and carry him away from the temptation. He could have used his lips – and spoke with the same authority that created the entire universe out of nothing – could have spoken a command to the Devil to GET LOST – like he did with so many demons tormenting people that crossed his path. But he doesn’t here. Have you ever thought about that?

And when Jesus is done – after the 3rd temptation – he quotes Scripture for the third time – and you remember what happens? The Devil leaves him. Jesus wields the sword of the Scripture … using the Word of God - He goes on the offensive and the devil runs.

Jesus responds with the Word of God. He quotes Scripture in every instance – a specific Bible verse that deals with the specific temptation He’s up against. He did that for us.

“RESIST THE DEVIL and HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.” See the power of the Word of God.

2. WIELD THE SWORD

And when Jesus is done – after the 3rd temptation – he quotes Scripture for the third time – and you remember what happens? The Devil leaves him. Jesus wields the sword of the Scripture … using the Word of God - He goes on the offensive and the devil runs.

The Word of God is the written Word of God, inspired by the Spirit of God. We get that. But there’s a danger for us – we who are familiar with this truth. So let me plead with you, friends: Don’t let familiarity with the truth that this BOOK is Inspired by the Spirit of God …. Don’t let familiarity with the IDEA make you numb to the soul-nourishing IMPLICATIONS of the truth.

“RESIST THE DEVIL and HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.” See the power of the Word of God.

2. WIELD THE SWORD

Look at how our text defines the Word:

The Word of God is the written Word of God, inspired by the Spirit of God. We get that. But there’s a danger for us – we who are familiar with this truth. So let me plead with you, friends: Don’t let familiarity with the truth that this BOOK is Inspired by the Spirit of God …. Don’t let familiarity with the IDEA make you numb to the soul-nourishing IMPLICATIONS of the truth.

Paul calls it, ‘The Sword of the Spirit’. That’s significant. One of the things that means is that the Bible is NOT a magic wand. You quote it and ‘PRESTO’ – something powerful happens.

Another thing it means is that the Spirit didn’t just inspire human authors to take their pens and write down exactly what He wanted said … and then He moved onto other things. “Being the third person of the Triune God-head is a busy job - - lots of things to do. Can cross the Bible off of my list!” That’s not how the Holy Spirit relates to the Bible today.

Look at how our text defines the Word:

Paul calls it, ‘The Sword of the Spirit’. That’s significant. One of the things that means is that the Bible is NOT a magic wand. You quote it and ‘PRESTO’ – something powerful happens.

Let me explain what I mean – There are people who say, “I’m not an atheist! I believe in God – I believe He’s like a Divine watchmaker. He made the world, set it in motion and now he leaves it alone and lets it tick away, while He sleeps in His rocking chair.” People who believe that about God are called ‘DEISTS’ – God is the divine watchmaker.

Another thing it means is that the Spirit didn’t just inspire human authors to take their pens and write down exactly what He wanted said … and then He moved onto other things. “Being the third person of the Triune God-head is a busy job - - lots of things to do. Can cross the Bible off of my list!” That’s not how the Holy Spirit relates to the Bible today.

Christians say, “That’s not true - - God did create, but He is STILL ACTIVE … intimately involved in the tiniest detail of His creation … working, guiding history …”

Let me explain what I mean – There are people who say, “I’m not an atheist! I believe in God – I believe He’s like a Divine watchmaker. He made the world, set it in motion and now he leaves it alone and lets it tick away, while He sleeps in His rocking chair.” People who believe that about God are called ‘DEISTS’ – God is the divine watchmaker.

Unfortunately, there are some Christians who would reject that idea about God, but when it comes to the Scriptures, they are BIBLICAL DEISTS. They believe that the Holy Spirit did His work of Inspiring – the Bible was written … and now He’s done.

Christians say, “That’s not true - - God did create, but He is STILL ACTIVE … intimately involved in the tiniest detail of His creation … working, guiding history …”

“Here we have our God-given RULE BOOK”. The Bible is NOT a rule book. That’s too small a view. Some people call the Bible an owner’s manual. Have you ever done that? I have - - because it’s true, as far as it goes – God is the designer and maker of the entire universe – He’s given us this book as His gift to help us live as He intended us to live - - to avoid the suffering of foolishness.

