Dueling Swords

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You may be aware that the bible often describes itself as a sword. It tells us that it cuts like a two-edged sword. And in Ephesians, when talking about the armor of God, the bible is described as the sword of the Spirit. But do we look at the bible as a weapon? Do we think that the words of God can be used to do spiritual battle? I think it can, and it is beautifully illustrated in Matthew when Jesus is fasting in the desert for 40 days and is tempted by the devil. It is almost as if they are dueling with the words of God. All that is missing is the sound of metal striking metal as they speak to one another. It says in Matthew 4:5-7:

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “’He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Jesus tells us that as long as the world is as we know it, the words of the Bible will not change. That means they will be in full effect at least until his return. The words of the bible are powerful. And God stands behind every word written. Jesus knows this and even the devil knows it. When Jesus was tempted, he used his best weapon, the sword of the Spirit, when doing battle. This leads me to believe that the more familiar we are with the word of God, the better equipped we will be to wield one of the most powerful weapons on the face of the earth; the bible.

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The bible has many functions. It is to teach and reproof, to guide and to correct, and it is a weapon that if used, can get the attention of the Holy Spirit or set the evil one to flight. It is indeed, sharper than any two-edged sword. I encourage you to get familiar with it. Use it when you pray. And use it to remind God of what he has said or promised.