Standing on God's Word

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

1). Lets' read our study scripture (Ephesians 6:10-18).

¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: ¹⁸Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ¹⁹And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

2). Where do you keep your sword?

I sleep with my bible every night for over twenty years now, and I try to read it every day to keep it in my heart and mind.

3). Pray this week's prayer again.

Heavenly Father, Your warrior prepares for battle. Today I claim victory over Satan by putting on the whole armor of God! I put on the girdle of truth! May I stand firm in the truth of Your Word so I will not be a victim of Satan's lies. I put on the breastplate of righteousness! May it guard my heart from evil so I will remain pure and holy, protected under the blood of Jesus Christ. I put on the shoes of peace! May I stand firm in the Good News of the Gospel so Your peace will shine through me and be a light to all I encounter. I take the shield of faith! May I be ready for Satan's fiery darts of doubt, denial, and deceit so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat. I take the Sword of the Spirit! May the two-edged sword of Your Word be ready in my hands so I can expose the tempting words of Satan. By faith we warriors have put on the whole armor of God! We are prepared to live this day, this week in spiritual victory! In Jesus' name, AMEN.

4). Who tell the Ephesian Christians to put on this armor? Apostle Paul wrote to them to encourage them to stand strong in the Lord by put on this armor that comes from God.

5). How many times does the phrase "sword of the spirit found in the Scripture?

This phrase is found only once in Scripture!

6). The sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon used by soldiers or warriors.

7). Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17, explain.

"¹⁶All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The Word of God is for us to live by, we are to learn from it, obey it, and trust it. It will help us to become what God intended for us to be, a people of God.

8). Read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, explain.

"⁴(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) ⁵Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" I love the wording of the Scripture! God's Word is powerful because of Him, and only Him through His Holy Spirit. We can use it to fight against strong holds that comes from the enemy. This is why Paul tells us to use our armor that God has given us daily. We have to exercise what is written from God through men by the Holy Spirit.

9). Read Hebrews 4:12, explain.

"¹²For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Another powerful scripture to use when attack by the enemy. It is written for our use! Jesus used the Word against Satan's attack when He was living on this earth, so we must do so too. The Word of God reaches the heart, the very center of action, and lays open the motives and feelings of those it touches. AMEN.

10). What is the purpose of this weapon?

The purpose of the sword of the Spirit, the Bible, is to make us strong and able to withstand the evil onslaughts of Satan, our enemy (Psalm 119:11, 33-40, 99-105).

11). The Holy Spirit uses the power of the Word to save souls and then to give them spiritual strength to be mature soldiers for the Lord in fighting this corrupt and evil world we live in.

12). According to day 1 scripture, what is divinely inspired to you? God's Word is divinely inspired

Day 1 "Divinely Inspired"

According to Jeremiah 36:2 day 1 God is the giver of the Word

According to Ezekiel 1:3 men of God spoke what God put in their hearts

According to Acts 1:16 God's Word is sure and fulfilled

According to 2 Timothy 3:16 God's Word is divinely inspired by Him

According to 2 Peter 1:21 God moved upon men in the Bible days so they

According to Revelations 14:13 Apostle John was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the book of Revelations.

13). Read the Scriptures for "Precepts written in the heart, explain.

According to Deuteronomy 6:6 God's Word is in our hearts

According to Deuteronomy 11:18 it is God's instruction for hearts

According to Psalm 119:11 the Word inspires us not to sin

According to Luke 2:51 we must keep God's Word in our hearts

According to Romans 10:8 God puts His Word in our hearts so we can preach it with our mouth

According to Colossians 3:16 God's Word in our hearts to teach us to worship Him

14). What is precepts written in the heart according to scripture? God's Laws, instructions, God's testimonies, God's Word.

15). What furnishes a light in darkness? God's Word

According to Psalm 19:8 the Word of God is enlightenment to our soul

According to Psalm 119:105 God's Word is a light and guide for every day

According to Psalm 119:130 God's Word gives understanding

According to Proverbs 6:23 God's Word is instruction for us to live by

According to 2 Peter 1:19 God's Word is a sure foundation to living in the light.

