Keep a Sharp Sword

Temptation is definitely going to come your way and mine. But when we know the Word of God, we can deflect the blows that come against us and strike out offensively.

For example, the devil will come to us when we have sinned and say, “You failed. There is no forgiveness for you.”

So we pull our sword out of its sheath and say, “It is written in 1 John 1:9: ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ ” Touché!

The devil says, “You are wrong. God condemns you.”

So you strike back with your sword and say, “You are wrong, because Romans 8:1 says, ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.’ “

Then the devil says, “Now wait. You are going to fall again. I am going to take you down.”

You can reply, “No. You are wrong. In John 10:28, Jesus said, ‘And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.’ ” And you thrust your sword again.

This is why it is important for us to commit Scripture to memory and to keep our sword sharp.