Week 5

I'd circled the word persecuted in 2 Timothy 3:12. And although we haven't experienced the objective persecution Paul describes, I think we agreed that there's an enemy lurking, and attacking, in the subjective, spiritual plane. At least.

I spoke with another group. They had, in the same context, identified Satan as the source of persecution. Awesome. Don't you know it ticks him off when we expose him? He's not known as the dark one for hanging out in the light.

So, what do we do with this?

Check it out --
Ephesians 6:17 (NASB) And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 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.

Bringing it back to Paul's second letter to young Timothy,
2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

Pretty good tool, yes? But, like the kid who uses Daddy's seven iron to hit rocks -- seven irons are great at that, sure, but to what end -- let's say we don't always use it to its maximum efficacy.

If you have a helmet and sword, when are you going to put that on? Before bed? How about before you face the enemy? What if you're always under seige, would you want it all the time? -- place it on your heart, boys (Psalm 119). Could be we don't fully grasp its power. Hebrews 4:12 helps me get that. Or its versatility -- 2 Timothy 3:16.

Can I get an Amen, brothers?

Click the Hand Illustration to see more of how the Navigators help build the God-breathed, teachin', rebukin', correctin trainin' in righteousness, joint and marrow-piercing sword of the Spirit, living Bible into kids like us. It may even help your short game.