16). Read day 3 scriptures and explain as you can.

We live in a dark world, an evil world that need God's help to see the light. God's Word furnishes that light so we can see Jesus His Son, and live a righteous life before Him.

17). Is love in the Bible a command? Explain.

Yes, Jesus commands us to love one another, but most of all, love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

18). Read day 4 scriptures, and share what you get out of them.

According to Psalm 119:47 God's Word is loved by His people

According to Psalm 119:72 God's Word is precious

According to Psalm 119:82 God's Word brings comfort to us

According to Psalm 119:97 God's Word is to be meditated upon daily

According to Psalm 119:140 God's Word is pure

According to Jeremiah 15:16 God's Word is our food

19). Explain day 5 strategy session.

My strategy is to read and study God's Word every chance I get. I have found a way to get into God's Word daily; I call it "my devotional quiet time with God." A quiet time with God is so much needed now days. My devotional quiet time with God consist of praying God's Word, singing a song to God, reading a worship scripture from book of Psalm, scripture for memorization, a daily reading plan of the Bible, a healing scripture, a scripture of promise from God, I read Ephesians chapter 1 and speak this over my life, reading the Lord's Prayer, reading the Lord's Supper Scripture, reading Psalm 23, and other Scripture. I meditate on Scriptures concerning God's character. This takes me about an hour or more, and help builds up my love for God's Word.

20). What overcomes temptation?

According to the Bible and the study of "Overcomer" by Dr. David Jeremiah, scripture overcomes temptation, the Sword, which is God's Word.

21). Where is the location of this weapon?

This armor is located or should be located in our hand, mind, and ready at our side.

Ending Prayer for this Lesson

Father God, Thank you for the scriptures you have given me to memorize. Please show me which weapon you want me to use to cut through deceptions and gain your victory in any battle I may face today. Your Word I have hid in my heart, so I will not sin against You, Lord. AMEN.

Friday, April 5, 2019

Bible Study: The Spiritual Warfare Weapons Week # 7

"The Sword of the Spirit" (Word of God)

Our Prayer:

Our Scripture: Let's Read: Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

The phrase "sword of the Spirit" is found only once in Scripture, in Ephesians 6:17. The sword is one of the pieces of spiritual armor Paul tells the Ephesian Christians to put on as part of the "full armor of God" that will enable us to stand our ground against evil (Ephesians 6:13).

The sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon used by soldiers or warriors. In this case it is a weapon belonging to the Holy Spirit. Swords were used to protect oneself from harm or to attack the enemy to overcome or kill him. In both cases it was necessary for a soldier to get rigid training on the proper use of the sword to get maximum protection. All Christian soldiers need the same rigid training to know how to properly handle the Sword of the Spirit, "which is the word of God." The sword that Paul refers to here is the Holy Scriptures. We know from 2 Timothy 3:16–17 that the word of God is from the Holy Spirit and written by men. Since every Christian is on the spiritual battle with the satanic and evil forces of this world, we need to know how to handle the Word properly. Only then will it be an effective defense against evil, but it will also be an offensive weapon we use to "demolish strongholds" of error and falsehood (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).

God refers to His Word as a sword in Hebrews 4:12. Here the Word is described as living and active and sharper than a double-edged sword. The Roman sword was commonly made in this manner. The fact that it had two edges made it easier to penetrate, as well as to cut in every way. The idea is that of piercing, or penetrating; the Word of God reaches the "heart," the very center of action, and lays open the motives and feelings of those it touches.

The purpose of the sword of the Spirit—the Bible—is to make us strong and able to withstand the evil onslaughts of Satan, our enemy (Psalm 119:11, 33–40, 99–105). The Holy Spirit uses the power of the Word to save souls and then to give them spiritual strength to be mature soldiers for the Lord in fighting this corrupt and evil world we live in. The more we know and understand the Word of God, the more useful we will be in doing the will of God and the more effective we will be in standing against the enemy of our souls.