Unfortunately, there are some Christians who would reject that idea about God, but when it comes to the Scriptures, they are BIBLICAL DEISTS. They believe that the Holy Spirit did His work of Inspiring – the Bible was written … and now He’s done.

But ‘OWNER’S MANUAL’ carries some wrong connotations that I want to warn you against. I bought a jack …. Needed to put it together … quickly came to the conclusion A) that it was written by somebody who doesn’t know me at all and really doesn’t care whether I understand it or not

“Here we have our God-given RULE BOOK”. The Bible is NOT a rule book. That’s too small a view. Some people call the Bible an owner’s manual. Have you ever done that? I have - - because it’s true, as far as it goes – God is the designer and maker of the entire universe – He’s given us this book as His gift to help us live as He intended us to live - - to avoid the suffering of foolishness.

And B) That the person who wrote this manual definitely does NOT have English as a first, second, third, or 15th language.

If you see the Bible as an owner’s manual that was written by someone who is very foreign and distant – who has done all that He will do and now has left you to work out the details of understanding it yourself …. If that’s your view of the Bible – then, friend – you are missing the wonderful, joy-protecting power of this sword.

But ‘OWNER’S MANUAL’ carries some wrong connotations that I want to warn you against. I tried to read the instruction manual for a chair, the other day: Consisted of some pictures, each piece in the box had a letter beside it – and then the instruction: “Good. First COMMECT parts, then screw one by one to lock it, then have the good parts!” You’ve read manuals like that – and you quickly come to the conclusion A) that it was written by somebody who doesn’t know me at all - really doesn’t care whether I understand it or not

The Holy Spirit, who breathed out the Words to the human authors of the Bible when they recorded them … (he didn’t dictate the words, didn’t bypass their personalities or creativity – you read the Bible and you will see that clearly) – The Holy Spirit guided then …. AND that same Holy Spirit is STILL breathing through the words today.

And B) That the person who wrote this manual definitely does NOT have English as a first, second, third, or 15th language.

If you see the Bible as an owner’s manual that was written by someone who is very foreign and distant – who has done all that He will do and now has left you to work out the details of understanding it yourself …. If that’s your view of the Bible – then, friend – you are missing the wonderful, joy-protecting power of this sword.

If you are a Christian, when you open the Bible and start to read, the Holy Spirit comes alongside you – He opens your eyes and heart, and you understand – you recognize, ‘THIS IS THE VOICE OF GOD.”

, “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him and He is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

The Holy Spirit, who breathed out the Words to the human authors of the Bible when they recorded them … (he didn’t dictate the words, didn’t bypass their personalities or creativity – you read the Bible and you will see that clearly) – The Holy Spirit guided then …. AND that same Holy Spirit is STILL breathing through the words today.

The natural person doesn’t accept the things of the Spirit of God – they’re foolishness – They can’t be understood because they are spiritually discerned and the unbeliever is spiritually blind.

If you are a Christian, when you open the Bible and start to read, the Holy Spirit comes alongside you – He opens your eyes and heart, and you understand – you recognize, ‘THIS IS THE VOICE OF GOD.”

, “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him and He is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

You’ve been there. If you’re a Christian –you know what I mean. Remember the days before you came to saving faith in Christ. You heard sermon after sermon … you read and heard over and over and over again: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

The natural person doesn’t accept the things of the Spirit of God – they’re foolishness – They can’t be understood because they are spiritually discerned and the unbeliever is spiritually blind.

You heard those words in Sunday School, at children’s club, you heard sermons on thes words … and that’s all they ever were to you – WORDS.

You’ve been there. If you’re a Christian –you know what I mean. Remember the days before you came to saving faith in Christ. You heard sermon after sermon … you read and heard over and over and over again: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

But then one day – your eyes landed on the same words - - and it was like someone turned on the lights! And you really SAW the words. You realized, “Hey – that means me! I deserve to die. I’ve angered God by my rebellion against His complete authority over my life …. BUT HE LOVES ME! He is calling me to trust in Christ – and be saved!”

You heard those words in Sunday School, at children’s club, you heard sermons on thes words … and that’s all they ever were to you – WORDS.

And you surrendered. So what turned the light on for you? What took these ink spots on paper and made them come to life in you? It was the Holy Spirit - - ACTIVE – speaking the Word to you. The Bible IS the sword of the Spirit.

