The other weapon that I take up is the sword of the Spirit which is the spoken word of God.

Jesus gave a good example of this when the devil attacked him after his fasting in the wilderness.  First the devil thrusts with “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”

Jesus parries with “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God”

(Aha, take that devil!)

The devil slashes back with ” If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

( Now he’s getting smart and quoting scripture himself , a misquote of course)

Jesus slashes back with, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”

The devil thrusts again— Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, and saith unto him,” All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”

Jesus lands the final blow “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew 4

And?  Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

( Yes, begone you devil! Resist the devil and he will flee, the gates of Hell will crumble at our onlsaught!)

I could just let the devil attack and whine about it or question the Word when the devil misqoutes it, or I could quote back, parrying his thrusts till I was tired and he manages to wound me, or I can parry thrust and counter attack and drive him away with the power that dwells in me that is greater than he that dwells in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. I John 4:4 Remember: The spoken word is not just quoting scripture it is often more powerful if sung (the weapon of song) and prayer is also a powerful use of the spoken word. Why should the devil get away with attacking one of God’s own children? Make him pay for it by having to hear you sing his enemies’ praises, having to hear the Word in your mouth, and by having his kingdom attacked by your specific prayers. Quoting is good but if you haven’t memorized word for word then do memorize and quote the idea the best you can recall.

OK now pick up that sword in your mouth and swing away.

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