The Sword of the Spirit

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." --2 Timothy 3:16-17

This verse shows us four very important functions of God's Word. God uses the Word in these ways to equip the believer for their own spiritual walk and the ministry to others (furnished unto all good works.)

1. Doctrine--what is right for us.
2. Reproof--what is wrong with us.
3. Correction--how to make it right.
4. Instruction in righteousness--how to keep it right.

The religious climate today tolerates anyone except those who claim that doctrine is important for biblical unity. Modern ecumenists say the sole test of faith is whether one loves Jesus. The question is "which Jesus?" Paul was fearful that the believers of his day would be deceived by men who were "false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ." --2 Corinthians 11:13

There are more verses to warn us.......
2 Corinthians 11:3-4 "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."

Galatians 1:6-9 "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

1 John 4:1-3 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."

2 John 1:9-11 "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."

Doctrine was inspired by God for these men to write. It was important to them and it must be important to us. What the Scriptures say is important because of what the Scriptures are. [I am just loving this stuff in my study. Each day I feel I receive something spiritually meaty to chew on. Maybe that is why I could never be a vegetarian in my physical diet either because I like a good juicy beef steak, pork chop, fish fillet, chicken breast, ham, turkey, whatever the meat. Love it!]