Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

• The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.  The sword was a weapon used for both defense and offense.  The sword was used both to protect and to fight off and slay the enemy.  The sign of the Christian soldier is his use of the Word of God.  By living in the Scriptures, he protects himself from the onslaught of the enemy; and he fights and wins battle after battle, day after day.  Remember:  Jesus Christ Himself overcame the onslaught of the devil by using Scripture.

Matthew 4:4 – “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:7 – “Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’” 

Matthew 4:10 – “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan!  For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

Hebrews 4:12-13 – “For the word 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.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. 

Psalm 119:9 – “How can a young man cleanse his way?  By taking heed according to Your word.”

Psalm 119:11 – “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

1 John 1: 5, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

• The Word is your true offense/defense.
• In Matthew 4:  “It is written; It is written; It is written.”
• Psalm 119:89 – “Forever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven.”
• God said it, that settles it!!!!

MY NEVER AGAIN LIST:

• Never again will I confess I can’t, for “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13
• Never again will I confess lack, for “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19
• Never again will I confess fear, for “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7
• Never again will I confess doubt and lack of faith, for “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”   Romans 12:3
• Never again will I confess weakness, for “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1; and “the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”  Daniel 11:32
• Never again will I confess supremacy of Satan over my life, for “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”  1 John 4:4
• Never again will I confess defeat, for “God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.”  2 Corinthians 2:14
• Never again will I confess lack of wisdom for “Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God.”  1 Corinthians 1:30
• Never again will I confess sickness, for, “by His stripes we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:5; and “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” Matthew 8:17
• Never again will I confess worries and frustration for I am “casting all my care upon Him, for He cares for me.”  I Peter 5:7
• Never again will I confess bondage for “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”  2 Corinthians 3:17
• Never again will I confess condemnation, for “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 8:1