How can we best use the sword of the Spirit?

Ephesians 6:16-17 identifies the sword of the Spirit as the Word of God, and is the best offensive weapon we have in order to defeat Satan’s relentless attacks,

“Above all, lift up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Jesus provides the best example for us to follow while in the midst of battling the enemy in the wilderness … as 3-times He said the following to the Devil while He was being tempted:

“Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 1:4)

“Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’” (Matthew 1:7)

“Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’”  (Matthew 1:10)

The outcome of Jesus wielding His Sword here in Matthew 1:11, is our baseline for dealing with the unseen spiritual battles that influences the world around us,

“Then the devil left Him, and behold angels came and began to minister to Him.”

We have the same capacity to quote Scripture to our adversary, as our victory is not found in striving against the flesh and blood realities each one of us face throughout our lifetime.

But when we have prepared to stand firm and wield the sword of the Spirit … we will experience the Holy Spirit’s power to walk in peace and confidence knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord, and that the ultimate victory is already won!