Leading The Way - Devotional for January 20
January 20, 2025
The Sword of the Spirit
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
The Word of God is alive. The Bible is not just words on paper, but the voice of God, with all His authority, power, and command. It actively works in our lives to draw our hearts closer to Him. Paul calls God’s Word “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17).
Scripture tells us, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
Using a modern example, we could say that God’s Word is sharper than a surgeon’s finely crafted scalpel. When we read the Bible, it is like being stretched on an operating table as God’s Word begins cutting out the disease of sin to heal us.
In our minds and hearts, we try to justify our sins and rationalize our behaviors. But when confronted with the Truth of the Bible, there can be no more pretending. When we see God’s commands in front of us, we cannot hide from our sins, our faults, and our pride. Just like a medical x-ray shows what is hidden in the body, Scripture shows us the true status of our spiritual health.
Prayer: Father, I need to allow Your Word to reveal the hidden things in my life and to cut out the sin. As I read Your Word, show me my spiritual condition. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Defending a Lion: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
