Again we look to Paul’s list of God’s Armor in Ephesians 6. Paul reminds us to take our swords along with us—the Sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
You might have noticed that, up to this point, all of our armor has been defensive armor. We have been instructed to wear each piece for our protection. Now we are introduced to a piece that is not only defensive but can also be offensive. Not only will we stand our ground, but, with the Sword, we will have the ability to gain ground! We will push back and even defeat our Adversary while advancing the front line.
It is for this reason we must remember to carry the sword with us and not an alternative instead. Satan has long substituted the sword with the White Flag of Fables. He suggests that it is great for defense. He encourages us to give up on knowing truth; quit caring what God really says; believe what you want to believe. This is most useful when the enemy is closing in: if waved high in the air, they stop attacking. Of course, we all should know that forfeiting is automatic loss. The alternate offered by man is almost entirely for offense. It is the Brass Knuckles of Doctrine. Man suggests that most will not readily accept your “truth,” so you might need a little more “muscle” to convince. In other words, if others are hesitant to accept your beliefs, beat it into them. This is extremely effective against other soldiers who have no armor but, unfortunately, has no effect on our enemy. Thus, once again, man’s substitution also falls short.
None of these will do. Paul says we need the Sword of the Spirit—God’s Word. And not just select portions of it. Every verse is power-filled. Every Book is dangerous to our Adversary—in both the New and the Old Testaments. All of it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). Hebrews 4:12, says, “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 marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Nothing can match it. Nothing can stand against it.
God’s Word is powerful! It renews lives (1 Peter 1:22), it heals pain (Ps. 107:20), it frees captives (John 8:32), it brings light (Ps. 119:130), it produces faith (Rom. 10:17), and it makes us wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). It is also profitable “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). In addition, in verse 17, we are told that it will also make us complete, or perfect, “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” God’s Word is alive and powerful, correcting and instructing, and it can keep us completely equipped for everything in our path!
This is also why we are counseled in 2 Timothy 2:15 to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God.” We need to be able to correctly handle such a sharp and potentially dangerous item. This means we actually have to read it. This also means that no one can study for you. You shouldn’t simply accept what pastors say, just because they say it—every pastor, including me. You should only accept a teaching after you have studied it in the Bible yourself and made sure the teaching is sound. Study to show yourself approved. Nobody can practice the sword for you. If you want to properly use the Word, you have to study it. And the more you study, the more you will become proficient.
Unfortunately, many will not study, or choose to misuse God’s word to suit their desires. This is why it can be so dangerous. Even though God’s Word is devastating for Satanic forces, it is too often used on each other (see Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 2:23, 24). Discussing Bible truths together in order to learn is one thing, but we have a tendency to argue with others about what we think God really meant, and only end up injuring each other. Some may call it sparring, but it is too often destructive. We have made it an art to take the God-ordained offensive weapon meant for our Adversary, and use it against a fellow disciple, or worse, on someone searching for God! We should be ashamed! “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
Friends, we might not be experiencing victory with God’s word because we are using it against the wrong group. We may actually be giving Satan the victory. The Bible should never be used against another child of God. It is only properly used and successful when used against the dark powers of Satan’s forces. Only then, can we too experience victory through its awesome power.
God’s word is powerful, sharper than any two edged sword. It is meant to fight sin and the powers of darkness. With it we can conquer new territory for Christ. We can force the enemy to retreat—healing and freeing more souls for Heaven. So, we must study the scriptures and become approved by God as triumphant users of His Word, having many victories for His name. Let us not quarrel amongst ourselves using the Bible to beat each other up. But let us hold up our swords and attack Satan’s strongholds. This Word will complete us as a soldier. With it we will become thoroughly equipped for battle.
We are able to stand our ground with our armor; now, let us start gaining ground with the Sword of God’s Word!