Full Armor of GodSample

You Fight with the Sword of the Spirit

In the armor of God there’s only one piece that’s used not just for defense but for fighting back. This is not the kind of shiny silver sword carried by princes in cartoon movies. The kind of weapon mentioned in this passage is more like a small dagger used in hand-to-hand combat. The “word” in this verse doesn’t mean big, broad truth. Instead in the ancient language it’s rhema, which more accurately describes “a particular truth for a particular situation.”

This description makes me think of Jesus overcoming temptation during his 40 days in the wilderness. The exchange that happens between Jesus and the devil during that time reads like a hand-to-hand combat scene where words are the weapons.

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

[The devil] said to him, “If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

“If you are the Son of God,” [the devil] said, “throw yourself down from here.”

Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

(excerpted from Luke 4:3–12 NLT)

Jesus won this showdown by knowing and declaring specific spiritual truth. To be prepared for what we may face from the enemy, it’s essential for us to spend time in God’s Word like you have by completing this plan. You have put on the full armor of God!

We have a strong and faithful God who equips us with everything we need for victory. He loves you, and he will continue to help you in every battle you face.

God, you are the living Word, the one who gives me the truth I need for victory. Amen.

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