And take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
What is the purpose of the Word of God? Paul lists several of them in his letter to Timothy: “It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work,” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Other passages from the Bible could also be cited to add items to this list.
Our verse for today is one of them. It says that the Word of God is a weapon. Metaphorically, it is a sword to be used against the enemy. But this enemy is not flesh and blood. We use it to fight “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 6:12). Among the pieces of the armor of God listed in Ephesians, chapter 6, the sword is the only offensive weapon.
The sword is “the sword of the Spirit.” This refers to the fact that the Word of God was given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It also refers to the fact that the Word of God is the most effective weapon against our spiritual enemies. The shield of faith protects us against “the fiery darts of the wicked one,” (Ephesians 6:16), but the sword of the Spirit puts the wicked one and his henchmen to flight. We definitely need the defensive pieces of armor to protect us, but it is the sword of the Spirit that does damage to the enemy.
Like a sword in battle, the Word of God must be wielded. It is not just for ceremonial use; it is not just to make the one who bears it look good. It is best wielded when spoken out loud against the forces of darkness that attack us. If they attack us with serious illness, for example, we can say “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD,” (Psalm 118:17). If they attack us with a thorny financial situation, we can say “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13). The sword of the Spirit is effective for use against any attack of the enemy.
Don’t just stand there anymore. Don’t just take the shots of the enemy. Take up the sword of the Spirit and do some damage.
By John Huisman, friend of Bible League International
