The Not-So-Secret Weapon

• Why is a spiritual battle especially dangerous?

• What can the Bible protect you from?

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17

In Ephesians 6:10-17, the apostle Paul warns believers that we are in a spiritual battle against the devil. Paul describes the battle gear we have available to us, our spiritual armor. All the equipment he lists is intended for defensive purposes — “the belt of truth,” “the breastplate of righteousness,” “the shield of faith,” “the helmet of salvation” — except one. In verse 17, he tells us to “take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The Bible is the weapon we use to battle anyone or anything that might lead us astray.

In Matthew 4:1 – 11, Jesus used the Word of God to defeat Satan during his temptation in the wilderness. Three times Satan tried to get Jesus to do wrong. Three times Jesus responded by quoting Scripture. The devil was helpless against God’s Word. He left Jesus, completely defeated.

The more you know God’s Word, the more dangerous you will be in battle. For example, if you know what the Bible says about lying, you can quote just the right passage the next time Satan tempts you to lie. You have an amazing weapon at your fingertips, just waiting to be used. Are you ready to master it?

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for giving us everything we need to protect ourselves as Christians. Teach us to use your Word in a way that honors you. Amen.