Day 1 "Divinely Inspired"

Read: "Jeremiah 36:2, Ezekiel 1:3, Acts 1:16, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21, Revelations 14:13."

Day 2 "Precepts Written in the Heart"

Read: "Deuteronomy 6:6, Deuteronomy 11:18, Psalm 119:11, Luke 2:51, Romans 10:8, Colossians 3:16."

Day 3 "Furnishes a Light in Darkness"

Read: "Psalm19:8, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:130, Proverbs 6:23, 2 Peter 1:19."

Day 4 "Loved by the Saints

Read: "Psalm 119:47, Psalm 119:72, Psalm 119:82, Psalm 119:97, Psalm 119:140, Jeremiah 15:16."

Day 5 Strategy Session:

Our strategy here is to know God's Word as a devouring flame, a crushing hammer, a life-giving force, a saving power, a defensive weapon, and a probing instrument. Read these scriptures (Jeremiah 5:14, Jeremiah23:29, Ezekiel 37:7, Acts 19:20, Romans 1:16, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12). God's Word is a blessing to those who reverence it.

Each Week Study "Overcomers" by Dr. David Jeremiah

Week # 7 "Scripture Overcomes Temptation"

Week # Nuggets: Suit up Cards

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13

AKA: The Sword

Characteristic: Scripture, Word of God

Usage: Weapon of Warfare

Armor of Location: In Hand. At the Ready, At your side

Arch Enemy: Temptation

Enemies: Lust, Pride

Charge: When the enemy comes to you and tries to tempt you, draw your sword, say "It is Written", and watch what God does.

Questions:

1). Let's read our study scripture (Ephesians 6:10-18).

2). Where do you keep your sword?

3). Pray this week's prayer again.

4). Who tell the Ephesian Christians to put on this armor?

5). How many times does the phrase "sword of the spirit found in the Scripture?

6). The sword is both ___ and ___weapon used by __ or ___.

7). Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17, explain.

8). Read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, explain.

9). Read Hebrews 4:12, explain.

10). What is the purpose of this weapon?

11). The Holy Spirit uses the __ of the __to save souls and then to give them ___ ___ to be ___ ____ for the Lord.

12). According to day 1 scripture, what is divinely inspired to you?

13). Read the Scriptures for "Precepts written in the heart, explain.

14). What is precepts written in the heart according to scritprue?

15). What furnishes a light in darkness?

16). Read day 3 scriptures and explain as you can.

17). Is love in the Bible a command? Explain.

18). Read day 4 scriptures, and share what you get out of them.

19). Explain day 5 strategy session.

20). What overcomes temptation?

21). Where is the location of this weapon?

Remember This. . . .(Isaiah 54:17)

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord."

WHAT DID YOU GET OUT OF THIS LESSON?

The helmet of salvation represents assurance of salvation. And many who are saved don't know how to put on the helmet of salvation—referring to assurance—which makes them an easy target for the accusations of the devil. Paul often teaches assurance side by side with the need to respond to the gospel. Spiritually speaking the helmet of salvation provides hope and protects the mind against anything that would disorient or destroy the Christian, such as discouragement or deceit. A helmet protects a soldier against damaging and deadly blows to the head. Our mind is precious and we must protect it by obeying God at all times. The hope of salvation is for the head. It covers our minds, intellect or reasoning. Hope has a very different meaning from what we use the word for in the normal sense of the word. Amen. We are to start the day in the Word and in prayer asking God for His help and strength throughout the day. Memorize Scripture to keep our sword sharp. Saturate ourselves in the Bible: God's Word is truth that fights against the father of lies. I found that when I forget or just can't get in the Word of God, the day is so troublesome for me. I am learning to know I need to get in the Word daily because my mind needs it to get through the day. The full Armor of God quote outlines these aspects of belief: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, preparation of the Gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the Word of God and Prayer. The armor that is available for believers to put on is God's own armor (Isaiah 59:16-19) for He is the Divine Warrior. "¹⁶And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. ¹⁷For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

¹⁸According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. ¹⁹So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Glory to God!!! What The Armor of God Represents. The Armor of God is based on a scripture found in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul states in Ephesians 6:12-13, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. We know that we need to dress proper for battle each day.

