“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.” Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
The Lord has given us the sword of the Spirit as a weapon in our spiritual war (Ephesians 6:17). But sadly, many don’t know and/or apply the full word of God and therefore they keep this sword in its sheath. In fact, some pastors will preach messages to make their people feel better, but in doing so they may swing their sword a bit, but actually keep it in its sheath. A sheathed sword cannot cut through the shackles that hold people in captivity! The sword is meant to set people free from sin and bondage, not just make them happier.
Imagine a warrior going into a battle, and taking his sword into his hand, but not unsheathing it! The enemy would mock and laugh at him. Whack after whack would not accomplish any damage to the enemy.
But a warrior who pulls his sword out of its sheath and skillfully uses it will cause the enemy to fear, and take him seriously as a threat! The word of God is like a razor-sharp double-edged, forged and polished sword. Etched on the warrior of God’s sword is HOLY UNTO THE LORD! Its polished finish reflects the brightness of the Son, blinding the eyes of the enemy! The power of the word of God is unequalled. It will accomplish what God desires for it (Isaiah 55:11).
People come into services needing healing, deliverance and to be brought to repentance. The unsheathed sword of the Spirit will accomplish that. Yes, it can/will be messy, because the battle is messy. Calling people to repent, to be holy, to die to their flesh is confronting. Nevertheless, it is in the battle that the kingdom of God advances. It is there that prisoners are set free, the sick are healed and the lost are shown the way to freedom and salvation! It is by taking hold of the word of God that a young (as well as an old) man can keep his way pure (Psalm 119:9). It is by hiding the word in our hearts that we are able to resist sinning (Psalm 119:11).
Take time to read, study, marinate and memorize the word of God. Look for opportunities to give it away, to teach it, to pray it, to declare it and to live it out!
Ask God to release a deep hunger for His word, starting in your life, and moving out to your church and churches across our city. Ask God to awaken a hunger for His word even in those who are not yet followers of Christ. Pray for your pastor to preach boldly, the full council of the word of God. Pray that the word would accomplish all that the Lord desires for it as it is preached, and taught in our churches, homes and schools. Pray that our children would rise up as warriors for the Lord handling the powerful weapon called the sword of the Spirit accurately and confidently!
