“Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17 NLT)

 

During the Korean War, a unit known as Baker Company was separated from its regiment, and enemy forces were advancing on it. For several hours, no word came from Baker Company.  Finally, radio contact was made. When asked for a report of its situation, Baker Company replied, “The enemy is to the east of us. The enemy is to the west of us. The enemy is to the south of us. The enemy is to the north of us.” Then, after a brief pause, the voice continued, “And this time, we’re not going to let them escape.”

Sometimes it seems that way in the life of a believer. The enemy is at every turn. Even so, some believers don’t realize that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground.  They are oblivious to the fact that a war is raging—and that, in this war, they are either winning or losing.

In a battle, it’s always better to be an aggressor instead of a defender. A defender is simply waiting for the enemy’s next attack, hoping he will survive. If we, as believers, are always defending, then the devil is in a superior position. If, on the other hand, we are the ones who are attacking, then we are in the superior position. When the apostle Paul wrote about the armor of God in Ephesians 6, he mentioned one offensive weapon: “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (verse 17 NLT).

Make no mistake about it: There is authority and power in the Word of God. Matthew 4:1–11 tells the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Three times the devil tried to get Jesus to do wrong. All three times Jesus countered his attack by quoting the Word of God. The result? “The devil went away” (verse 11 NLT).

God’s Word keeps Satan from getting an advantageous battle position in our lives as well. For example, let’s say you’re feeling tempted to do something that you know is wrong. If your first instinct is to turn to 1 Corinthians 10:13 (“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” NLT), you’ll remember that God stands ready to strengthen you and help you escape. And you’ll have the high ground in your battle with the devil. He will have no solid footing for his attack.

That’s how you keep him off-balance: by immersing yourself in Scripture. The devil has nothing in his arsenal that can counter the Bible.

God’s Word sticks. God’s Word breaks through. God’s Word impacts. When the enemy has you surrounded, keep him on the defensive with the Word of God.

 

Reflection Question: How can you sharpen your spiritual battle skills using the Word of God?

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