The Sword of the Spirit
The Sword of the Spirit
Draw your sword!
The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God that comes from the Holy Spirit. It works in the soul of man through the operation of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the author of the written Word and establishes the saints in it. Therefore this Word of God is spiritual and spiritual people use it. God teaches them how to use the Word and He is the one who makes it powerful and effectual. Those in whom the Word of God dwells richly need not fear the power of any adversary. Every purpose to which we apply the Word will therefore succeed.
“The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.” (Joh 14:26)
Eph 6:20 uses the Greek word ‘Rhema’ which means to utter or to speak out.
The sword of the spirit, therefore, refers to us speaking the word of God out loud. Because the spoken Word of God is very powerful, we can use it for good but also for evil.
“And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself.” (Jam 3:6)
“What you say can preserve life or destroy it.” (Pro 18:21)
The Sword of the spirit has two cutting edges.
“A sharp two-edged sword came out of his mouth.” (Rev 1:16)
The two edges of the Word of God is the Law and the Gospel:
The Law convicts of sin, and cuts all the way to the heart.
“The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.” (Heb 4:12)
The Gospel cuts out all lies out of our minds and brings right living.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living.” (2Ti 3:16)
The Belt is closely related to the sword and holds it secure.
Jesus is the Word of God. He is also the Truth. Only the Spirit of God can accurately and truthfully reveal the Word of God.
“God is Spirit, and only by the power of his Spirit can people worship him as he really is.” (Joh 4:24)
“The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” (Luk 12:12)
The sword of the Spirit also operates in close harmony with the shield of faith.
“If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved. For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved.” (Rom 10:9-10)
You must learn to use the sword wisely.
“Your words will be used to judge you—to declare you either innocent or guilty.” (Mat 12:37)
The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Therefore, just like the rest of the armour, it is Christ Himself.