The Bible serves many purposes in our lives.  We have already seen that it warns us about our living and produces faith in our lives.  If that was all that the Bible did, it would still be the greatest book in the world, but, fortunately, it does much more than that.  It also serves to defend us against the attacks of the devil.  That is another reason the Bible was written, that is, for our defense.

In Ephesians 6, Paul gives us a description of the armor of God.  While most of the pieces of armor relate to the Word of God in some way, Paul described the Word specifically as the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).  The Hebrews writer also referred to the Word as a sword.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
¹²  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.

The Word of God is a powerful instrument.  It can protect us against all the wiles of the devil.

1 Peter 1:5 (ESV)
⁵  Who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

The word for “guarded” means, “to hem in, protect, or keep” (Strong).    Adam Clarke says, “The true disciples of Christ are under the continual watchful care of God, and the inheritance is guarded for them.”  Barnes Notes says, “The idea is, that there was a faithful guardianship exercised over them to save them from danger, as a castle or garrison is watched to guard it against the approach of an enemy.”   So then, the word “guarded” points to the security that we have in Christ.

By what are we being guarded?  Peter said it is by the power of God.  But, what power is he referring to in this passage?  After all, God has all power. We know that He has miraculous power, creative power, and even destructive power; but, to what power is Peter referring?  What power keeps us in good standing with God so that our inheritance and hope remain secure?  Peter is referring to the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16).  God has provided for us His complete will for our lives through the written Word.  That Word is found in the Bible, and it is able to guide, guard, and protect us against Satan and sin.  The Psalmist used the Word for his defense against sin.

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
¹¹  I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

As long as we have God in our lives, and His Word in our hearts, the devil cannot defeat us.  One of the specific reasons the Bible was given to us was to defend us against all the spiritual forces of evil that Satan uses to devour us (Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8).

Thank God He has given us the Bible for our defense.  But, we must remember two things.  First, you cannot just pick up a sword to use it as a means of defense.  You have to be trained to use it properly.  So it is with the Word of God.  We must train ourselves with it by constant study.

Second, we have to apply the Word to our lives.  It will only save us if we are doers of it (James 1:21-22).  Training involves more than just reading.  It demands practice.  You can learn how to ride a horse by reading a horse-riding manual, but you can only get good at it by practice.  This is true with the spiritual sword of God as well.

Hebrews 5:14 (ESV)
¹⁴  But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.