Sharpen Your Sword

 

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil 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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [Ephesians 6:11-17 ESV]

When Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, his reply each time was to quote the word of God. Since Jesus is our example, we can do no better than to follow his example when confronted by the devil's temptations. But as the only offensive weapon in our armor, it's only effective if we are proficient in wielding it. Paul wrote to Timothy telling him, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." [2 Timothy 2:15 LSB] The King James Bible translates "Be diligent" as "Study". That's why getting a daily dose of God's word is so essential in equipping us to win the battle against temptation.

But it's not just the devil we war against. Our own sinful nature provides its own temptations. James reminds us that we are tempted when we are carried away and enticed by our own lusts. [James 1:14] Here is where the word of God can also help us. In Hebrews 4:12 we read, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

So listen, read, meditate, memorize, study - do anything and everything you can to take in the word of God and by that, you will be sharpening your sword.