The sword of the Spirit
(Ephesians 6:17), is for both offense and defense. Thinking of it in terms of armour is primarily defensive. We will need to come back to the
offensive aspect. This verse tells us the Spirit’s sword is the
Word of God. In fact, the Spirit was active in the inspiration of the Word, and is active in
its illumination. Concerning inspiration, Peter talks about the prophecy of
Scripture coming as holy men of God were moved by Holy Spirit (2
peter 1:20, 21). We also read “All scripture is given by
inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Greek word for
inspiration here is a compound theo- pneustos. Theo is of course God (as
in Theology), pneustos is variously translated as breath or spirit.
So “God Spirited” is a literal translation, but so also is “God -breathed.” It's interesting that in both Hebrew
and Greek there is a single word for both spirit and breath.
With respect to
illumination, the meaning in English is the light that is given.
Jesus tells us that "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the
Father will send in My name, will teach you all things, and bring to
your remembrance all I said to you”(John 14:26). Paul tells us
that the words he speaks are not words of man’s wisdom “but which
the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual”
(1 Corinthians 2:13). In particular, the Scriptures know no division
between the Word and the Spirit, and his teaching, the Spirit will not contradict
the Word of God rightly divided. "Rightly divided" refers to “be diligent to present yourself approved
to God, a worker .... rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2
Timothy 2:15). It speaks of making a straight
cut, teaching the truth correctly (Thayer). The Word
of God needs to be analyzed cut apart, and put together correctly by
“comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” We do not take verses out of context, nor give interpretations that contradict
other parts of the Scripture. Thus we must be diligent (study KJV) to
know and understand the Scriptures, so that Holy Spirit has His Words at hand,
to instruct us.
It’s not hard to see,
through the Spirit’s sword, how the armour of God is
interlocking. The Belt of truth requires that we know the Word, and
this is also part of the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Knowing that part of our sword that pertains to justification,
enables us to put on the helmet of salvation so we can stand against
the doubts the evil one throws at us about our adoption, our
identity in Christ. Since faith comes by hearing by the
Word of God, the sword of the Spirit enables us to quench and
counter every fiery dart, every lie of the enemy. The sword is profitable and useful for showing us the path we should
take, showing us where we got off the path when we do, showing how
to get back on the path, and how to stay on it, putting on
the breastplate of righteousness. In other words, the Spirit’s
sword enables us not only to stand, but to be complete and thoroughly
equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
Father, prayer comes next Lord, enabling us to put on the whole armour of God one piece at a time. It’s not static Lord, nor is it independent of a vital relationship with You. Help us to draw ever closer Lord so that You may draw close to us in Jesus Name Amen
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