The sword of the Spirit – Friday, 11 August

 “Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Ephesians 6:13, 17b (NKJV)

“The sword of the Spirit” is listed as part of the armour of God. It is the only offensive (used to attack and not to defend) armour we have while the helmet, belt, shoes, breastplate and shield are all defensive (or for protection). Scripture tells us plainly that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, once again showing us the importance of God’s Word. Walking in victory and reigning in life are directly linked to your knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. There can be no success (or fruitfulness) in the Christian life without being full of the Word. Ignorance of God’s Word guarantees your defeat, bondage, weakness and failure.

When we’re speaking about “the Word” we are not just referring to some book sitting on your bookshelf or bedside table. In this verse (Ephesians 6:17) the word “word” in the Greek is “rhema” which means “a spoken Word appropriate to your situation”.

“…but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.”

Hebrews 4:2b (NKJV)

You could have studied the Word at seminary or university for years, and you can know the Greek and Hebrew and context, but if you don’t mix the knowledge with faith it will not benefit you at all. This is actually called dead religion; you can speak about God, you are filled with knowledge but you don’t know God and haven’t experienced His power. If you want the Word to work for you, you have to mix it with faith (trusting in God and believing that what He says in His word is true). If we fill our hearts and minds with the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to activate it in our hearts, then when we speak it out (faith), it will produce results.

“But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’”

Luke 4:4 (NKJV)

The devil was tempting Jesus. It was a spiritual battle and Jesus showed us how to fight by using the Sword of the Spirit. He didn’t just think “but I’m the Son of God… why are these attacks happening?”. No, Jesus responded to the devil’s attacks by using the sword of the Spirit. He responded by saying “it is written…” and then quoting scripture. Jesus resisted (actively fought against) the devil by using the weapon God gave us for this spiritual battle: the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And Jesus won.

It’s not about knowing and quoting scriptures, but about knowing and believing the scriptures, and then speaking it out in faith because you know it is the highest reality (Romans 3:4).

“For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

God has given you the sword of the Spirit (His Word) so that you can reign in life and fulfil the destiny that He has for you. The Word of God created everything (Psalm 33:6; Hebrews 11:3) and sustains everything (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3). God has given you this powerful weapon to use. Sadly, many Christians are extremely ignorant and unskilled in the Word and don’t use it. They have swords, but they are actually hazardous to themselves and to others. God’s Word in your mouth is a powerful weapon against any attack of the enemy.