Armor of God: Sword of the Spirit by Cynthia Greene & Sara Beth
In prior blog posts we explored how we are Soliders in a Spiritual War and discussed the Armor of God including the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of Peace and the Helmet of Salvation. Each of these pieces of armor provides protection and helps us stand firm when we face spiritual attacks. They are pieces of defensive armor.
The sword of the Spirit is an offensive weapon that God gives us actively confront lies, temptations, and deception. Our battle is not a physical one, but against spiritual forces that seek to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The Sword of the Spirit is what we use to fight the spiritual battles that come against us with God’s truth rather than through our own strength.
In Ephesians 6:17, Paul writes,
“and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”
What Is the Sword of the Spirit?
Scripture tells us that the sword represents God’s Word, the power of God’s word to counter deception and to triumph over spiritual foes.
“…Your Word is truth.” (John 17:17)
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16)
For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12)
How Do We Receive the Sword of the Spirit?
The Sword of the Spirit is not something we can buy, earn, or build on our own. We are blessed to live in a country where we have freedom and access to read the Bible, His inspired Word. But the power it not found simply in reading and memorizing Scripture. The power the comes as the Holy Spirit works through God’s Word in our lives.
Through repentance, baptism, and the laying on of hands, believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit is our Teacher, Counselor, and Guide. It gives us greater understanding of God’s Wod and teaches us how to apply His truth in our daily lives. It gives us discernment and wisdom to stand against deception. (Scripture Reference: John 15:26, Acts 1:8, John 16:13, 1 Cor. 2:12-13).
The more time we spend reading and meditating on God’s Word, the more the Holy Spirit can bring God’s truth to our minds when we face spiritual battles. It is our job to put God’s Word into our hearts and minds. “Your word I have hidden in my heart..(Psalm 119:11)
How Do We Use the Sword of the Spirit?
James 1:22 reminds us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” We must know how to use the sword, God’s Word, effectively. Just as a soldier trains for battle, we as Christian soldiers must train to effectively use God’s Word in the spiritual battles we fight.
How much does God’s word mean to you? God’s word is our life because it determines truth. We must be skillful in using God’s word to help us discern thoughts and intents.
- Read it daily. (Psalm 119:11)
- Meditate on it. (Joshua 1:8)
- Study to show yourself approved. (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Memorize Scripture (Col. 3:16)
- Speak God’s Word when we face a spiritual or moral battle. (Ephesians 4:15, Phil. 4:13)
- Use the power of God’s Word to counter deception. (1 John 4:1)
Putting Into Action
In Ephesians 6:17 the Greek word machaira is used for sword. Machaira refers to a short, double-edged sword or dagger typically used by Roman soldiers in close combat when the battle was personal. This was not a large, six-foot-long, broad sword carried into battle from a distance.
Paul specifically used a word to describe a sword used for close encounters. The Sword of the Spirit is meant for the personal, up-close battles we face every day. Our spiritual battles happen in our thoughts, our emotions, our decisions, and our daily choices. They are up-close and personal. The enemy attacks us through lies, fear, temptation, doubt, fear, discouragement. God has given us the Sword of the Spirit, His Word, as the weapon to use for these battles.
The Sword of the Spirit is the living Word of God.
“See the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword—it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of heart. (Hebrews 4:12, CJB)
