1. Sword Rules

2. Christians Are Soldiers We don’t fight physical fights (Mt. 26:21-22) Government takes care of capital punishment (Rom. 13:4) As a soldier of Christ (2 Tim. 2:3-4), we wear armor which includes a sword – God’s Word (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12) We follow Jesus who bears a sword (Mt. 10:34; Rev. 1:16; 2:12,16)

3. Sword Rules No. 1 – KNOW your sword Should a soldier know his weapon? Should a Christian know his Bible (2 Pet. 1:5; 3:18)? Suggestions: daily Bible reading, attend all Bible classes

4. Sword Rules No. 2 – PRACTICE with your sword Do soldiers practice with their weapons before a fight? Christians must practice with the Bible (Lk. 4:16; Acts 17:11; Heb. 5:13-14)? Suggestions: take notes, read out loud, follow along, use the same Bible, memorize

5. Sword Rules No. 3 – Keep your sword SHARPENED Soldiers carry weapons that work well Christians need to have a Bible that is “sharp” (Ezek. 21:8ff; 2 Tim. 2:15)? Suggestions: daily Bible reading, teach a class, preach a lesson, do personal work

6. Sword Rules No. 4 – CARRY your sword everywhere Soldiers carry weapons at all times Christians need to have a Bible answer at all times (2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:15)? Suggestions: keep a Bible at work, car, office, school, vacation, audio Bibles, Bible software

7. Sword Rules No. 5 – USE your sword Soldiers fire their weapon when necessary Christians need to use the Bible not just own a Bible

8. Sword Rules No. 5 – USE your sword Use it for temptations (Mt. 4:1ff) Use it for personal growth (1 Tim. 4:13) Use it for correction (2 Tim. 3:16; Tit. 1:9) Use it for teaching (Neh. 8:8; Acts 8:28-32) Use it for preaching (2 Tim. 4:2)

9. Sword Rules Brethren, we are at war (1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7; 1 Pet. 2:11)! Following these sword rules will help us to “war the good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18)