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Here is the OVERCOMING SATAN’S HOLD course by cultivating daily spiritual disciplines.
Today, look at one of my favorite doctrines in the Bible.
I love the Bible because I love the Author, God Himself.
I love the theme of the Bible because He is my Savior.
I love the power of the Bible because it has the words that lead to endless life.
I love the impact the Bible makes because our hearts rejoice each time we eat it.
God’s Word is the Precise Tool of the Spirit
God’s Word as the Sword of the Spirit is our final piece of spiritual armor.
That is what God calls it in the flow of Ephesians 6:10-17.
What a fantastic doctrine the Bible teaches about the purpose, role, power, and impact the Scriptures can have on our lives.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
This morning, my greatest desire is to remind each of us and help all of us understand how to read, study, memorize, meditate upon, and use God’s Word to transform our lives each day. The best way to understand the Doctrine of the Scriptures is to see how God explains it.
God Illustrates the Transforming Power of His Word
Whenever we come to any doctrine in the Bible, we have an amazing tool available to aid in our understanding of that doctrine.
God designed the Bible to illustrate every doctrine He wants us to understand. Did you know that? Do you see the Bible as a fantastic illustrated guide to God? Let me show you what I mean in 1 Corinthians 10.
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.
27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:
29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?
30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Open your Bibles to 1 Corinthians 10. The foundation of all theology is Scripture, the revelation of God’s truth, character, and purposes. Everything we know about God comes from His Word, making it the bedrock of our faith. Today, we focus on the final piece of spiritual armor: the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. This tool is vital for transforming our lives daily. But how do we wield it effectively? The Bible itself illustrates how to read, study, memorize, and meditate on Scripture, showing us through the lives of those who let God’s Word shape them.
The Bible is God’s illustrative guide, applying every doctrine through real-life examples. It shows how God’s truth transforms people, like a manual with living case studies. To read the Bible effectively, we observe how biblical figures allowed God’s Word to speak into their lives daily, leading to transformation. Beyond reading, we study Scripture, seeking patterns, purposes, and connections to God’s broader plan. Some passages are so impactful we memorize them, making them personal treasures that combat fear, anxiety, or hopelessness. These memorized verses, like the helmet of salvation, become tools for spiritual renewal, preparing us for deeper engagement with God’s truth.
Memorizing Scripture is only the beginning, like loading an arrow or preparing a printer. The true transformation comes through meditation, where we digest God’s Word, letting it become part of us. Sadly, many Christians are spiritually anorexic, avoiding Scripture entirely, or bulimic, hearing it but losing it quickly. Meditation is the antidote, allowing God’s Word to penetrate our hearts at a molecular level. As we chew on Scripture throughout the day, it shapes us, equipping us to face life’s challenges. This digestion process ensures the Word isn’t just heard but lived, transforming us into vessels of God’s truth.
Meditation on Scripture activates spiritual gifts, like the word of knowledge or wisdom, where God brings a verse to mind in a crisis. In my ministry, I’ve seen this in action, comforting those facing death, disease, or depravity. A previously memorized verse, recalled spontaneously, can calm fear or restore hope. This isn’t about carrying a library but trusting God to bring His ingested Word to mind when needed. The Bible becomes a precise tool, like a Roman legionnaire’s dagger, wielded by the Holy Spirit. To experience this, we must commit to daily reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture.
In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul illustrates how the Old Testament provides examples for us. Events like the Exodus, manna, and water from the rock (Exodus 14–17) teach us to avoid lusting after evil, as Israel did. These stories are “types,” models of behavior to imitate or avoid. God designed the Bible’s 1,189 chapters to show how His doctrines apply in every life situation. By neglecting Scripture, we face negative consequences; by responding, we experience positive transformation. The Bible’s length ensures every doctrine is illustrated through human lives, guiding us to unleash God’s truth in our own.
Consider Joseph, whose distress-filled life was tested by God’s Word. Sold into slavery, abused, imprisoned, and forgotten, Joseph endured unimaginable trials. Yet, Psalm 105 reveals God sent him to Egypt to prepare a place for Israel. Despite having no written Bible, Joseph clung to the oral Word passed down from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His belief that God watched him like a shepherd empowered him to resist sin and despair. God’s Word tested and refined him, ultimately elevating him as Egypt’s vice-regent. Joseph’s life shows how trusting God’s Word through trials leads to divine purpose and transformation.
David’s danger-filled life also illustrates Scripture’s power. A warrior facing predators, giants, and tens of thousands in battle, David was called a “bloody man” by God, yet a man after His heart. In Psalm 16, David shares his secret: God’s presence guided him like a shepherd. He internalized the tabernacle’s teachings, believing God was always with him. This conviction brought joy and purpose, even in the valley of death. David’s meditation on God’s omnipresence transformed his dangerous life into one of endless pleasures, showing us how digesting Scripture aligns us with God’s will.
Paul, with his affliction-filled life, endured beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. How? He saw the Old Testament as written for our learning (Romans 15:4). Scripture gave him patience in jail, comfort in pain, and hope in affliction. Paul’s constant engagement with God’s Word sustained him through trials, making him a beacon of hope. Like Joseph and David, he didn’t avoid problems but let God use them to refine him. Paul’s example challenges us: Do we eagerly open Scripture, expecting God to teach patience, comfort, and hope? Do we let His Word test us, shaping us through life’s difficulties?
The Bible’s examples—Joseph, David, Paul—show how to read, study, memorize, and meditate on Scripture. They didn’t have printed Bibles, yet God’s Word transformed them. Mary and Hannah memorized Scripture, praying it fluently. Daniel studied it diligently, and Jeremiah meditated deeply. These figures model how to let God’s Word become a precise, Spirit-wielded tool. To follow their example, we must resolve daily to open Scripture, asking God to speak, teach, and transform us. By digesting His Word, we become doers, not just hearers, equipped to comfort others with God’s grace, hope, and peace.
God’s Word is the joy of our hearts when we feed on it daily. Like food nourishing our bodies, Scripture sustains our souls, becoming more necessary than physical bread. As we stand before God, let’s renew our commitment to hear His voice through His Word. Let’s pray for open eyes to behold its wonders, asking God to make us like Christ. By reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating, we invite transformation, equipping us to live out His truth. May we never neglect this treasure, but let it shape us, bringing comfort, hope, and peace in every trial. Amen.
