Sharpen Your Spiritual Sword: Volume 2

By Betty Levesque

"Sharpen Your Spiritual Sword" will encourage you to dig deeper into God's Word. This devotional provides many cross-references along with quotes from commentaries and well-known preachers.

Spending time with the Lord in prayer and listening as He speaks through His love letter, the Bible, is crucial. Both Old and New Testaments reveal an awesome God, a loving heavenly Father, and Savior. Through His Word, God has revealed how we can all live a life that glorifies Him, be at peace with our fellow man, have an abundant life now, and live eternally with Him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jan 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798350923551

Book preview

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Sharpen Your Spiritual Sword

Volume 2

© 2023, Betty Levesque.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Print ISBN: 979-8-35092-354-4

eBook ISBN: 979-8-35092-355-1

Contents

Preface

Introduction to Genesis

Genesis 2:8-18

Genesis 3:1-5

Genesis 3:6-19

Introduction to 1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

1 Thessalonians 2:13

1 Thessalonians 2:14-20

Introduction to Zephaniah

Zephaniah 1:1-3

Zephaniah 1:4-18

Introduction of 1 Kings

1 Kings 3:1-15

1 Kings 11:1-3

1 Kings 11:4-8

2 Peter 1:1-11

2 Peter 1:12-21

2 Peter 2:1-3

Jude 16-25

Jonah 1:1-17

Jonah 2:1-10

Introduction to Amos

Amos 2:4-10

Amos 2:11-16

Overview of Acts 1-3

Acts 4:1-8

Acts 4:8-13

Acts 4:32-37

Acts 5:1-11

Acts 6:1-7

Acts 6:8-15

Ruth 1:1-10

Ruth 1:11-18

Ruth 3:1-13

Ruth 4:13-17

Colossians 1:9-14

Colossians 1:15-23

Colossians 2:1-7

Colossians 2:8-23

Introduction to Leviticus

Leviticus 1:3-9

Leviticus 2:1-16; 3:1-5

Introduction to Galatians

Galatians 1:1-2

Galatians 1:6-10

Galatians 2:11-14

Galatians 2:15-21

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:17

Ecclesiastes 2:18-26

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

Introduction to Philippians

Philippians 1:1-6

Philippians 1:7-11

Philippians 2:1-4

Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:12-15

Joshua 5:1-15

Joshua 6:1-25

Joshua 7:1-7

Joshua 7:8-12

Matthew 3:1-12

Matthew 4:1-10

Matthew 5:1-7

Matthew 5:8-16

Matthew 5:21-48

1 Kings 15:1-13

1 Kings 15:14-22

Acts 9:1-6

Acts 9:7-19

Acts 9:20-31

Acts 9:32-43

Nehemiah 1:1-11

Nehemiah 2:1-18

Ephesians 4:1-6

Ephesians 4:7-16

Ephesians 4:17-32

Isaiah 46:1-13

Isaiah 53:1-3

Isaiah 53:4-12

Afterword

About the Author

Preface

God’s Word, the Bible, is described in Ephesians 6:17 as the Sword of the Spirit. It is part of the spiritual armor that is necessary to fight the spiritual battles Christians face. The Bible is our only offensive spiritual weapon and the weapon that Jesus used to overcome the temptations of Satan. This is why knowing God’s Word and knowing how to apply it, is so crucial.

Sharpen Your Spiritual Sword, Volume 2, is a continuation of the original devotional, Sharpen Your Spiritual Sword, which was written to bring additional insight and clarity to selected scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments. Since the Bible interprets itself, this book is not intended to interpret scripture, but to provide additional insight and information which aids the reader to gain better understanding. This devotional is not intended to replace Bible reading, but to compliment it. I have included many scriptures, many cross references, as well as quotes from well-known commentaries and preachers.

Through my study of the scriptures, I am sharing with the reader what God has revealed to me. I have written this book in simple terms so that it can be easily understood by all. I share Paul’s sentiment when he said in 1 Corinthians 2:1, And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking ability or wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. 

The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. Because the Bible contains God’s words and is His love letter to us, it is imperative that we spend time reading His Word, listening to God as He speaks, and applying what we learn to our daily living.

Through His Word, God reveals Himself and His purposes and plans for our lives. He reveals how we can obtain and maintain a right relationship with Him and our fellow man. The Bible points us to Jesus, God’s Son, and the gift of eternal life which is only found in Him.

God desires fellowship with us, and building a relationship with Him takes time and discipline. James 4:8 reminds us, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

Psalm 19:7-11 gives us a clear understanding of the importance of God’s Word. It provides restoration, wisdom, joy, discernment, and warning. And Psalm 119 reveals even more reasons to continue in His Word. The following are reasons that I have highlighted in my Bible: Those who observe His Word are blessed. It keeps us from sin and counsels us. The Word revives, strengthens, encourages, and enlarges our heart. It teaches, imparts understanding, and causes us to have a greater reverence of God. It leads us to salvation and comforts us. From God’s Word we find grace, discernment, and knowledge. We gain wisdom and insight. It restrains and sustains us; guides, delivers, enlightens, and gives us peace.

