Via TJC
“and take …the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:17 (ESV)
“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
We’ve been examining the Armor of God this week. We put on the first three pieces of armor daily and take up the next three as needed.
So far, the pieces of armor have been primarily defensive. Today, we look at the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The type of physical sword in this passage is short, like a dagger. It is sharp (dangerous) and cuts 2-ways, for healing or for close combat.
The soul and spirit are not physical. Our spiritual sword is living and active, able to discern which thoughts (mind) and intentions (heart) are of me (soul) and are of God (Spirit).
To use the sword in combat, we have to utter (give breath) to activate; it is more than just knowing the words (graphe) or meaning (logos).
In the beginning, “And God SAID, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3).
When confronting the devil, “Then Jesus SAID to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” ” (Mathew 4:10).
We need to do likewise in knowing and speaking the Word of God aloud.
The Word of God is sharp and dangerous. Knowing and speaking aloud the Word of God effectively takes practice. As you must practice with your physical weapons, you must practice aloud with your sword of the Spirit to be ready when needed.
Personally, I like the dagger analogy when battling unseen forces. When the enemy attacks, I can parry with the word of God and thrust back. I’ve learned that I must practice/train ahead of time to be ready! There is no time to scroll through my phone to find the right Bible verse during combat.
The Word is also like a scalpel for healing. I’ve learned (by trial and error) for deep and important actions, such as when a brother & I take a message to another brother, that I need to rely heavily on the word of God. Specifically, the word has helped divide between what ended up as my “good ideas” (=soul origin) and wisdom from God (=Holy Spirit origin), as all of us want God’s wisdom and not human best wishes and intents.
Standing Battle Order: Daily choose to put on your belt, breastplate, and shoes.
Daily Battle Order: Consider how proficient you are with speaking the Word of God? Are you ready to speak words that heal, and for close order combat?
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