Tag Archives: jesus in the garden of gethsemane

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Taking the Offensive

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John MacArthur

“Take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17).

All the armor Paul lists in Ephesians 6 is defensive, with one exception: the sword of the Spirit. That’s your offensive weapon for defeating Satan.

We’ve seen that Roman soldiers carried two swords: the large broadsword and the small dagger. The Greek word translated “sword” in verse 17 refers to the dagger, which was anywhere from six to eighteen inches in length and was carried in a sheath or scabbard at the soldier’s side.

The dagger was a common weapon. The Roman soldiers who arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane were each armed with one (Matt. 26:47). Peter used one to cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant (Matt. 26:51). A dagger was used to kill James, the brother of John (Acts. 12:2). Hebrews 11:37 tells us that such a weapon was used against the heroes of the faith.

“The sword of the Spirit” isn’t a direct reference to the Holy Spirit as such. The implications is that since our enemy is spiritual, our weapons also must be spiritual (2 Cor. 10:4). Our sword is spiritual because it is the Word given by the Holy Spirit. He inspired its writing and through it convicts and redeems sinners (John 16:8; Heb. 4:12-13). The Word abides in you and transforms you. It supplies everything you need for a godly, victorious life. It builds you up and produces holiness (Acts 20:32). And it equips you for good works by teaching, reproving, correcting, and training you in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).

The Bible is a powerful and effective weapon. The question is, Do you know how to use it? Do you diligently study it and apply its principles to your life? Do you have a storehouse of biblical truth to draw from in the heat of battle?

The Roman dagger was a precision weapon aimed at a specific spot to produce a specific result. Similarly, the sword of the Spirit is most effective when you apply specific biblical principles to specific situations in your life. Do you do that?

Suggestions for Prayer:

Ask God to increase your desire to know His Word.

Ask for wisdom in applying what you already know to the decisions and situations you’ll face today.

For Further Study:

Read 1 Peter 1:22–2:3. How are believers to approach the Word?

 

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – The Star of Revelation

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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

Just think of the power of God’s words. In the beginning, God spoke our world and the universe into existence. When He said, “Let there be light,” there was light. When Jesus was on the Sea of Galilee and a violent storm erupted, He said, “Peace, be still!” and it stopped. When Peter tried to defend Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told him, “Put your sword in its place. . . . Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?”

The same voice that can create the heavens and Earth, stop storms, and summon angels will one day bring judgment. Revelation 19:15 says, “Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. . . .”

As John wrote down the words of Revelation from the island of Patmos, he fell at the feet of the angel who showed these things to him. But the angel said, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant. . . . Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. . . . What does this mean? It means that if you read the book of Revelation but do not grow in your love for Jesus, then you have missed the point. Revelation, which means “unveiling,” is not just an unveiling of our future; it is also an unveiling of Jesus. It is all about Jesus. He is the star of Revelation. He is the focus of Revelation. And He should be the star of and focus of our lives as well.

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Charles Stanley – Lessons We Learn in Gethsemane

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Matthew 26:36-46

When you are suffering, do you turn to God’s Word? That is the only source we can count on to bring life, hope, and promise to otherwise hopeless situations. Its principles illustrate how to—and how not to—deal with trials. When we respond God’s way, the difficulty that threatened to harm us actually enriches our character and enables us to do greater works for Him.

I believe that the most intense suffering ever recorded was that of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Christ knew that by bearing our sin, He was about to endure not only a gruesome and horrific crucifixion but also the full force of God’s wrath. Even more devastating, He’d be separated from His Father for the first and only time since eternity past. That’s something no other child of God will ever have to endure, because Jesus’ agony achieved mankind’s redemption. So we know that whatever trial faces us, God will be by our side, supporting us through it.

Let Jesus’ Gethsemane experience be your example in times of trouble. Our Savior trusted His Father fully and accepted His will. Remember, the Father is in control. He limits the length and intensity of the pain. And, while He hurts to see His children suffer, He loves us enough to allow the difficulty. There is a beautiful harvest of growth and purpose if we embrace His road for us.

What trial are you facing? Do you trust that God is in control? Our Father allows pain because He loves us. Only He knows whether hardship or blessing will bring about the needed changes in our lives. And He will spare no experience, effort, or heartache to conform us to His Son’s likeness.