The Sword of the Spirit

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. 

Ephesians 6:16-18

We’re nearing the end of our look at the whole armor of God. Yesterday we discussed the final piece of defensive armor in Ephesians 6:10-18. Today, we’re going to look at the only primarily offensive part of the armor: the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Before we dig too deeply, in case I have any history buffs out there, I know that a shield can also be used offensively as a blunt weapon, and I know that a sword can be used defensively to parry a blow, but when it comes to fending off the enemy’s flaming darts, let’s just run with their primary uses: a shield is more effective at blocking darts than a sword and a sword is more effective at attacking than a shield.

Ok, back to the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

First, it’s important to note that Ephesians 6 isn’t the only place that God’s Word is discussed as a sword.

In Hebrews 4:12 we read:

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

As John the Revelator recorded the messages to the early churches that Jesus gave him in Revelation 1 and 2, he described seeing a sharp two-edged sword coming from our Savior’s mouth and quoted Jesus as saying “to the angel of the church of Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this…”

Sweet friends, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is the truth that cuts straight through the enemy’s lies and deceptions.

When the enemy tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus rebuked him time and again by stating “it is written” and quoting His Father’s words (Matthew 4:1-11). The enemy left Jesus alone when he was faced with God’s Word and dear heart, he will flee when we live by God’s Word too (James 4:7).

Because our God is living, His Word is active (Jeremiah 10:10). The Bible, God’s Word, is not just a book; the words are not just ink and markings. The Bible is God’s breath, poured into His servants over centuries that we may learn and grow, mature and be made complete for the good works that God has prepared for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God speaks to us when we read the Bible. God’s Word is so powerful that even those who do not know Him, hear His Word and believe (Romans 10:17).

Because God wants us to understand His words, He fills believers with His Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16), and Holy Spirit teaches us when we read or hear God’s Word and helps us remember God’s Word, recalling it to our minds when we need it most (John 14:26).

As we meditate on the sword of the Spirit, on the power of God’s Word to cut through the enemy’s attacks, let us review Ephesians 6:10-18 together.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Beloved, the whole armor of God is needed to stand against the schemes of the devil, to stand firm in the evil day, and that includes the sword of Spirit which is God’s Word. I’ve never been what I would consider an alarmist, but the enemy certainly is sowing a lot of confusion in the world and a lot of people are sick, depressed, anxious, addicted, twisted about and lost because of the schemes of the enemy.

As believers, we must not only don the armor of God for our defense, but to stand firm, in our homes, in our workplaces, in our communities, cutting through the lies of the enemy with God’s truth – being careful to always target the enemy and his lies and never those who have fallen prey to the enemy or believed his lies.

We’re going to hit one more devotion on Ephesians 6 tomorrow as we look at the importance of prayer. For today, let’s meditate on how we can best wield the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word, to cut down the enemy and cut those around us free from his lies.

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