“It is a great relief against temptations to have the word ready. The word is called “The sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). In spiritual conflicts there is none like to that. Those that ride abroad in time of danger, will not be without a sword. We are in danger, and had need handle the sword of the Spirit. The more ready the scripture is with us, the greater advantage in our conflicts and temptations. When the devil came to assault Christ, he had scripture ready for him, whereby he overcame the tempter. The door is barred upon Satan, and he cannot find such easy entrance when the word is hid in our hearts, and made use of pertinently(1). I write unto you, young men, because you are strong.’ Where lies their strength? ‘And the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:14). Oh, it is a great advantage when we have the word not only by us, but in us, engrafted in the heart; when it is present with us, we are more able to resist the assaults of Satan. Either a man forgets the word, or hath lost his affection to it, before he can be drawn to sin.“
(1) pertinently definition: Pertinently means in a way that relates directly to the subject being considered
A comment on Psalm 17:4 from The Treasury of David by C. H. Spurgeon
Thomas Manton (Click on Mr. Manton’s name to learn a bit more about him.)
“Although Manton is little known now, in his day he was held in as much esteem as men like John Owen. He was best known for his skilled expository preaching. His finest work is probably his Exposition of James.”
Wings of the Wind
Est. September, 2009 – ReEst. April, 2010
Recent Comments
Wings of the Wind 
Thanks for this excellent passage from Manton. Yes, God’s Word is our sword when opposition and temptation comes. If our Bibles collect dust, we will be tossed to and fro. Been there, done that.
You’re welcome, Tom, and thank you for your comment. I know what you mean about being tossed to and fro. If I’m ever away from the scriptures for any length of time, it eventually becomes obvious that I need to get back to the foundation.
Thank you for this, Chris. It is a blessing beyond words to have the Scriptures to teach us and comfort us. And it is our sword against the attacks of the enemy. We are a blessed people!
You’re welcome, Cathy, and I appreciate your comment. I am so glad that people like you and your husband care enough to share your faith with others. We have a powerful sword to help us in our battle against our flesh and the devil. We are, indeed, a blessed people!