Verse of the Day 6/17
New International Version
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Today's verse comes from the familiar passage in Ephesians 6 on the "Whole Armor of God". A pro football player wouldn't think of taking the field without any padding or his helmet. Their are enough concussions when they where a helmet. A soldier wouldn't go out into battle without being fully prepared including having his weapon of choice. In this passage the word of God is referred to as the sword of the Spirit.
David Jeremiah points out that there are two kinds of swords mentioned in the Bible, he writes, "There were two words for word, as in "word of God." They parallel, in a general way, the contrast between the two kinds of swords. Logos is a broad concept or reason or a lengthy discourse. A rhema is a spoken utterance or specifically focused writing. Think of logos as the Bible and rhema as a verse. Greek scholar W. E. Vine contrasts the two words: rhema, in Ephesians 6:17, doesn't refer "to the whole Bible as such, but to the individual scripture which the Spirit brings to our remembrance for use in time of need." When we commit the Bible to memory, we will always have a rhema in mind that the Spirit can remind us of to defeat the attacks of the devil."
This sword, "rhema", has a lot to do with what we have memorized from God's Word. We carry it with us and when we need it the Holy Spirit helps to bring it to mind and apply it to our circumstances in the time of need. It is a strong reason to memorize God's Word. If we don't know it, we can't draw from it in time of need.
We have God's Word, the "logos" in our Bibles. We can refer to it, we have our Bibles and Bible apps, but we can't ignore the need of having it in our hearts and minds as the "rhema", ready to be drawn when we need it in our spiritual battles.
Mike
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
New International Version
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.
No comments:
Post a Comment