It is my prayer that this devotional will spark a greater love for God the Father, His Son Jesus, and His written Word. Psalm 19:11 tells us there is great reward in keeping God’s Word.

Introduction to Genesis

The book of Genesis is foundational to the remainder of the Bible. It reveals the beginning of time as we know it. God, Who existed before time, spoke everything that we see and don’t see into existence, including mankind. Almighty God, "El Shaddai" is revealed as our Creator.

Not only does Genesis reveal the origin of the universe with all of its complexity and order, but it also reveals the beginnings of life, man, marriage, good and evil, language, government, culture, nations, and religion. Genesis introduces us to the reality of sin, redemption, and justification. It reveals to us many of the attributes of God and points us to Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Most people yearn to know where we have come from, where we are headed, and for what purpose we exist. Many people look to science for the answer. But Genesis teaches us that God created mankind for eternal purposes, and the prophet Isaiah revealed that we are created for His glory. Creation of both man and woman was intentional and purposeful. God gave humans the capacity to love and worship Him, and He created us distinct from all of the rest of creation. Because we are created in God’s image, He desires fellowship with us, faithfulness from us, and service and honor to Him with our lives.

Genesis 1:1-23 provides an overview of God’s creation whereas, Genesis 2:4-25 supplies additional details in the creation process. Most Bible translations do not reveal to the reader the different names of God. For instance, in chapter one, the Hebrew name for God is Elohim. Whereas, in chapter two, the writer uses the covenant name Yaweh. Elohim is a majestic name and is fitting for our Creator. Its Hebrew meaning is God. Yaweh is more personal. It was God’s covenant name with Israel. The best meaning is, "I Am That I Am." In our Bibles, Yaweh is generally translated Lord. This is also fitting since we see God’s personal involvement and lordship in creation and in the uniting of the first man and woman.

According to Genesis 1:11-12, God created vegetation however, we see in verse five, no cultivation or reproduction of plants had taken place. There are two possible reasons. First of all, there was no rainfall, and secondly there was no man to work the ground.

When God created man, He gave him the responsibility to care for those things. This is a reminder to us that work existed before sin entered into the picture. Work was not intended to be a drudgery, but to fulfill God’s purpose. The ground would provide food for man, but man would have to do his part. We are told that prior to God initiating cycles of rainfall, the land received water out of the ground.

Chapter one reveals that God created man in His image, but in verse seven of chapter two, more details are given. God used the dust of earth to create or form the first man. The picture is one of a potter molding and shaping a desired form out of clay. Once the form was finished, God breathed life into him. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for ground is "Adamah." This gives new insight into Adam’s name.

God had already created the animals and they too are living creatures. However, God only breathed life from Himself into the nostrils of man. The King James Bible interprets this as a living soul. The human soul is that part of a person that is eternal and lives on after the physical body dies and decays.

Genesis reveals that God existed before time. He is eternal (everlasting), omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), and omnipresent (everywhere). God’s Word declares, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1.

Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

Praise God He is from everlasting to everlasting.

Genesis 2:8-18

Those who personally know God and believe His Word, understand that God is the One Who provides. This character is revealed in verse eight, as God Himself, planted a garden in Eden for Adam. God, "Jehovah Jireh," provided everything that Adam would need to enjoy life. It was a gift that Adam neither worked for nor deserved. It was God Who caused the vegetation to produce and to grow. Food was not only plentiful in the garden but was pleasing in appearance.

There are four important principles in verse nine. First, God is the source of provision. Secondly, God’s provision is pleasing, desirable, attractive, and appealing. It’s a good choice, agreeable and beneficial. Thirdly, the Tree of Life was the centerpiece of the garden. It was centrally located because it was vital; therefore, easily accessible. Fourthly, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was placed in the garden and played a central role regarding the relationship between God and man. God provided Adam with a home, plenty to eat, a perfect environment, along with sweet fellowship with Himself. Adam’s job was to work the land and watch over the garden.

God issued His first command and warning to Adam. God told Adam he could eat the fruit from any tree in the garden, with the exception of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Not only did God say don’t eat from it, but warned him if he did, he would experience death.

Every relationship we enter into has parameters. There are certain dos and don’ts that we must adhere to in order to maintain fellowship. In this first relationship, God was the creator and Adam was the created being. As creator, God was and is sovereign and has every right to command His creation. The proper response is obedience. God had provided for Adam’s every need and had been generous, and as Creator, God knew what was best for Adam. Adam’s responsibility was to submit and obey.

This is an important principle for us to remember today. Too many times our focus is on what we cannot have or do not have, instead of what God has so generously blessed us with. God knows all and sees all and therefore knows what we need. Who are we to question Him?