Questions/Answers

1). The best you can, try to define and describe salvation.

A definition of the Christian doctrine of salvation would be "The deliverance, by the grace of God, from eternal punishment for sin which is granted to those who accept by faith God's conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus." Salvation is available in Jesus alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and is dependent on God alone for provision, assurance, and security.

2). What does salvation mean and what does it accomplish for an individual?

Salvation mean deliverance from something, and if an individual believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, then he/she will be saved from eternal punishment at the end of earth existence.

3). Read Romans 5:9-10 in the margin. Read it two times very slowly.

^"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

¹⁰For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

4). Can you detect the layers of salvation expressed in this passage? Record your thoughts.

We are justified by Jesus' blood, we are saved from God's wrath upon this earth through Jesus Christ only, and we are reconciled back to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

5). In James 1:21 record the multilayered effectiveness of salvation expressed in this verse.

"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." God wants us to repent of sin, and receive Jesus as our Savior, who is able to save our souls.

6). From week 3 of our study, do you recall what sanctification is? Write a definition in your own words.

I believe just as the bible study "change the seen and shape the unseen." We are changed from glory to glory into the image of Christ by the Holy Spirit of God. Sanctification is about change!

7). Describe the difference between sanctification and justification.

Justification is a one-time un-deflection, which makes it complete and done, whereas, sanctification is a continuous process since a believer is completely liberated from sin before the day of resurrection. Justification addresses the sinner's sense of guilt for committing sins. Justification means offering equal importance to everyone, Sanctification means "to be apart".

8). Read Romans 5 and James 1 again, and underline any words that relates to justification, and circle any that conveys sanctification.

Divine grace through God's gift; Atonement, and reconciled.

9). What does our God's salvation involves?

It involves the removing of sin and deliverance from sin's penalty. 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5). It involves Jesus as our Savior, and it involves us returning to Him.

10). What would you change about your current lifestyle if you received a substantial financial inheritance in the next 24 hours?

I would give more to God and to others in need; and I would take more time to honor God's presence by studying more, and working less.

11). When you were saved, what did you inherit?

I am blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." This blessing includes things like being forgiven of my sins, being holy and blameless before Him, and being adopted as God's child. This is "… according to the riches of [God's] grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight" I am blessed, healed, and highly favored by God through this inheritance.

12). The helmet of the Roman legionary was called_____. It was called a galea!

13). From these Scriptures describe the importance of the mind to the believer's ability to function in health and victory.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (the mind of peace)

Romans 8:6-7 (a spiritual mind is profitable and trusting God)

I Corinthians 14:20 (spiritual maturity)

1 Peter 1:13-16 (we are to be spiritual minded, having spiritual hope, be renewed in our minds, and be holy unto God.)

Hebrews 8:10 (we have a spiritual adoption through our mind)

14). What is our benefit package?

It is the gift of God by grace and we are saved which is paid in full.

15). 2 Corinthians 10:4-5,

I like the KJV "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

16). What are the three key mission objectives in salvation?

The key mission objective in salvation is identity, confess, and dismantle.

17). What is your identity?

I am a child of God! My identity is my weaponary from God, and knowing God as my Creator, and Jesus as my Savior.

18). For the next seven days, try not to say or do anything in response to feelings of insecurity, fear, or really anything that is out of alignment with your true identity in Christ. You might be surprised at how quiet you become. Hallelujah!!!

Ending Prayer for week # 6

Thank you for promising me SALVATION both for today's battles and for all eternity. Thank You Lord, for saving me and keeping me! My salvation is a weapon You gave me to overcome Satan. AMEN.