But there’s one more thing - - The Bible is the sword of the Spirit. The Bible is THE WEAPON He has chosen for you to go on offense … and you CANNOT separate the Holy Spirit from His word. I say that for 2 reasons:

But then one day – your eyes landed on the same words - - and it was like someone turned on the lights! And you really SAW the words. You realized, “Hey – that means me! I deserve to die. I’ve angered God by my rebellion against His complete authority over my life …. BUT HE LOVES ME! He is calling me to trust in Christ – and be saved!”

FIRST – there are some Christian circles that downplay the massive importance of the Word - - “We have the Spirit” they would say. “The Spirit isn’t bound by a book- - He gives messages outside the Bible, too.” Sounds very spiritual, but you have to be so very careful here – because what tends to end up happening is that the Word becomes less and less important, and new messages become more and more important. After all – the new message is NEW, fresh, exciting … and the Word is old, written down on stale paper. But any time a wedge is driven between the Spirit and His written Word - - you’ve wandered off the road – into the ditch.

And you surrendered. So what turned the light on for you? What took these ink spots on paper and made them come to life in you? It was the Holy Spirit - - ACTIVE – speaking the Word to you. The Bible IS the sword of the Spirit.

Sure, the Holy Spirit speaks through powerful sermons – but only to the extent that they faithfully proclaim the Bible. Yes, the Holy Spirit speaks through good, Christian books – but only so far as they are saturated with the Word of God, in context.

But there’s one more thing - - The Bible is the sword of the Spirit. The Bible is THE WEAPON He has chosen for you to go on offense … and you CANNOT separate the Holy Spirit from His word. I say that for 2 reasons:

FIRST – there are some Christian circles that downplay the massive importance of the Word - - “We have the Spirit” they would say. “The Spirit isn’t bound by a book- - He gives messages outside the Bible, too.” Sounds very spiritual, but you have to be so very careful here – because what tends to end up happening is that the Word becomes less and less important, and new messages become more and more important. After all – the new message is NEW, fresh, exciting … and the Word is old, written down on stale paper. But any time a wedge is driven between the Spirit and His written Word - - you’ve wandered off the road – into the ditch.

In our circles, we don’t tend to struggle there. We are far more likely to fall into the ditch on the OTHER SIDE of the road. We are more likely to discount the importance of the Holy Spirit. After all – we HAVE the written Word, captured on these pages. So, we think, ‘I’m Okay’. ‘I’ve got all I need right here – as long as I can get it into here (head)’. But if you ever forget your utter dependence on the Spirit – all you’re left with is head knowledge … correct theology but dead orthodoxy …. Which means our theology isn’t right, after all – it CAN’T be if it’s dead!

Noah and Courtney recently got engaged. Courtney has family that live in the states – imagine that she went to visit her grandma down in Colorado for a couple of weeks. Imagine that while she was down there, she had no access to the internet – no texting, no emails – only old-fashioned letters. And imagine that she manages to remember how to write a letter and sends it to Noah’s address. And one day the mail comes – Noah notices a letter from Courtney – and says, “Oh – it’s a letter from Courtney – I guess I should read it.”

Sure, the Holy Spirit speaks through powerful sermons – but only to the extent that they faithfully proclaim the Bible. Yes, the Holy Spirit speaks through good, Christian books – but only so far as they are saturated with the Word of God, in context.

In our circles, we don’t tend to struggle there. We are far more likely to fall into the ditch on the OTHER SIDE of the road. We are more likely to discount the importance of the Holy Spirit. After all – we HAVE the written Word, captured on these pages. So, we think, ‘I’m Okay’. ‘I’ve got all I need right here – as long as I can get it into here (head)’. But if you ever forget your utter dependence on the Spirit – all you’re left with is head knowledge … correct theology but dead orthodoxy …. Which means our theology isn’t right, after all – it CAN’T be if it’s dead!

He opens it, reads about how things are in her life – reads about what she’s doing down there and how much she misses him. He gets to the end and reads, ‘With all my love, Courtney’.

