Today's Turning Point With Dr. David Jeremiah

Living by the Sword

May 21, 2025

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:11, NIV

An earlier generation of Christians was raised on “sword drills” in Sunday school. Youngsters would line up and “draw swords,” which meant they held up their Bibles. Then a reference was given—perhaps Ephesians 6:17—and they raced to see who could turn there soonest. Scripture was their sword.

The Bible is not only a sword; it is also an entire armory of swords. Sometimes we use it defensively to withstand an attack on our faith or well-being (Ephesians 6:17). But sometimes the swords are aimed at us. We read a verse, hear a sermon, or talk with a friend, and immediately we feel the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. “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” (Hebrews 4:12).

Let the sword drill into you for your good and for God’s glory.

The word, stored in the heart, provides a mental depository for the Holy Spirit to use to mediate His grace to us, whatever our need for grace might be.
Jerry Bridges