The Sword of the Spirit

Pastor Ben Johnson — August 10, 2025

Ephesians 6:12 NLT - For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies… 

Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT - Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground… take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Jesus was ATTACKED and TEMPTED

Hebrews 4:15 NLT - This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

Matthew 4:1-11 NLT - Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

Standing Firm with the Sword of the Spirit

-       KNOW God’s WORD

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT - All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

A bible you can READ - A plan you can FOLLOW - A time you can KEEP

-       ALIGN with God’s WAYS

Colossians 3:16 NLT - Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.

OBEY It - LIVE It

-       EXPERIENCE true FREEDOM

John 8:32 NLT – “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

I am fully COVERED and equipped with EVERYTHING

I need to Stand Firm – NO MATTER what comes my way.

Life Group Discussion & Questions

BREAKING THE ICE: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT - All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

-       What are the different ways that Scripture is useful?  

-       What does it mean for Scripture to be "complete and equipped for every good work"?

DIGGING IN: Review – Matthew 4:1-11

-       What stands out to you most from this passage?

-       What are some key differences between the way Jesus and the devil use Scripture?

-       How does this passage relate to the idea of following God's will versus our own desires?

-       What How can we apply the lessons of Jesus' temptation to our own lives when attacked? 

BRINGING IT HOME: 

We are reminded that all Scripture is God-breathed and has a powerful purpose in our lives. It teaches us what is true, corrects our mistakes, realigns our hearts, and trains us to live in the way God desires. As followers of Jesus, we are not left guessing—God’s Word equips us completely for every good work. In our Life Group, let’s grow in our commitment to knowing and applying Scripture, trusting that it will shape us into people who live with purpose, boldness, and integrity. Reminded that I am fully covered and equipped with everything I need to Stand Firm – no matter what comes my way.