Using God’s word in a spiritual battle is our greatest weapon to withstand enemy attacks. We see Jesus model this in our story. Our enemy, satan, is a formidable enemy who is cunning and deceptive and devises strategies against us to lead us into sin.
Paul gives us insight into this battle, which can only be won by relying on God’ strength. Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [1] In our spiritual battles, God gives us the offensive weapon of the sword of the Spirit. This is the Word of God.
Jesus Uses God’s Word to Defeat the Enemy
God’s word is so powerful that each time the devil temps Jesus, He responds with God’s word. The author of Hebrews gives us insight into God’s word’s power. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.[2]
As children of God, we need to follow the model of Jesus by using God’s word against our enemy. By knowing the word of the Lord and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can walk in victory and not defeat.
- Matthew 4:3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [3]
- Matthew 4:5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” [4]
- Matthew 4:8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” [5]
You Are in a Great Battle
All of us are in an ongoing battle with our enemy, the devil. We must look to Jesus and rely on His word to push back the enemy to be victorious. To learn about using God’s word in spiritual battle, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-is-tempted
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.