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  GOD'S WORD - THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
  by Zac Poonen
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Summary: God's Word is the powerful weapon we use to overcome Satan's
accusations and temptations, and to live a life of victory and freedom.

Topics: "Spiritual Warfare", "Gods Word"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:11, Matthew 4:4, John 14:26, Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 12:11

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DESCRIPTION
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Zac Poonen emphasizes the power of God's Word as the weapon in our
spiritual warfare against Satan, referring to it as 'the sword of the
Spirit' in Ephesians 6:17. By following Jesus' example in countering
temptations with 'It is written...' (Matthew 4:4,7,10), we can also
overcome the enemy's schemes. Poonen highlights the importance of
distinguishing between Satan's accusations and the gentle conviction of
the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that we overcome the Accuser by the blood
of the Lamb and our testimony (Revelation 12:11). Confessing God's Word
is key to overcoming various temptations and staying rooted in truth,
underscoring the necessity of daily meditation on Scripture to combat
discouragement and anxiety.

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CONTENT
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God's Word is also the weapon that we use in our warfare against Satan.

It is called "the sword of the Spirit" in Ephesians 6:17.

Jesus Himself used this weapon with great effect, during the last three
temptations in the wilderness. Each time, he countered Satan's
temptations with "It is written...." (Matt. 4:4,7,10).

That's how He overcame; and that's how we can overcome too.

Satan is the Accuser. We must distinguish between his accusations and
the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Satan always seeks to harass us and
make us feel condemned by his accusations. The Holy Spirit's conviction,
on the other hand, is always gentle and full of hope.

We can overcome the Accuser only by "the blood of the Lamb and the word
of our testimony" (Rev. 12:11). His accusations concerning our past sins
can be overcome only as we give him our testimony that the blood of
Christ has cleansed us and justified us thoroughly. We have to use the
same weapon that Jesus used : "It is written..."

Confessing God's Word to Satan is the way to overcome not only Satan's
accusations, but also discouragement and anxiety and a host of other
temptations with which Satan assails our mind.

That's why it is important to know God's Word well, so that the Holy
Spirit can bring to our mind the right Scripture at the time of our
need.

It is good therefore to have a time every day when we meditate on God's
Word asking Him to speak to us. As we hide God's Word in our heart, it
will keep us from sinning against Him (Psa. 119:11).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/zac-poonen/gods-word-the-sword-of-the-spirit/
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