The Sword of the Spirit

And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

Ephesians 6:17

The first five pieces of the Christian armor are defensive. Equipment Christians can use to defend against spiritual attack. While the sword is also a means to defend oneself, it is primarily an offensive weapon. Why would an offensive weapon be listed with the other pieces of armor? Why would a Christian need an offensive weapon?

The sword used by Roman soldiers was known as a gladius and in the hands of a skilled man, it was a fearsome weapon. In fact, it became known as “the sword that conquered the world.” It was sharpened on both sides and the point was also sharpened, enabling it to pierce armor, making it lethal against any foe. An infantryman in the Roman legions would also go into battle with a dagger and several spears. However, the gladius was the only offensive weapon listed by Paul, and it was the main weapon in the soldier’s arsenal. The Word of God is even sharper than the gladius! It is capable of piercing to the deepest levels of one’s heart and attitude, and it is also a tool of discernment in the hands of the skilled user. The emphasis of the present passage is on how believers are to use the sword of the Spirit. It is not a physical weapon designed by human minds or forged by human hands but the perfect spiritual weapon of divine origin and power. Like the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, it is always to be at hand, ready to be taken up and used when a battle begins. Paul clearly states that the sword of the Spirit is Scripture, the word of God.

As I stated earlier the sword is both defensive and offensive. The sword of the Spirit is a defensive weapon, capable of deflecting the blows of an opponent. It is the believer’s supreme weapon of defense against the attacks of Satan. Unlike the shield, however, which gives broad and general protection, the sword can deflect an attack only if it is handled precisely and skillfully. It must deflect the enemy weapon exactly where the thrust is made. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, His defense for each temptation was a passage of Scripture that precisely contradicted the devil’s word. The Christian who does not know God’s Word well cannot use it well. Satan will invariably find out where we are ignorant or confused and attack us there. Scripture is not a broadsword to be waved indiscriminately, but a dagger to be used with great precision.

The sword of the Spirit is also an offensive weapon, capable of inflicting blows as well as deflecting those of the enemy. Scripture 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. ¹³ And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Heb. 4:12–13). When the word of God is preached or taught, it convicts us of sin and quilt. I ask you dear one, do you know Gods word? Are you able to use it as a weapon against our enemy?  

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark