1. Grace Community Church June 22, 2008 Draw the Sword! Ephesians 6:17 The Whole Armor of God Series on Ephesians 6:10-20

2. Ephesians 6:17 “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” Two Bookends 1.If you don’t have this ~ you don’t have anything! 2.Keep in mind everything we have been learning ~ and apply them in earnest!

3. Ephesians 6:17 “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” The normal useage in the NT for “Word” ( Jn 1:1 / Jn 17:17) is “Logos” Rhema: The Word specifically applied

4. How can the “Rhema” effect us? Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. (Psalm 119:98-100) Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. (Psalm 119:98-100) The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes… The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold… By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11) The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes… The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold… By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105)

5. The use of the Word provides us with security and stability.

6. Ephesians 6:17 “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” – “Machaira” – a small sword that varied in legnth from 6-inches. It was very sharp and was designed to cut and slice flesh. – II Corinthian s 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

7. The use of the Word provides us with certainty.

8. The use of the Word provides us with credibility.

9. The Use of the Word Transforms men from the realm of false hood to that of truth Darkness to light Sin and death to righteousness and life. Sadness in to joy Despair into hope Stagnation into growth Childishness into maturity Failure to success

10. The Use of the Word provides us with SECURITY : It is precautionary to our walk CERTAINTY: It give us stability in difficult circumstances CREDIBLITY: It demonstrates the gospel in action SO…. USE THE WORD / DRAW THE SWORD! “ T he deceit, the lie of the devil, consists of this: that he wishes to make man believe that he can live without God’s Word.”~ Dietrich Bonhofer :

11. Personal quiet times – plan available in resource room Come tonight to prayer gathering in dependence Recommended Reading: The Invisible War…Chip Ingraham Have family or couple devotions: – (Family Recommendation: Big Truth’s for Little Kids by Richie and Susan Hunt HOW?