This is Christmas!

https://wpcgodfrey.org/sermons/the-sword-of-the=spirit/

As his knee touched the ground, the soldier bowed his head, knowing the battle could not be fought or won in his own strength. The burden heavy and the task grueling, yet whispered prayer escaped his heart, and an unseen joy surrounded him, lifted the load, and encouraged his spirit.

 

He stood, and as he did, light from somewhere bounced off his golden armor. It hit his helmet, then his breastplate, traveled from shield to belt, and down to his shoes. Finally, it landed on the sword dangling at his side. Feeling the need to unsheathe, he heard scraping metal pierce the silence. Flashes flickered with every move. And holding this sword high and lifted,[1] the Word he needed filled him.

 

Moving forward, the bulk of his armor disappeared, but he knew it was there—he felt God’s power. Approaching the battle, more of the Word came to mind. Then sensing the LORD of Glory before and behind, he stepped toward the anguish-stricken young man, laid a hand on his shoulder, and said, “God Almighty knows your struggle, for He loves you with an everlasting love.”[2]

 

The young man jerked his head up from his coffee and said, “What do you mean?”

 

The battle commenced. As the soldier spoke, his sword sliced through the invisible cords that bound this distressed soul, and the LORD set him free.[3]

 

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Like this story, in a spiritual battle, God’s Word—The SWORD of the SPIRIT—is the believer’s only weapon. Living and powerful, sharper than any humanly-crafted double-edged blade, God’s Word has the uncanny ability to bypass man’s flesh, divide soul and spirit, and discern thoughts and intents of the heart.[4]

 

But this Sword, our sixth piece of armor, isn’t just the written Word we see in our Bibles.

 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…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.”[5]

 

The Word—God the Son, who is Spirit, became FLESH—so He could die for our sins. His name is Yeshu’a Hamashiach – Jesus the Messiah – our Savior.

 

And this, my friends, is Christmas!

 

Yet He, the Living Word,[6] cannot be separated from His written Word—our Bible.

 

So, with the sin penalty paid, our LORD sent His Holy Spirit[7] to fill His children—those who believe and receive Jesus. By Him, He finished His written Word for our instruction, gave gifts, and clothed believers in armor to fight spiritual battles.[8]

 

But how pitiful we would be if we only had protective armor—only able to sustain the enemy’s blows—and never fight back. God’s armor protects. And His Word—the Sword of His Spirit—provides us a way to advance His kingdom. We speak God’s Word to unbelievers—plant a seed or water one—then Jesus makes it grow, bringing many sons to glory.[9] This is our God!

 

Nevertheless, the seventh piece, PRAYER, makes us a truly complete warrior and puts our armor to work.[10]

 

PRAYER is like a key turning our ignition. Humbled, we seek God’s heart. He fills us with His Spirit, enabling us to utilize our armor and wield the weapon. Through prayer, God opens our eyes to our real enemy—not flesh and blood—but the spirit behind them.[11] With prayer, God sparks our engine to fight more effectively, take thoughts captive, obey Christ, and demolish strongholds and lies.[12]

 

However, PRAYER is a two-way street. It is speaking and listening, asking and obeying. It must be God in us and us in Him.[13] And friends, this, too, is Christmas!

 

We cannot live or fight the enemy alone. So, put on the FULL armor of God and take up Jesus by praying always, being watchful with all perseverance and supplication.[14] His name is great, His hand righteous and strong, His arm mighty and outstretched. He is our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, and—THE SON GIVEN—whom we love and celebrate.[15]

 

May you have the most Blessed Christmas ever,

Love in Christ, Anita

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[1] John 12:32

[2] Isaiah 52:12; Psalm 94:11; Jeremiah 31:3

[3] John 8:31-36

[4] Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12-13

[5] John 1:1, 14; [John 3:16]

[6] John 4:24; Revelation 19:11-13

[7] Romans 6:23; John 14:16-17; John 16:7

[8] John 1:12; Acts 4:31; Gal. 4:6; II Tim. 3:16-17; Eph. 4:8

[9] I Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 2:10

[10] Ephesians 6:18

[11] Ephesians 6:11-12

[12] II Corinthians 10:3-5

[13] John 17:20-23; Romans 14:7-8

[14] Ephesians 6:18

[15] Psalm 136:12; Psalm 144:2; Isaiah 9:6; John 3:16