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Sword of the Spirit
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Reflections Of Last Week
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  1. What have you come to learn about your salvation?

  2. Where have you strengthened your salvation?

  3. What work has God done in your salvation?

Verse & Intro
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Ephesians 6:17 ESV

and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Sword
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This is a vital weapon for a Roman soldier and the first offensive weapon covered this far. The sword is also a defensive tool to protect the warrior from harm in a dynamic sense.

Spiritual Parallel
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The Word of God, Jesus, is also an offensive and defensive tool for the believer.

John 1:1-5 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The word is not used for a weapon in hate or physically to beat someone with. The word to build up, strengthen, challenge, and edify those who believe.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

It can be used to correct, but only done in love and not with constant bickering. As we see above, the word should be used with grace.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The Word should also be used for defense. As we have seen before, scripture memorization can be very useful when fighting off spiritual attacks. Being able to recall key scripture at a moments notice can remind you of who you are in Christ and what God really is calling you to.

The Word is not limited to the Bible, but songs, sermons, teachings, and books are very good sources of understanding what the Bible says to us in very easy ways to apply the Word to our lives. Music and songs are very powerful ways of recalling information. How often do you get in a situation and notice you are singing a song that a word or phrase sparked into your head and you cannot get rid of it? This can work for good and bad and songs are a very powerful tool in the enemy’s hands also.

Scripture Questions
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  1. What are some scriptures, songs, or quotes from a book that you hold on to for hope?

  2. When have you seen scripture, songs, or quotes being used to bring harm to others?

  3. Where have you applied such scriptures or songs to encourage yourself and others?

Application
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Just reading the words is not enough. One has to absorb the word and let it sink in. There has to be a balance between quantity, comprehension, and application. Let’s look at all three:

Quantity: Reading a large quantity at a rapid rate verses reading a little slowly, and what is the best mix for you. I find it handy to mix the two. You have to find out what works good for you. For example, right now I am on a reading plan and most days that is reading at a normal reading speed. I do find sections interesting and I tend to slow down and even re-read a few verses that I found interesting. I am also reading Psalms 91 every day and finding ways to apply it to my life. I do mix in other readings of scripture also, depending on what is going on in life.

Comprehension: Finding ways to better understand and focus on meaning of scripture can be challenging. I find it is best to have discussions about verses with trusted allies. Another way is to read commentary about the scripture, either in book form, study Bible notes, or online searches. This is a way to go deep into sections of scripture.

Application: Finding time to read and accept areas that you might struggle with scripture is good. The best way to know what needs to be applied and at what level is up to you and the Holy Spirit. I suggest spending time in prayer about sections that you struggle with application. Again, identity groups are good to help you apply changes you feel you are called to make.

Application Questions
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  1. What works well for your personal reading plan?

  2. How do you best absorb and apply what you are reading?

  3. Where do you struggle with reading, understanding, and applying what you are reading?

Healing
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Some scripture or writings can really challenge us. Once we have a good understanding of the meaning that we have read, application can have some blockers in the path for good life change. What verses do you have a challenge with? Some have challenges with forgiveness, giving, Spiritual fruit, and loving others. Maybe there is a specific fruit that you are struggling with.

Take time to ask God about where you need to go deeper in your understanding of fruit. Pay attention to the feelings that surface when you look at the next level and write them down. Take them to Jesus one by one. Ask what lies you have believed about going deeper in that area and what truth Jesus would like to give you to find healing. Once you have accepted that, ask Jesus for more understanding.

Healing Questions
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  1. What fruit are you the most challenged with?

  2. What lies were exposed and reflect on where you might need more healing?

  3. What truth do you need to apply?

  4. Is there someone who you can share that truth with, that will encourage and speak into that truth?

Going Deeper
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The word does not stop at reading scripture in the Bible. Other people are gifted at bringing hard to understand scripture to life and into your life. Reading books from trusted authors, small groups, and sermons can also be good ways to challenge your understanding of scripture.

Most of all, the Word is living and breathing. Like stepping into a river, it will never be the same. This is because you are changing. You are becoming more and more the person God has intended you to be. You have changed because your world is changing. Jesus is the Word and the Word loves us where we are at today. When we change, the love can help us go deeper or correct us where we have gone astray.

Deeper Questions
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  1. Where have you noticed your understanding to be deeper than a decade ago?

  2. How has your trust changed in the Word?

  3. What would you be willing to risk to have greater understanding on who God has intended you to be?