20161019 Wednesday, October 19 2016
1 Peter 04: The Sword Of The Truth

by Wayne Blank
See also 1 Year Holy Bible Reading Plan

"The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God ... For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ... Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind"

The LORD God, Who was born as Jesus Christ (see The Identity Of The LORD God and The LORD God Our Saviour), also has the Royal Title "Word of God" (see Born Again In The Coming Kingdom Of God).

"1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-3,14 KJV)

Notice how the Word of God is used in two famous teachings of the Holy Bible - the "armor of God" (see How Does The Armour Of God Protect You?) and the "twoedged sword" (see When The LORD Draws His Sword).

"6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:13-17 KJV)

"4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)

It's the Truth that brings peace among those who live by the Truth. Eventually, when all is done, only those of the Truth will inherit Salvation (see The Harvests Of Salvation). Truth will be all that there is in Paradise (see Will You Return To The Tree Of Life?).

"4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 4:6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:1-11 KJV)

In the meantime, those of the Truth must live in world of lies and deception - a strength-of-character building task that will result in righteous perfection in due time (see The Race Toward The Dawn Of The New World).

"4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." (1 Peter 4:12-19 KJV)

Fact Finder: Why does Satan love liars? Why do liars love Satan?
See Why Does Satan Love Liars? and Friends Of The World, Enemies Of God