Keep It in Your Heart

It’s interesting that the apostle Paul referred to God’s Word as the sword of the Spirit. Writing to the believers in Ephesus, he said, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17 NKJV).

A sword can be a defensive weapon, but it’s primarily an offensive weapon. A Roman soldier in ancient times used it when he was attacking, when he was stepping in and gaining ground. The same is true of God’s Word.

Speaking to the prophet Isaiah, God said, “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10–11 NKJV).

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter’s message was effective because it was scriptural. He quoted from a number of Old Testament passages, including Joel 2:28–32, apparently from memory. He didn’t have a scroll that he rolled out. Rather, the Scriptures were in his heart and mind, and he quoted freely from them.

In the same way, we should commit God’s Word to memory. What shape is your spiritual sword in? Is it polished from daily use as you study the Scriptures on a regular basis? Is it sharpened on the anvil of experience as you apply its truth and obey it in your life? Or is your sword rusty or dulled by disobedience?

Keep your sword sharp and ready. Know the Word of God, and keep it in your heart.