EPISODE 0100 | Helmet of Salvation
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0100
The Word of God is our most powerful weapon in the spiritual battle. In this episode, we examine the Sword of the Spirit, the only offensive piece in the armor of God. Learn how to wield Scripture effectively against the enemy’s lies, follow Jesus’ example of speaking truth in the face of temptation, and experience the transformative power of God’s Word. Victory is found when we take up the sword and fight with confidence in His truth.
Characteristics of the Roman Sword:
· It is also called the Roman gladius and is known as "the sword that conquered the world."
· It was adapted from a Spanish design. The prowess of the gladius in close range combat made it a fearsome tool in the hand of a skilled Roman warrior.
· When sharpened, its dual edges wreaked havoc on unarmored enemies.
· It’s while its tapered point could pierce through even heavy metal armor.
· It had a slight hook that would pull the intestines out of the body!
· It went into a sheath on the roman’s belt.
The “Rhema” Word of God is scripture for personal application.
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word [rhema] of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The enemy’s only weapon is a lie you believe.
The lies and the invisible labels we wear shape the people we become and the lives we lead.
By calling it the “sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” Paul is joining two infinite resources in one: the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
First, you have the Spirit of God on the inside you. He is Jesus-with-you. He’s been called the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. Jesus also called Him the Spirit of Truth. What’s the way to combat deceptive schemes? The truth!
John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
The Holy Spirit doesn’t just give you a way to “look on the bright side”. He gives you access to reality. He helps you see the way things really are and stop mapping your life onto lies.
Second, the Word of God is another unlimited source of power. Nothing has the power to reshape your thinking like Scripture.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
The Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. The roman two-edged sword had a piercing tip and cutting edges on either side—perfect for close combat.
You were meant to beat back your enemy up close—“and the gates of hell will not prevail against you!”
Paul again places the onus on you to activate this weapon. How does it work? Through your mouth!
You only defeat lies when you speak truth.
You can’t just think happy thoughts, you have to speak truth to your enemy. Not just any truth, the truth, the word of God.
Resources
The Better Planner™ is a personal planner designed by Pastor Stephen to help you map out all the different aspects of success and personal growth on your way to better.
The foundation of the Better Planner™ is the practice of defining and reaching your personal vision. The other principles for growth all integrate with and flow out of this essential step. As you develop and record the insights you receive from God and His design for your life, the Better Planner™ will lead you through a step-by-step process to become better.
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