Forging the Sword
I feel pretty rotten over my commitment to investing in writing skills. 'Nuff said.
Where did October come from? Isn't today the first of September? And how is it hotter than June? I should understand these things, and discover how I am losing track of, or otherwise what I am using to much time with, but often it's easier to let them go and focus on now and tomorrow. Recently, I've been working on forging swords. The Sword of the Spirit, which Ephesians says is the word of God, which I then translate to mean in application, memory and meditation of scripture. I understand it better as swords, plural, because of the different arenas in which to use the sword.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.
1 John 2:16-17 says there are three things in the world by which I am tempted, and different groups of verses combat specific things. Other verses are splashable in use. What I've been working on lately is a simply table for creating a verse structure hopefully helpful in learning to use the sword of the spirit. Decide on a sin, or issue, or feeling, and build from there. I think of this little structure as a short sword, quick and easy, effective. But not for long term really, only for building a greater strength around. All these short swords combine as the single sword of the spirit. My plan is to input all the individual pieces of the armor of God as well and see what turns up, but this is what I have so far.
Three steps times two sides form a short sword. First, the objective point and 3 steps of increasing distance. Second, 3 points of increasing keenness (or closeness) for use, the ability, intimacy, and reason to overcome.
1. Do not absorb, the sin: Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Col 3:5
2. Turn from temptation, the initiation: But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matt 5:28
3. Flee, typical temptation grounds: But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:14-15
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1. Do absorb, better pleasures of God: He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Rom 8:32 (Eph 1:3-14)
2. Turn to, the word of God: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:15
3. Flee with, Godly occupation: So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Tim 2:22
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15
I would love your own suggestions. Iron sharpens iron! The battle belongs to the Lord, even if we still fight it!
Where did October come from? Isn't today the first of September? And how is it hotter than June? I should understand these things, and discover how I am losing track of, or otherwise what I am using to much time with, but often it's easier to let them go and focus on now and tomorrow. Recently, I've been working on forging swords. The Sword of the Spirit, which Ephesians says is the word of God, which I then translate to mean in application, memory and meditation of scripture. I understand it better as swords, plural, because of the different arenas in which to use the sword.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.
1 John 2:16-17 says there are three things in the world by which I am tempted, and different groups of verses combat specific things. Other verses are splashable in use. What I've been working on lately is a simply table for creating a verse structure hopefully helpful in learning to use the sword of the spirit. Decide on a sin, or issue, or feeling, and build from there. I think of this little structure as a short sword, quick and easy, effective. But not for long term really, only for building a greater strength around. All these short swords combine as the single sword of the spirit. My plan is to input all the individual pieces of the armor of God as well and see what turns up, but this is what I have so far.
Three steps times two sides form a short sword. First, the objective point and 3 steps of increasing distance. Second, 3 points of increasing keenness (or closeness) for use, the ability, intimacy, and reason to overcome.
1. Do not absorb, the sin: Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Col 3:5
2. Turn from temptation, the initiation: But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matt 5:28
3. Flee, typical temptation grounds: But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:14-15
-
1. Do absorb, better pleasures of God: He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Rom 8:32 (Eph 1:3-14)
2. Turn to, the word of God: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:15
3. Flee with, Godly occupation: So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Tim 2:22
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15
I would love your own suggestions. Iron sharpens iron! The battle belongs to the Lord, even if we still fight it!
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