“THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT”

Ephesians 6:17

And take the helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Ephesians 6:17 is part of a larger context where the armor of God is the subject. This is armor for the spiritual man. Each piece of armor relates in some way to the Scriptures. By and large the armor is defensive in nature. However, the Sword of the Spirit is an offensive piece of armor. One important item to notice - it is the Spirit’s sword, not ours.

How does it work? The sword is used strategically and wisely - a specific promise for a corresponding specific problem. If your problem is worry, you wouldn’t apply John 3:16. You would apply passages like Philippians 4:6,7 “Be anxious for nothing.” See how it fits? You can use this principle for virtually every problem you face.

Let me encourage you to learn to use the Sword of the Spirit in this fashion. It can be very beneficial to you spiritually. If your problem is anger, “Be angry and sin not” Paul told the Ephesian Christians which is another wise use of the Sword of the Spirit.

Let me ask you to analyze carefully the problems that are giving you trouble. List them on a sheet of paper; then get busy and find corresponding verses or passages that apply to your problems. Make sure there is a connection. I personally have a problem being patient with my circumstances and sometimes people. The Spirit’s sword for me is found in Romans 5:3, “knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance and perseverance proven character and proven character hope.” So you see patience is not an end to itself. It, too, is productive. Happy hunting and may all your battles be spiritual ones. God bless.

Love to you all.