Young People's Group

WIELDING THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

by Pastor Mitch
October 10, 2004

Knowing How To Use The Word Of God As A Weapon

The last piece in the armour of God is the sword of the Spirit.

“… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” 
Ephesians 6:17

The sword was the principal weapon of the Roman soldier in close combat. It was carried in a sheath or scabbard attached to the belt. It was always at hand and ready to be used against enemies. This spiritual sword needs skill to use it well. In spiritual combat, there will be false teachers who will seek to spread all kinds of false teachings. We must be able to use the Scriptures to defend ourselves against them.

The Spiritually Immature Cannot Combat False Teachings

When people are spiritually immature, they can be easily swayed by every kind of false doctrine.

“We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting…” 
Ephesians 4:14

We should no longer be like immature children who listen to false teachings without discernment. There must come a greater sense of spiritual maturity. Paul likened immature Christians to a boat being tossed to and fro and carried away by the wind. False teachings have their own doctrine. They have their own erroneous system of interpreting the Scriptures. When we do not have the knowledge of God’s word and the ability to discern, we can be tricked by their false reasoning. They will spare no effort to deceive people. Our challenge is to move from spiritual immaturity to spiritual maturity.

The Challenge To Be Trained And Equipped Further

“… some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” 
Ephesians 4:11-13

In order for us to know how to use the word of God well, we need to be trained and equipped further by God’s servants. The Lord has raised them up so that they can edify and teach us concerning the doctrines of the Church. Through their ministry, we will be able to have a unified faith, based on Biblical truths. We will have a common knowledge concerning the Lord Jesus. We will be able to move towards spiritual fullness.

“But, speaking the truth in love…” 
Ephesians 4:15

We will also be able share God’s word with others correctly. This will help the Church to grow.

Young people, wielding the sword of the Spirit is not an easy thing. Many of us find it hard to defend our faith when we are questioned by people who promote false teachings. Sometimes, we do not know where to find the answers from the Bible. Let’s be determined to be taught and trained further. Let’s seek to grow in our knowledge of the Scriptures and the Lord Jesus. Let’s pray that one day, by God’s grace, we will be able to use the word of God to defend our faith well.

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