The Whole Armour of God, The Sword Part VI

“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” Ephesians 6:17

In Ephesians 6:13 we are told, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” In the first division of our armor, we were instructed to ‘put on’ the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and our sandals. In the second division, we were told to ‘take up’ the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and in the passage today, the sword of the Spirit; which is the word of God. All of these pieces of armor, except for the sword, are for defensive purposes; that is, to withstand, and having done all, to stand. The sword, however, is a defensive and offensive weapon, but remember the nature of our warfare: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”   I need not remind you of that, but all too often we sinfully use God’s word to bludgeon flesh and blood. We do so when we judgmentally and unlovingly call those who do not believe sinners and tell them that their future residence is in hell if they don’t change their ways (as if their achievement in doing so is meaningful to God.) If you have difficulty with this, please read Ephesians 2:1-4 to learn anew Who did what for whom and what our lives were like before.  Nonetheless…

This sword was not only given by the Spirit, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Tim. 3:16; but is to be wielded by us in the fullness of His presence: “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Cor. 2:12,13 It is also important to note that the Spirit will not be present to aide us if He is grieved or quenched. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) but do not be deceived. This weapon is powerful, but only if the Spirit teaches and empowers us in its use. Many of those who think to use it only to advance themselves will meet with certain failure and will be unable to withstand the evil day.

Secondly, the sword must be kept sharpened. A dull blade cuts little; and it will certainly not penetrate to the joints and marrow. How does it become dull? Well, it doesn’t help if we do not study, meditate upon and memorize it. Moreover, when we live in unconfessed sin and grieve the Holy Spirit, we deny His power, affecting not only our own peace but the impact He can have on others through us if we abided in Him. After all, ought not our lives reflect the truth that is in us? If that is the case for you, repent and turn back to Him. Some, who seem to possess great knowledge of the Bible (of whom the Devil knows God’s word very well and who can transform himself into an angel of light) may not have any relationship with Christ. In 2 Tim. 2:5, these men are said of, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Their ‘knowledge’ of the Bible is certainly a form. However, they are usually mistaken and teach falsely because they attempt to know the wisdom of God through the vanity of their own natural minds. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 2 Cor. 2:14.

In conclusion, I just pray that you would remember that the word of God is the sword of the Spirit, both in its writing and in its effective wielding in our lives, cutting both to the marrow and joint in our own lives, as well as, of those who hear it. It is defensive and offensive. If we stand and walk with God in our full armor, then the Spirit will empower us through God’s word to, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. But as with all things, let us remember that whatever we do in our relationship with our neighbors, let us wield it in love, and a sincere desire to see others drawn to the Lord as we pray that Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.