Victory Action #8 Live in the Word of God

The Apostle Paul’s Strategy to Winning Life’s Battles

Victory Action #8 Live in the Word of God

Ephesians 6:17b

 

Ephesians 6:17b.

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” 

 

Introduction

            Welcome back to our study called, “The Apostle Paul’s Strategy to Winning Life’s Battles.”  There are times in life when we face severe temptations and even when life’s problems seem to knock us down.  Bad things do happen to good people.  It is in the midst of the most difficult seasons that we must apply Victory Action #8 Live in the Word of God.  The Apostle Paul instructed us to take “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).  God’s Word is our anchor in life’s storms.  God’s Word breathes life into us in those seasons of life when we struggle just to survive the day.  God’s Word is like a sword to us in that it will be our weapon of defense against our spiritual enemies and an offensive weapon as we take control of our lives by being led by the Holy Spirit.

            In our time today, I will share with you five reasons why you should obey Victory Action #8 Live in the Word of God.

 

Live with the Word of God

The first reason why you should live in the Word of God is that when you do, you appeal to the Highest Authority.  As we have been saying, the origin of your life struggle is that we are in a spiritual battle concerning your eternal destiny.  Our enemy, the devil, is seeking to destroy you by all means possible as a way of trying to hurt God the Father.  He wants to destroy your marriage, your family, your means of income, your ability to enjoy live, and everything that comprises you.  You have no strength in your own right to fight your spiritual enemies because you alone lack spiritual authority.

            You may fight back for a time by being self-disciplined and even deny yourself of life’s pleasures and necessities.  But, the fact is that such reactions on your part are how the devil wants you to respond!  Any response to life’s problems that does not involve God will honor the evil one.

            When you live in the Word of God in your struggles, you appeal to the Highest Authority!  There is none greater than the Lord.  He was and is and is to come (Revelation 4:8).  God “cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt” (James 1:14).  He is, “I AM” (Exodus 3:14).  Romans 8:31 teaches us, “What, then, shall we say in response to this?  If God is for us, who can be against us?”

            It does not matter what your struggle is today, be it a death in the family or a loss of employment, when you open your Bible, the Word of God, and read it with a heart ready to receive and obey, then you appeal to the Highest Authority.  No one can stand against you.

 

            The second reason why you should live in the Word of God is that God’s Word equips you to respond righteously.  The temptation you face is to respond in a manner that reflects how you were hurt.  In fact, our sinful nature tells us to seek revenge and that if someone hurts you then you are justified to hurt them more.  But, by taking this low road then you are playing by the devil’s rules.  Instead, we can take the high road to freedom and victory by learning from God’s Word how to respond righteously.

            In a previous time together, we considered how Jesus responded to the devil’s temptation.  He did not try to impress the enemy or overpower him.  Instead, Matthew 4 records that at every temptation, Jesus quoted God’s Word in response.  By living in the Word of God, Jesus was equipped to respond righteously. 

            In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, to avoid judging others and to let the light of God’s love shine through us.  The Bible will provide instruction as to how you can respond to life’s struggles.  Search God’s Word and then be willing to obey what you are taught.  In doing so, you will respond righteously.

            The third reason why you should live in the Word of God is that God’s Word reveals truth.  When you live in God’s Word you will discover that the lies of the devil will be exposed.  Hebrews 4:12 reads, “For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any two-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

            Remember that the devil is the author of lies.  He will do everything he can to cause you to doubt, to fear, to feel guilty, to feel anxious, and to live a defeated life.  But, these feelings and thoughts are not from the Lord!  God’s Word teaches that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God and that God loves you!  He loves you so much that He gave His one and only Son to die in your place so that you can have eternal life!

            Here’s what you can do in your moments of doubt or fear.  Take those feelings and thoughts and compare them to the Truth of God’s Word.  You will discover the truth that you are loved by God, that God is on your side, and that you will find victory as you remain faithful during your season of struggle.  That is a guarantee! 

            The fourth reason why you should live in the Word of God is that God’s Word turns your weaknesses into strengths.  Each of us has our weakness which makes us susceptible to sin.  For some, it may be self-doubt while for others it may be anxiety or even gossip.  It seems that the devil will use these points of weakness to knock us down with a knockout punch.  What we can do though is to take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and examine our thoughts and behaviors in light of God’s Word. 

2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  You can search God’s Word and examine your heart and mind honestly to see if you are living in a manner that honors Christ.  If you make the necessary changes then you will learn to deal properly with your weaknesses and are on the road to changing them into strengths.  Like the Psalmist, we can say, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).  This will equip you to withstand the enemy as you encounter him on the spiritual battlefields of life.

The fifth reason why you should live in the Word of God is that God’s Word provides you direction.  When life seems to fall apart, you are tempted not only to doubt everyone and everything around you but, also you can lose your focus.  God’s Word will provide you direction as seen in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” God’s Word directs you in this way, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-2).  God’s Word leads you to Jesus and directs the steps of your life.

 

Conclusion

            When life knocks you down, you can stand firm by taking up Victory Action #8 Live in the Word of God.  God’s Word is your strength and your authority.  When you stand firm by taking “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” then you with withstand the attacks of the enemy and you will find victory.

 

Prayer

            Dear Lord, I pledge to you that I will read your Word, the Bible.  I open my heart and mind to you as I read.  Please speak to me each day that I might hear and obey.  May your will be done in my life.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

  

For You to Consider

 

1.     Why is responding to temptation and life’s struggles by your own efforts, such as self-discipline and self-denial, inadequate to equip you to stand firm?

 

2.     How does God’s Word instruct you to respond righteously during your current life issue?

 

3.     How do you find God’s truth during your life struggle and what must you do with the Truth once you receive it?

 

4.     What must you do when the Holy Spirit reveals opportunities for you to grow spiritually as you read God’s Word?

 

5.     What is God’s direction for you right now?  What is He saying to you as you read His Word?