The Sword of the Spirit
THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD
The Sword of the Spirit is described in biblical text as the Word of God, and is an essential part of the armor of God (Eph. 6:17). The sword of the spirit is used in conjunction with other spiritual defenses. Paul instructs the church at Ephesus to put on the whole armor of God which includes: Truth; the breastplate of righteousness; the gospel of peace; the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation; the sword of the Spirit; prayer with supplication; and watching with perseverance (Eph. 6:11-18).
The Sword of the Spirit is the most powerful weapon of all. The Bible says, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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." (Heb. 4:12). The sword of the spirit is the Christian’s weapon for victorious living.
HOW TO USE THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
The Word of God includes the written words of scripture, the spoken Words of God, and the words of those inspired by God to speak. It is important that we keep this in mind as we learn to operate the Sword of the Spirit. The following instructions apply to the written words of scripture, the spoken Words of God, and the words of those inspired by God to speak.
As with any weapon, the maximum benefits can only be obtained through proper use. The same is true with the Sword of the Spirit. The born-again believer must know how to use the Sword of the Spirit to reap its full benefits. The operation of the Sword of the Spirit requires that we take the following actions: We must read; study; meditate on; speak; listen to; obey; and trust the Word of God. We will discuss each of these actions below and provide scripture-based examples of the benefits that come with each use.
Read the Word – To Feed the Spirit. The Word of God feeds the spirit and provides spiritual growth. God tells the children of Israel, “. . . man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live" (Deut. 8:3). Peter tells us that the Word of God provides spiritual growth. He writes, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).
Study the Word – To Learn the Truths of God’s Word and Teach Others. Although, there are many benefits that come with studying God’s Word, learning the truths of God’s Word, and sharing it with others are at the top of the list. Paul instructs Timothy to, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
Meditate on the Word – To Achieve Success. After the death of Moses, the Lord tells Joshua that if he meditates on, and obeys his word he will have good success (Josh. 1:8). Paul instructs Timothy to, "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all" (1 Tim. 4:15).
Listen to the Word – For Direction and Guidance. The Word of God leads and guides us in the direction that we should go. Moses instructs the children of Israel to, "Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever" (Deut. 12:28). Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27).
Speak the Word – To Experience Supernatural Power. Jesus demonstrated the supernatural power of God’s Word throughout his ministry. The Bible says, "And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, what thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him" (Mark 1:27). Jesus tells his disciples, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt. 17:20).
Obey the Word – To Enter the Kingdom. The kingdom was taken away from Saul because he disobeyed the word of God. Samuel tells Saul, “. . . Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (2 Sam. 15:22-23). The reward of obedience is blessings, eternal life, and entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. John writes, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Rev. 22:14).
Trust the Word – To Conquer Fear. King David is an excellent example of someone who trusted in the Word of God. In one of his many psalms, King David writes, "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me" (Ps. 56:4). The Prophet Isaiah writes, “. . . the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings” (Is. 51:7).
OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE ARMOR OF GOD
The other elements of the armor of God include Truth; the breastplate of righteousness; the gospel of peace; the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation; prayer with supplication; and watching with perseverance (Eph. 6:11-18). Let’s look at each of these elements and see why they are important for victorious Christian living.
Truth – Truth is the foundation on which faith in God in built. A loincloth is an undergarment that covers the loin area. Paul instructs the Church at Ephesus to "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth” (Eph. 6:14). The Christian faith is built on the truth (rock, foundation, or cornerstone) that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Matt. 16:18).
Breastplate of Righteousness – A breastplate is an armor of metal or mail that was worn to protect the chest. The breastplate of righteousness protects the Christian heart from evil influences and serves as a reminder to seek after righteousness.
Gospel of Peace – Christians should be in a constant state of preparedness to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. Prior to delivering the children of Israel from Egypt, God instructed his people to eat with their shoes on (Ex. 12:11). Putting on shoes was a sign of preparation for a journey. Paul instructs the Ephesians to have their “. . . feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15).
Shield of Faith – A shield is used to protect the body. The shield is used along with a sword or spear in hand-to-hand combat. Fiery darts are long-range weapons used by the enemy (Eph. 6:16). Therefore, the shield served as protection in close-range and long-range attacks.
Helmet of Salvation – The helmet is protective covering for the head. The helmet of salvation provides peace during difficult times. In his letter to the Philippians Paul writes, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).
Pray in the Spirit – Praying in the Spirit is when we allow the Spirit to guide us as we pray. Paul includes prayer as a part of the armor of God. Paul writes, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit . . .” (Eph. 6:18).
Watch with Perseverance – Watching simply means to be ready, as in the following passages of scripture: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come . . . Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matt. 24:42, 44).
