To defeat Satan, we must unsheathe the sword of the Spirit.

1. “Word” (Gr. rhema) refers to the utterance of God rather than to the written Word or the living Word of God (Gr. logos).

Ø  It is a precise spoken word for a specific situation in your life.

Ø  It seems most likely to refer to the words of Scripture that we use to counteract the particular temptation we face. (e.g., Matt. 4:4, 6, 10).

Ø  “As Jesus used the words of Scripture to repulse the tempter, so must the Christian the words the Spirit has inspired to drive away Satan.”165

Ø  The Holy Spirit both gives the word and empowers it as we use it. It is His sword (cf. Isa. 49:2).[1]

2.      Certain ailments require a precise diagnosis, followed by a specific prescription.

Ø  If you are facing a particularly difficult situation, or trying to overcome a temptation or break a bad habit, you need a rhema, a special power word from the Holy Spirit. 

Ø  Just reading the Bible or listening to Christian music will not resolve long term issues.  You need to study the Bible with purpose.

How to Receive a Rhema from God

1. Fast, pray and search the Bible asking God to speak to you through it.
2. Fast, pray and ask God for specific passages.
3. Listen to messages asking God to speak to you through them.  This includes live messages, words at the altar, cd’s, etc.
4. Make sure to write them down in a journal or in your Bible.

James 1:5-8 (NKJV)  5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.[2]

Ø  Wisdom is practical, not theoretical religious concepts.

Ø  When you are going through a trial, asking why will not help you through it.  Asking “how do I get out of this mess” is more helpful.

Ø  It’s not just what we think intellectually during a spiritual battle that counts, it is what we do.

Ø  What I learn from others will stir my faith.  What I learn for myself in the crucible of personal experience will change me forever.

Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Many churches claim allegiance to the Word but preach with a closed Bible. People clamor to hang the 10 commandments in a courthouse but can’t recite 5 of them. They plead for prayer in schools but don’t pray. They insist they know God but couldn’t tell you 3 of the 4 gospels. You don’t really know God until you know his Word!

Psalm119:11 "Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against you!"

Memorizing the Word is like carrying a concealed weapon against the devil! Hit him with it!

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165 165. John A. Allen, The Epistle to the Ephesians, p. 138. Compare Matt. 4:1–11.

[1]Tom Constable, Tom Constable's Expository Notes on the Bible, Eph 6:17 (Galaxie Software, 2003; 2003).

[2]  The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.