Noah and Courtney recently got engaged. Courtney has family that live in the states – imagine that she went to visit her grandma down in Colorado for a couple of weeks. Imagine that while she was down there, she had no access to the internet – no texting, no emails – only old-fashioned letters. And imagine that she manages to remember how to write a letter and sends it to Noah’s address. And one day the mail comes – Noah notices a letter from Courtney – and says, “Oh – it’s a letter from Courtney – I guess I should read it.”

And he responds to what he reads by saying, ‘Well that was informative and sort of interesting. Now, enough of that – I need to do my workout.’

You can’t imagine that happening, because it wouldn’t happen. And if it did, you would know that something is wrong with this relationship. The letter takes his heart to the one he loves … and when he reads it, his heart is filled with missing her.

He opens it, reads about how things are in her life – reads about what she’s doing down there and how much she misses him. He gets to the end and reads, ‘With all my love, Courtney’.

Friend, if your reading of Scripture doesn’t penetrate your heart – if your understanding of the written word doesn’t INFLAME your desires with longing for more and more of the Jesus Christ you treasure … then you have allowed the Spirit to be separated from the text. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit:

And he responds to what he reads by saying, ‘Well that was informative and sort of interesting. Now, enough of that – I need to do my workout.’

“But when the Helper comes,, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about me.” ()

You can’t imagine that happening, because it wouldn’t happen. And if it did, you would know that something is wrong with this relationship. The letter takes his heart to the one he loves … and when he reads it, his heart is filled with missing her.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit – His goal in all He does is to point to Christ to make you love Him more – to show Him as great and glorious and precious - - like a love letter points you to your beloved. So if you read the Scripture and you come away without your heart being more and more SATISFIED IN CHRIST – then you’re not wielding the sword properly.

Friend, if your reading of Scripture doesn’t penetrate your heart – if your understanding of the written word doesn’t INFLAME your desires with longing for more and more of the Jesus Christ you treasure … then you have allowed the Spirit to be separated from the text. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit:

“But when the Helper comes,, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about me.” ()

JOHN PIPER: “I love the Bible the way I love my eyes – not because my eyes are lovely, but because without them I can’t see what’s lovely. Without the Bible, I could not see the ‘light of the gospel of the glory of Christ’. Without the Bible, I could not know the ‘unsearchable riches of Christ’. Without the Bible, I would not know that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Saviour. I love the Bible because it gives the wisdom that leads to salvation, and shows me that this salvation is nothing less than seeing and savoring the glory of Christ forever, and then provides for me inexhaustible ways of seeing and knowing and enjoying Christ.”

The ministry of the Holy Spirit – His goal in all He does is to point to Christ to make you love Him more – to show Him as great and glorious and precious - - like a love letter points you to your beloved. So if you read the Scripture and you come away without your heart being more and more SATISFIED IN CHRIST – then you’re not wielding the sword properly.

So let me ask you this morning: “Are you enjoying Christ today? Are you savoring His sweetness – TODAY? Let me put it another way: “Is today, Christ your JOY?” OR, do you find yourself just … hanging … on. You came here this morning, thinking: “Just give me a practical word, preacher. I want some advice: how I can get happiness – how I can fix my relationships – how I can get my life organized.” I say to you: “There is no shortcut. I can’t give you 7 steps to happiness, 5 ways to rekindle the romance you once knew. I can give you the Word of God – I can give you the Sword of the Spirit. And I can give you the promise:

If you Read the Word, sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice – If you Wield the Word for maximum enjoyment of Christ – and in that rest - - you watch …. Then I can promise that in the DARKEST of NIGHTS – when your whole world seems to be falling apart … I promise that you can watch - - - and see God works everything out for your delight.

JOHN PIPER: “I love the Bible the way I love my eyes – not because my eyes are lovely, but because without them I can’t see what’s lovely. Without the Bible, I could not see the ‘light of the gospel of the glory of Christ’. Without the Bible, I could not know the ‘unsearchable riches of Christ’. Without the Bible, I would not know that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Saviour. I love the Bible because it gives the wisdom that leads to salvation, and shows me that this salvation is nothing less than seeing and savoring the glory of Christ forever, and then provides for me inexhaustible ways of seeing and knowing and enjoying Christ.”