If you desire to have a personal relationship with God, you must be born again according to Acts 2:38 where it is written, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Please share your comments or questions in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.
Diane Margo Penny is an author, content creator, social media specialist, and Web designer.
Works Cited:
The Holy Bible, King James Version. 1990.
Image Citation:
michael-576409_1920. Pixaby.com. Web. 12 Oct. 2023.
HOW TO USE THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
The Word of God includes the written words of scripture, the spoken Words of God, and the words of those inspired by God to speak. It is important that we keep this in mind as we learn to operate the Sword of the Spirit. The following instructions apply to the written words of scripture, the spoken Words of God, and the words of those inspired by God to speak.
As with any weapon, the maximum benefits can only be obtained through proper use. The same is true with the Sword of the Spirit. The born-again believer must know how to use the Sword of the Spirit to reap its full benefits. The operation of the Sword of the Spirit requires that we take the following actions: We must read; study; meditate on; speak; listen to; obey; and trust the Word of God. We will discuss each of these actions below and provide scripture-based examples of the benefits that come with each use.
Read the Word – To Feed the Spirit. The Word of God feeds the spirit and provides spiritual growth. God tells the children of Israel, “. . . man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live" (Deut. 8:3). Peter tells us that the Word of God provides spiritual growth. He writes, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).
Study the Word – To Learn the Truths of God’s Word and Teach Others. Although, there are many benefits that come with studying God’s Word, learning the truths of God’s Word, and sharing it with others are at the top of the list. Paul instructs Timothy to, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
Meditate on the Word – To Achieve Success. After the death of Moses, the Lord tells Joshua that if he meditates on, and obeys his word he will have good success (Josh. 1:8). Paul instructs Timothy to, "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all" (1 Tim. 4:15).
Listen to the Word – For Direction and Guidance. The Word of God leads and guides us in the direction that we should go. Moses instructs the children of Israel to, "Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever" (Deut. 12:28). Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27).
Speak the Word – To Experience Supernatural Power. Jesus demonstrated the supernatural power of God’s Word throughout his ministry. The Bible says, "And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, what thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him" (Mark 1:27). Jesus tells his disciples, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matt. 17:20).
Obey the Word – To Enter the Kingdom. The kingdom was taken away from Saul because he disobeyed the word of God. Samuel tells Saul, “. . . Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (2 Sam. 15:22-23). The reward of obedience is blessings, eternal life, and entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. John writes, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Rev. 22:14).
Trust the Word – To Conquer Fear. King David is an excellent example of someone who trusted in the Word of God. In one of his many psalms, King David writes, "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me" (Ps. 56:4). The Prophet Isaiah writes, “. . . the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings” (Is. 51:7).
OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE ARMOR OF GOD
The other elements of the armor of God include Truth; the breastplate of righteousness; the gospel of peace; the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation; prayer with supplication; and watching with perseverance (Eph. 6:11-18). Let’s look at each of these elements and see why they are important for victorious Christian living.
Truth – Truth is the foundation on which faith in God in built. A loincloth is an undergarment that covers the loin area. Paul instructs the Church at Ephesus to "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth” (Eph. 6:14). The Christian faith is built on the truth (rock, foundation, or cornerstone) that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Matt. 16:18).
Breastplate of Righteousness – A breastplate is an armor of metal or mail that was worn to protect the chest. The breastplate of righteousness protects the Christian heart from evil influences and serves as a reminder to seek after righteousness.
Gospel of Peace – Christians should be in a constant state of preparedness to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. Prior to delivering the children of Israel from Egypt, God instructed his people to eat with their shoes on (Ex. 12:11). Putting on shoes was a sign of preparation for a journey. Paul instructs the Ephesians to have their “. . . feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15).
Shield of Faith – A shield is used to protect the body. The shield is used along with a sword or spear in hand-to-hand combat. Fiery darts are long-range weapons used by the enemy (Eph. 6:16). Therefore, the shield served as protection in close-range and long-range attacks.
Helmet of Salvation – The helmet is protective covering for the head. The helmet of salvation provides peace during difficult times. In his letter to the Philippians Paul writes, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).
Pray in the Spirit – Praying in the Spirit is when we allow the Spirit to guide us as we pray. Paul includes prayer as a part of the armor of God. Paul writes, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit . . .” (Eph. 6:18).
Watch with Perseverance – Watching simply means to be ready, as in the following passages of scripture: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come . . . Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matt. 24:42, 44).
If you desire to have a personal relationship with God, you must be born again according to Acts 2:38 where it is written, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Please share your comments or questions in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.
Diane Margo Penny is an author, content creator, social media specialist, and Web designer.
Works Cited:
The Holy Bible, King James Version. 1990.
Image Citation:
michael-576409_1920. Pixaby.com. Web. 12 Oct. 2023.
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