I have found over the years that having the right tool for the job makes a real difference!! After youthful years of dismantling electronics with nothing more than a butter knife and a pair of pliers I have managed to accumulate a number of the proper tools to do various things Both the Roman centurion and the Christian have been given the right tools for their respective jobs, the sword…

Of course the Roman centurion’s sword is made of steel while the Christan’s sword is of the Spirit. If either the centurion or the Christian lost their sword then the battle would become much more difficult very quickly!! In Ephesians 6:17 Paul refers to the Spirit as a sword, drawing a parallel between it and the Roman centurions sword. Both had the power to cut to the heart… However, Paul specifically states that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. What does this mean?

Unfortunately one cannot easily wield the sword of the Spirit, it is a qualified task. In order to wield the sword of the Spirit in our spiritual war we must know the Word. Scripture teaches us in many places about the use of the Word as a weapon:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Ti 3:16-17 NIV)

Here is a prime example of the Word being wielded!

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ” ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Mat 4:1-11 NIV)

As Christians the Word is our weapon and the Spirit drives it. We must learn to use it wisely and apply it in our day to day lives! Learn the Word and wield the Sword of the Spirit in your daily battle!

Grace & Peace,

J