1. Ephesians 6:13-17

2. God’s (S)Word Is Our PRIMARY WEAPON God’s Word is listed in a context of a battle armor (Eph. 6:13-18) God’s Word is listed in a context of a battle armor (Eph. 6:13-18) As Christians, we are at war against the devil and his evils (Eph. 6:10-13) As Christians, we are at war against the devil and his evils (Eph. 6:10-13) Our God-given, offensive weapon never grows dull (1 Pet. 1:25) Our God-given, offensive weapon never grows dull (1 Pet. 1:25)

3. God’s (S)Word Is to Be PERSONALLY WIELDED Command: “urgently take to ourselves” (Eph. 6:17) Command: “urgently take to ourselves” (Eph. 6:17) The sword must be wielded “offensively” The sword must be wielded “offensively” –To teach gospel to lost souls in the clutches of the devil (Rom. 6:17-18; Luke 4:18; Gal. 5:1) –To answer every question asked of our faith (1 Pet. 3:15) The sword must be wielded “defensively” The sword must be wielded “defensively” –To identify & overpower the wiles of the devil (2 Cor. 2:11) –To identify & overcome temptations (Matt. 4:1-11) –To identify & overthrow false doctrines (2 Tim. 4:1-4) Proper & skilled use requires diligent practice and personal effort (2 Tim. 2:15) Proper & skilled use requires diligent practice and personal effort (2 Tim. 2:15)

4. God’s (S)Word Does PENETRATING WORK It is sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12) It is sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12) It pierces one’s heart and penetrates deeply (Heb. 4:12) It pierces one’s heart and penetrates deeply (Heb. 4:12) –Can lead to godly sorrow, repentance & salvation (Ac. 2:37-41) –Can lead to resentment and condemnation (Acts 5:33; 7:54) It discerns one’s thoughts and intents (Heb. 4:12) It discerns one’s thoughts and intents (Heb. 4:12) –It thoroughly sifts out & analyzes the thoughts (Prov. 23:7), feelings (1 Pet. 1:22) and decisions (Rom. 6:17) of the heart, through the power of God who gave it (1 Chr. 28:9; Ps. 139:1-2) –It ought to be that by which we think, feel & decide! It divides families against each other (Matt. 10:21, 34-37) It divides families against each other (Matt. 10:21, 34-37) –It demands individual response, often separating loved ones

5. God’s (S)Word Will Save & Preserve Your Soul! Believe Jesus is God’s Son – Mark 16:16 Believe Jesus is God’s Son – Mark 16:16 Repent of sins and turn to God – Acts 2:38 Repent of sins and turn to God – Acts 2:38 Confess your faith in Jesus – Matthew 10:32-33 Confess your faith in Jesus – Matthew 10:32-33 Be immersed into Christ – Galatians 3:27 Be immersed into Christ – Galatians 3:27 –God will forgive you of all sins – Acts 22:16 –God will add you to His church – Acts 2:41-47 –God will register you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 Serve the Lord faithfully – 1 Corinthians 15:58 Serve the Lord faithfully – 1 Corinthians 15:58