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I. THE WORD OF GOD. This denotes -

1. The importance of its contents (Psalm 119:18; Matthew 13:11).

2. The attention and reverence due to it (Isaiah 1:2).

3. The full credit which it demands (John 20:31).

II. THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT.

1. As He is its Author (2 Peter 1:21).

2. As it is His instrument in saving sinners.

3. As it has no power without His agency.

III. TAKE this. Learn to use it more and more. Show how God's Word becomes victorious over all enemies.

1. It penetrates the most seared conscience (Acts 2:37).

2. It lays open the evils and enemies concealed within (Hebrews 4:12).

3. It demolishes the walls of unbelief (2 Corinthians 10:4).

4. It cuts the sinews of error.

5. It repels Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:1, etc.).

6. It penetrates the storms of affliction (Psalm 119:92).

7. It disarms death.This sword has four peculiarities -

1. It decays not with use.

2. It cannot be broken.

3. It is suited to the strength and capacities of all. "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again," etc. (Hebrews 5:12, 13).

4. Thousands may use it at the same time. A Christian soldier is a terror to the powers of darkness. The destruction of those who neglect or reject this sword is inevitable.

(H. J. Foster.)

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KJV: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

WEB: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;