1.In Ephesians 6:10, an important admonition is given -- God's people are to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." 2.Vs.12 explains why we must be strong -- we are engaged in a conflict. 3.To win this spiritual conflict we must be properly armed (vs.11, 13). 4.Beginning at vs.14, the various items that make up the armor of God are listed, and they are compared to the armor used by Roman soldiers. 5.In our lesson we are concentrating on the sixth part mentioned in vs.17b: "the word of God" [compared to the sword used by soldiers]. 6.The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I.THESWORDWASANIMPORTANTPARTOFASOLDIER'SARMOR
A.The soldier depended upon: 1.his "belt" for support 2.his "breastplate" to protect his chest and major organs 3.his "shoes" for traction 4.his "shield" to protect him from arrows fired from a distance 5.his "helmet" to protect his head. B.While the soldier depended upon these items of armor to protect him from being injured by his enemy, he mainly used his sword to injure his enemy. 1.A soldier's primary offensive weapon was his sword. 2.A soldier's effectiveness was determined by his ability to use his sword. C.Just as the sword was an important part of a soldier's armor, . . .
II."GOD'SWORD"ISANIMPORTANTPARTOFTHEARMOROFGOD
A.The other items include "truth," "righteousness," "the preparation of the Gospel of peace," "faith," and "salvation." B."God's Word" is also a living and powerful item of armor (Hebrews 4:12). C.God's Word is identified as "the sword of the Spirit." 1.The Spirit: a.revealed God's Word to inspired men b.guided the inspired men as they recorded God's Word. 2.The process by which the Spirit did this is explained in: a.1 Corinthians 2:9-13 b.Ephesians 3:3-5. D.God has revealed His Word for our benefit (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 1.The Scriptures are profitable for: a."doctrine" [teaching, instruction] 1)The Bible reveals the right ways that please God. 2)The Bible also reveals the wrong ways that displease God. b."reproof" [conviction of sinful condition] c."correction" [restoring to an upright condition] d."instruction in righteousness" [instruction that helps us to grow and become the kind of people God wants us to be]. 2. The Scriptures will produce a complete person in God's sight. E.Our effectiveness in standing against the wiles of the devil will be determined by our ability to use the Scriptures correctly (Psalm 119:11). 1.Illustrations: a.Negative: Eve (Genesis 3:1-6) b.Positive: Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11) 2.We are to resist Satan "steadfast in the faith" (1 Peter 5:9). 3."Faith" comes by hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17).
Conclusion:
1.The Scriptures are an important part of the armor of God, but we must use them correctly. 2.They are also able to make us "wise unto salvation" (2 Timothy 3:15).
