1. In this Sermon Series, we have been exploring "the full armor of God"
that is described in Ephesians 6, why each piece is needed, and
how to better live a victorious Christian life in a world full of darkness.

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

4. “The gospel is not merely a book
—it is a living power—a book surpassing all others...
The gospel is not a book; it is a living being, with an action, a power, which invades everything that opposes
its extension.”

5. “All [the church’s] triumphs over sin and error have been effected by the word of God.
So long as she uses this and relies on it alone, she goes on conquering; but when anything else, be it reason, science, tradition, or the commandments of men, is allowed to take its place or to share its office, then the church, or the Christian, is at the mercy of the adversary.”
- Charles Hodge

6. The type of sword that Paul is writing about is
a machaira / gladius…
the normal sword carried by Roman soldiers, which could be daggers 6-inches long to 18-inch swords.
They were put in a sheath or a scabbard by the soldier’s side & were used in close combat.

7. forty inches (or longer), Longer than a yardstick.
The other word for sword is  rhomphaia.  It refers to a large broadsword.
It could be as long as
forty inches (or longer),
Longer than a yardstick.
It was a great, broad,
two-edged sword
that was wielded
with two hands.

8. is the Word of God. The term, “Word,” here is not logos.
The sword of the Spirit
is the Word of God.  The term, “Word,” here is not logos. 
Logos is a term that speaks of
a broad or general reference.
It is the word rhēma, which means a specific statement. 
Paul isn’t talking about having a broad knowledge of God’s Word, but using specific Scriptures about an issue that is at hand
or we are facing in life.

9. Scripture can be used for defense
Like a sword,
Scripture can be used for defense
or offense.
Jesus used it defensively when tempted and offensively when preaching/teaching.

10. Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live
on bread alone,
but on every word
that comes from
the mouth
of God.’”

11. The Word is not a magic charm to put on
your coffee table or to carry for good luck.
You must know how to wield it in battle.
John MacArthur writes, “Unlike the shield, however, which gives broad and general protection, the sword can deflect an attack only if it is handled precisely and skillfully.
It must parry the enemy weapon
exactly where the thrust is made.”

12. Jesus cited Scripture while…
Being tempted in the desert
Preaching The Sermon on the Mount
Giving “the two greatest commandments”
Revealing Himself as Messiah in Nazareth
Describing the role of John the Baptist
“Cleansing” the temple of money changers
Pronouncing judgment on religious leaders
Speaking of the End Times
Predicting His Betrayal and Death, at Cross
Explaining His Resurrection on Emmaus Rd.

13. Psalm 19: 7-8
7  “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right,     giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant,     giving light to the eyes.”

14. for your safety and others
Stay connected…
for your safety and others

15. Unsheathing The Sword of the Spirit
Read The Bible repeatedly
Study The Bible carefully
Pray for Enlightenment & Understanding
Meditate on The Word (Soak it in…)
Memorize Scripture persistently
Share The Word with others