We also learn from Adam and Eve, that although we have been given a choice as to whether to obey God, there are consequences for disobedience. God told Adam on the day he ate the forbidden fruit he would die. Spiritual death (separation from God) happened immediately, and physical death followed. Not only did Adam and Eve’s sin affect them, but it also affected all of mankind. Our choices not only affect us personally but also those around us. Scripture teaches that we are accountable for those choices.

Turn in your Bible and read Romans 5:12-21. Paul reveals in these verses, sin entered into the world through the disobedience of one man, Adam. Because of his disobedience, mankind was condemned. However, righteousness can be obtained by the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ the Son of God. Because of His obedience unto death, we can be made right with God. Again, a choice must be made. To believe and obey Christ leads to life. But, to reject Christ is to disobey, which is sin and leads to death.

During the creation process, at the end of each day, God evaluated what He created and said it was good. And on the sixth day of creation, He deemed everything as incredibly good. However, as Adam was placed in the garden with all of the animals and vegetation, there was not a suitable companion for him. God determined that Adam needed another person in his life; someone suitable for him; someone to compliment his life. As we look at our own relationships with our spouse, we recognize that we are quite different. Our strengths and weaknesses are offset by our partner. Therefore, together, there is strength as well as fellowship.

The remaining verses in chapter two describe the creation of woman and the establishment of the first family. God placed Adam in a deep sleep and removed a rib from his side. From that rib, God created woman and named her Eve. The Hebrew word used for Eve means "living one." She provided help and companionship to Adam and together were capable of producing offspring. God commanded them to be fruitful and multiply.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Praise God that He is our creator.

Genesis 3:1-5

If God exists and He is all powerful and good, then why does He let terrible things happen?! Sound familiar? Many people who do not know God personally, use bad news to justify their unbelief. God did not create robots but people, with the freedom to choose to obey Him or reject Him. Good and evil coexist in this world, and it distresses many people who cannot reconcile this truth.

Sin and evil are the result of people’s choices not God’s. Although sin originated with Adam and Eve, it did not end there. The whole world suffers the consequences of sin, and our only hope for redemption is through Jesus Christ. Even in the garden, when Adam and Eve sinned, God showed the way toward restoration. God Himself, sacrificed the first animal to provide a covering for man’s nakedness. This was a for-shadowing of the requirement, the shedding of innocent blood for atonement. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were required for man to maintain a right relationship with God. This continued until God sent His Son as the perfect and final blood sacrifice.

The serpent in this passage, is commonly interpreted as a snake. This was one of God’s created beings and verse one states it was one of the wild animals. What we don’t see is the word devil or Satan. However, John identified the serpent as Satan when he called the Devil, "that old serpent." (Revelation 12:9; 20:2) Moses described the serpent as being cunning or crafty and the serpent was able to communicate with humans. The serpent spoke to Eve and questioned her about God’s command regarding the trees in the garden. The subtle wording of Satan’s question is similar to the trickery Satan used to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:5-7) Notice how he twisted God’s words when speaking to Eve. "Did God really say you can’t eat from any tree in the garden?" Satan sowed distrust and doubt in Eve’s mind. God told Adam that he could eat from every tree in the garden except one. The tactic that Satan used and still uses today, is confusion and deception.

Eve’s response to Satan wasn’t completely wrong, but it wasn’t a hundred percent right either. She acknowledged that God had given them permission to eat from the trees in the garden except the tree in the middle of the garden. Do you remember which tree was in the center of the garden? It was the "Tree of Life! It is possible that the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was also central in the garden, but Eve was not specific. Also, Eve added to God’s word instead of quoting His command exactly. God had not said, don’t touch it. He said, The day you eat it you will surely die." How important is it that we don’t add to or change God’s word? Read Revelation 22:18-19. When Eve was tempted, she didn’t quote God’s words correctly and she succumbed to sin. When Jesus was tempted, He quoted God’s word accurately and was victorious over sin.

The serpent started out with subtle deception, but because of Eve’s inability to correctly articulate God’s Word, he was able to directly contradict God’s command. No, you will not die! In fact, you will be enlightened and be like God! (Paraphrase) The implication was, God really isn’t all that good because He is holding back something really good, something desirable and something you deserve. What Eve failed to see is that fulfillment is not found in things but is found in a right relationship with God.

Genesis 3:6-19

The serpent was successful in deceiving Eve, and she began to look at the forbidden tree in a different light. James teaches us that the downward spiral of sin begins when temptation connects with our own selfish desires. Read James 1:14-15. Temptation can lead to sin, but temptation itself is not sin. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way that we are but did not sin. Eve was tempted in the same three areas that Jesus was tempted. Eve saw that the fruit was good for food. (Lust of the flesh) It would satisfy that fleshly desire. The fruit was delightful to look at. (Lust of eyes) She found it to be