“The Word of God”
“We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s argument and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:4-5 ncv
The King James Version says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2Cor. 10:4). Paul’s seventh weapon is “the Word of God.” Why is it important to know this weapon? Jesus said, “Take heed that no men deceive you” (Matt.24:4). Jesus exposed the sins of the Pharisees in the whole chapter of Matthew 23rd. Why? He wants us to identify the character of a deceiving person who does not follow the Word of God closely.
How do we protect ourselves against “many false prophets shall rise and deceive many” (Matt.25:11)? The only protection against being deceived is found in an enduring faith and love for Christ, in a commitment to the absolute authority of His Word, and in a thorough knowledge of that Word (Matthew 24:13).
How do we keep ourselves from being deceived from someone? 1Timothy 4:16, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”
The key answer is “continue in them.” Study the Word of God. Stay with God’s Word. Know the doctrine of Christ well enough that you would not be deceived by others. Our faith and love for Christ will keep us strong with Holy Spirit’s help along side with us. Study Matthew 23rd several times before we are able to identify the character of a person and not be easily deceived and not allow this to destroy our faith, and our union with Christ.
By using this weapon, “the Word of God,” against the enemy, we, the born-again believers will come forth victorious. That is, the presence of God’s Word and the kingdom of God inside of us will be powerfully manifested so that the world may know that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
