The Sword: The Word

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Image source: biblecartoons.co.uk


     What is the last thing you pick up as you get prepared to face the day?  After you have clothed your body, what is the last thing you grab as you head out the door?  Your purse, your wallet, your phone, your keys, your lunch....?  The Roman soldier grabbed his sword.  This is how Ephesians 6 closes out the section describing the armor we need to stand against the attacks of sin and darkness that are sent our way.  

"Take... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17

    Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesians from prison.  No wonder he was very familiar with the pieces of armor used by a Roman soldier!  No doubt he had stared down the shank of a daunting weapon:  the double edged sword.  Romans typically used a sword sharpened on both sides and so incredibly sharp that it could pierce a metal shield!   This was both an offensive and a defensive weapon, but the intent was to annihilate, either way.  Roman soldiers frequently carried smaller weapons as well, but this is the only weapon Paul uses in his analogy.  It is all we need.  
    Paul clearly spells out what this sword is that we are to use:  it is the WORD of GOD.    This is the same Greek word for "word" found in John 1:1 and refers to the whole Bible, not just one specific message from God. We can find other Scripture that backs up the description of God's Word as a sword:  

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12, ESV

    Jesus is our clear example as he uses Scripture to destroy each of the temptations of Satan in Matthew 4: -11.  Gideon, in Judges 7, along with a mere 300 men, routed the entire Midianite army with lamps and trumpets and shouting, "The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!"  What was the sword they used? The Word of GOD! 

     This sword we take belongs to the Spirit  (the Bible was "breathed by God"  2Tim 3:16), yet we are given the responsibility to wield it in the battle.  Just as a Roman soldier was trained in using his sword effectively, we must train and study to use Scripture with confidence and boldness.  This takes time and effort to memorize, study, and be familiar with our Bible.  We must be prepared and ready to give a defense of the hope that is within us (I Peter 3: 15).  This same Scripture will strengthen us and fight for us. It is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12).  We simply need to immerse ourselves in it to be ready when the attack arrives.  

    As Paul closes out the armor discussion, he closes by reminding the Ephesians (and this applies to us, as well) to pray.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:18-20).

    We are to pray for all the saints.  We are to pray for boldness to speak the gospel in the darkest of times as well as times of peace. This is a task that we are to persevere in... or work hard at.  

    Pulling all of these pieces together:  putting each item of armor in place with care, then grabbing our most powerful weapon, the Word of God, and continuously praying for the spread of the gospel, we can stand strong against every attack!  We can be confident that we are standing in the finished work of Christ and that we are fighting for the side of victory!  

    I pray this brief look at the Armor of God was an encouragement. More importantly, I pray this leads you to the Word of God for yourself and that you will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior.  

💓Heather Sparks💓

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