The last piece of armor listed in the "armor of God" passage (Ephesians 6:10-20) is the sword of the Spirit, which represents the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). The Holy Spirit uses the power of the "sword of the Spirit" to first bring people to salvation (Romans 10:17) and then to give them strength and protection in their battle against the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12-13).
All the other armor pieces are defensive or protective, but the sword is both defensive and offensive. In a physical battle, a soldier’s sword would both protect him from an attack as well as strike an enemy to overcome and destroy him. In the same way, God wants Christians to use the sword of the Spirit to stand against, overcome, and destroy our spiritual enemy, Satan, along with the spiritual rulers and forces of evil in this present age (Ephesians 6:12).
One of the greatest protective uses of the sword of the Spirit is to keep us from the temptation to sin (Psalm 119:11). God’s Word helps us learn spiritual discernment for when we need to make decisions (Psalm 119:105). 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that Scripture is useful for teaching (what is right), rebuking (what is wrong), correcting (how to make things right), and training in righteousness (how to keep things right), so that the child of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 also shares that the sword of the Spirit is an offensive weapon to "demolish strongholds" of error, lies, and false teaching.
In Hebrews 4:12, the Word of God is referred to as a double-edged sword. The Roman sword was commonly fashioned two sharp sides, which made it easier for the soldier to strike from any direction. Thinking of the Bible as a double-edged sword reminds us that God’s Word cuts straight to the heart--the very center of one’s being--whether its someone else's or our own. The sword of the Spirit lays open the heart's motives and feelings, evaluating and sanctifying under the light of God’s Word.
Rigorous training is important for any soldier who desires maximum protection, effectiveness, and survival with their weapons. So how can you "train" yourself to use the sword of the Spirit? Let's think of it as a 4-step training process that we practice regularly: Read, memorize, meditate, and apply.
The more we know and understand God’s Word, the more we will be able to do God’s will (Romans 12:2), and the more effective we will be in resisting the enemy of our souls (James 4:7).
God has provided spiritual armor to believers for protection against and attack on the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12-13). The "sword of the Spirit" is the power of the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). This sword will help you resist temptation, walk in God’s way, and "demolish strongholds" of sin and lies. Train yourself to wield this sword by reading, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word. And once you know God’s Word, be sure to apply it to your life! "God’s Word in your heart is like God’s sword in your hand" (Scripture Memory Fellowship).
Hanna loves spending time with kids and teens. She enjoys being detectives with them to investigate God's Word to discover truths to answer any questions. She is the co-author of a newly published apologetics curriculum for children and teaches one online for highschoolers-adults. To learn more about her ministry you can visit networkerstec.com. For fun, she likes to play Ultimate Frisbee, read historical fiction, and paint.