So let me ask you this morning: “Are you enjoying Christ today? Are you savoring His sweetness – TODAY? Let me put it another way: “Is today, Christ your JOY?” OR, do you find yourself just … hanging … on. You came here this morning, thinking: “Just give me a practical word, preacher. I want some advice: how I can get happiness – how I can fix my relationships – how I can get my life organized.” I say to you: “There is no shortcut. I can’t give you 7 steps to happiness, 5 ways to rekindle the romance you once knew. I can give you the Word of God – I can give you the Sword of the Spirit. And I can give you the promise:

In Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the most exciting scenes is when Christian has just received his armour – and has to make the descent down into the Valley of Humiliation … that place that every Christian walks through at various times in life. That place where every comfort seems to be stripped away – and our own ability to manage the circumstances of life is so blatantly obvious.

If you Read the Word, sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice – If you Wield the Word for maximum enjoyment of Christ – and in that rest - - you watch …. Then I can promise that in the DARKEST of NIGHTS – when your whole world seems to be falling apart … I promise that you can watch - - - and see God works everything out for your delight.

Here, in this valley, Christian meets his former master – Apollyon (Satan – the Devil). Apollyon tries to persuade Christian to come back onto his side – back into his service. When it becomes obvious that Christian is not going to go for it – Apollyon turns vicious (as the Devil always does). He’s a giant – he straddles the whole width of the pathway and bellows: “Prepare to die, for I swear by my infernal abode that you will go no farther. I will spill your soul here!”

In Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the most exciting scenes is when Christian has just received his armour – and has to make the descent down into the Valley of Humiliation … that place that every Christian walks through at various times in life. That place where every comfort seems to be stripped away – and our own ability to manage the circumstances of life is so blatantly obvious.

And then he starts pulling out arrows and shooting them at Christian – flaming arrows as thick as hail.

Christian fights valiantly, but he starts to wear out … gets weaker and weaker with fatigue. Apollyon gets closer and closer and

Here, in this valley, Christian meets his former master – Apollyon (Satan – the Devil). Apollyon tries to persuade Christian to come back onto his side – back into his service. When it becomes obvious that Christian is not going to go for it – Apollyon turns vicious (as the Devil always does). He’s a giant – he straddles the whole width of the pathway and bellows: “Prepare to die, for I swear by my infernal abode that you will go no farther. I will spill your soul here!”

attacks him mercilessly - - with blow after vicious blow. He wounds Christian badly – pushes him back - - throws him down and, under the withering attack - Christian drops his sword.

And then he starts RUNNING right at Christian, pulling out darts and throwing them at Christian – flaming arrows as thick as hail. Christian is injured – head and hand and foot. He fights valiantly, but the battle last for half a day, the wounds start to take their toll and Christian gets weaker and weaker.

Apollyon moves in for the kill. But at the very last moment - - Christan nimbly stretches out his hand for his sword, grabs it, lifts it up and shouts,

Apollyon sees his opportunity, so he gets closer and closer, until he can grab him – they wrestle and Apollyon throws Christian to the ground with such force that Christian’s sword flies out of his hand.

Apollyon shouts in triumph – “I’m sure of thee now” and squeezes him almost to the point of death …. Christian begins to despair of life – thinks this is it.

“Rejoice NOT against me . . . Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise, ; and with that gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound. Christian perceiving that, made at him again, saying, Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us. . And with that Apollyon spread forth his dragon wings, and sped him away, that Christian saw him no more. .

“But, as God would have it, while Apollyon was fetching his last blow, thereby to make a full end of this good man, Christian nimbly reached out his hand for his Sword, and caught it, saying,

The sword of the Spirit, in the hand of a Christian – forces Satan himself to flee. God has given you a weapon of offense. He has given you HIS WORD. And there is no greater gift on this earth – than this word. So how do you wield it? You cling to it. You memorize it. You treasure it … and by understanding it more – you learn to find your supreme delight in Christ.

“Rejoice NOT against me . . . Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise, ; and with that gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound. Christian perceiving that, made at him again, saying, Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us. . And with that Apollyon spread forth his dragon wings, and sped him away, that Christian saw him no more. .

The sword of the Spirit, in the hand of a Christian – forces Satan himself to flee. God has given you a weapon of offense. He has given you HIS WORD. And there is no greater gift on this earth – than this word. So how do you wield it? You cling to it. You memorize it. You treasure it … and by understanding it more – you learn to find your supreme delight in Christ.