The Sword of the Spirit
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17
We are continuing to look at the Armor of God found in Ephesians 6. The next piece of armor – the sword of the Spirit.
The Roman solider knew the importance of winning a battle took a good offense. The Roman soldier’s weapon in close combat was called the gladius. The gladius was a short sword that inflicted more damage than larger swords and was easier for a soldier to handle in battle.
Paul noted only one offensive weapon—the soldier’s sword. For a believer in Jesus Christ, the sword is the Word of God. We can never win the battles of life without God’s Word.
Two Greek words are commonly translated “word” in English. The first is logos —describing the Bible as a whole. The second is rhema, which means “saying of God.” It refers to a passage from the whole Word of God that has application in our lives. Here’s something important to realize. The Bible is not the sword — but it is an arsenal FILLED with swords. This provides you with ALL the ammunition you need—to take the offense.
The best way to see how the sword of the Spirit is used — look at Jesus. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus wielded the sword of the Spirit.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “If you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 4:1-11, NIV
Guess what soldier—YOU have the same access to the weapons Jesus brandished.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
SOLDIER – get ready.
Put on Your Armor of God.
Strap on the belt of truth—knowing who God is, knowing His Word.
Fasten the Breastplate of righteousness and protect your heart.
And fit your feet with the shoes of peace – knowing we carry the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Take your helmet of salvation. We must protect the head at all costs, putting on salvation. Putting on Jesus.
Grab your sword of the Spirit, knowing the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword.
In Jesus, we have the VICTORY.
Prayer: Father, thank You for today. We put on the full armor of God and we pick up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Thank You for Your presence. Help us to speak out Your words when the enemy comes at us. Just like Jesus used the Scriptures to refute the enemy’s lies, teach me Lord to speak out Your Word. Your Word brings truth. We can trust in Your Word as a firm foundation on which to build our lives and we are so thankful for all of what You are doing in and through our lives – in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mighty warrior! Know God goes before you and I’m praying for you today – that you will feel God’s strength and presence like never before!
Christine Batchelder