The sword of the Spirit

In my reading to prepare for Sunday, I came across this helpful statement by Charles Hodge about the sword of the Spirit — the Word of God:

In opposition to all error, to all false philosophy, to all false principles of morals, to all the sophistries of vice, to all the suggestions of the devil, the sole, simple, and sufficient answer is the word of God. This puts to flight all the powers of darkness. The Christian finds this to be true in his individual experience. It dissipates his doubts; it drives away his fears; it delivers him from the power of Satan. It is also the experience of the church collective. All her triumphs over sin and error have been effected by the word of God. So long as she uses this and relies on it alone, she goes on conquering; but when any thing else, be it reason, science, tradition, or the commandments of men, is allowed to take its place or to share its office, then the church, or the Christian, is at the mercy of the adversary.

This is our great offensive weapon against the attacks of Satan that would tempt us to go astray from our love for Christ.  This is what contradicts Satan’s methods and keeps us living truthfully, righteously, and in the gospel, trusting in God, and being secure in our salvation.  We do well to know the Word, love the Word, embrace the Word, run to the Word, meditate on the Word, and keep (obey) the Word.  Because it is our great weapon of both defense and offense, it is in every sense, our life.