SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1393

“Thoroughly Equipped”

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I am a tool and gadget geek. I ran across this multitool survival kit the other day and was reminded of our reference Scripture that the Word of God thoroughly equips us.

User Guidebook: Every good survival kit includes a basic instruction manual. The Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) provides the Living Word of God’s instructions for us to overcome the trials of this life and be saved through faith in Jesus.

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

Flashlight: A useful survival tool is a solar rechargeable flashlight. The Word of God lights our path and is continually illuminated by the Son, our Lord Jesus.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path; Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – Psalm 119:105; John 8:12

Compass: We all need guidance and direction as we navigate our way through life.  The Holy Spirit shows us when we are drifting off course.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you; And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. – John 14:26; Isaiah 30:21

Blades: Sharp tools are essential for a survival tool kit, and the Word of God is no exception. Such hand tools are limited by the ability of the one wielding them. The Word of God however is living, always sharp and able to accomplish the purpose of the Lord.

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11

File: A survival kit often contains tools to shape, sharpen, and renew. Likewise, God’s Word shapes us, sharpens our understanding, and renews and transforms our heart. In addition, God works through the fellowship of believers to sharpen each other.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17

Blanket: A thermal blanket is part of a survival kit to protect us from the environment. We live in a fallen world, and we need to be protected and shielded from it. Through faith in Jesus, the Word of God wraps us in His righteousness, love, and protection.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness… – Isaiah 61:10

Weapon: Our survival kit tools can function as weapons, if need be, but they are not designed for that purpose. The Word of God, however, equips us not only for survival but also for battle.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Fire Starter – The ability to start a fire is key to wilderness survival. The Word of God ignites and fans into flame our faith by the Truth of His Word.

Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord; When the day of Pentecost arrived, … suddenly … divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. – Jeremiah 23:29- Acts 2:1-4; 2 Timothy 1:6

Miscellaneous Tools – God’s Word provides us the tools necessary to bind, open, and loosen.

Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. – Matthew 18:18: Isaiah 58:12

May you be fully equipped to live an overcoming life and to rebuild, raise up, repair, and restore all to the Glory of God.