CWW Week 13 - Day 7 - The Armour of God

Scripture:

Ephesians 6:17 in the New King James Version (NKJV) reads:

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”

Today is about the final peace of God’s armour; The Sword Of The Spirit.

Here’s what it signifies:

1. Word of God: The sword of the Spirit is explicitly defined as “the word of God.’  This means that it represents the Scriptures, the Bible, which is inspired by the Holy Spirit and serves as a powerful weapon for spiritual warfare.
2. Offensive Weapon: Unlike the other pieces of armour described in Ephesians 6 which are defensive in nature (such as the breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, etc.), the sword of the Spirit is the one offensive weapon mentioned. It signifies the power of God’s Word to attack and defeat the lies, temptations, and spiritual forces of darkness.
3. Authority and Truth: The sword of the Spirit symbolises the authority and truth of God’s Word. Just as a physical sword is used by a warrior to fight and defend, the Word of God is wielded to proclaim truth, confront falsehood, and bring about spiritual reform and salvation.
4. Spiritual Discernment: Using the sword of the Spirit requires spiritual discernment and understanding of the Scriptures. It involves not only knowing the Word but also applying it wisely and effectively in spiritual battles. Context is most important here.

Overall, the sword of the Spirit represents the vital role of the Bible in the life of a Christian, serving as a source of guidance, strength, and authority in facing spiritual challenges and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that’s the truth that sets us free.(John 8:32)

Lets start with a look into the word of God.

I have heard it said that the Bible is a hard read. Boy can I relate to that.

Not only is it written in a vernacular that is awkward to follow but it is often filled with what many see at first glance, as filled with contradictions.

I get it. It’s the most published book on the planet and it’s written in many languages and in many versions. Wars have been fought over it’s publication and interpretations. People have died for the bible and as victims of fanatical interpretations of it. But all that aside it is the inspired word of God as delivered by the Holy Spirit.

This fact means that we need the author to guide us in it’s reading. We have the gift of being able to enlist the author to be our coach. A good coach stretches us into better performance gradually by giving us just a little more than we can handle in order to grow us and develop us. 

This is why we must always pray before opening God’s word for the discernment to comprehend what the coach knows we are ready for.

We must seek the Holy Spirit to allow us to let the bible interpret itself.

The sword as an offensive weapon.

Christians are often of the belief that we must live and let live and not rock the boat. This is a little at odds with God’s spirit being used as an offensive weapon as it appears in this scripture. Meekness is a wonderful gift especially when used as Jesus did, but meekness requires strength of character and does not imply weakness. Jesus fashioned a whip and used it in righteous rage when He overturned the tables of the money lenders and flogged them out of His Fathers’ house.

The sword is meant to cut through evil and deception and in the hands of those who stand in the armour of God and under the banner of Jesus; who live by His precepts and principles and who carry the sword in the love of others, it can be a potent weapon to ward off evil in the darkest places.

But it must be used in conjunction with the other peaces of armour particularly the helmet of salvation which protects us with the power of discernment.

This goes hand in hand with a statement I have used when talking to men. “The real measure of a man is not how often he draws his sword but in how often he chooses not to.”

This can best be related to “picking your battles.” Discernment means being able to read the room. There are times when we have to come out full on when we are challenged blatantly. But there are others when a good example leads to a question and the sword remains in the scabbard. Too many Christians become Bible Bashers when they fail to read the room and adopt a one truth fits all approach.

Everything I have just written summarises all the aspects afore mention when we think about the Sword Of The Spirit.

I have had to draw this sword in public many times. It has always been when it is clear that many people are being mislead by half hearted notions about God.

I have been told on many occasions when I am about to speak at rallies; “ What ever you do, don’t you dare pray or mention God.” I then go to the microphone and declare to all that I have just been threatened in such a way. Then I say, “well I am about to pray, so if you don’t like it well tough, so just stick your fingers in your ears because here it comes.”

There was once a great author who wrote, “ There is a want; a want of men who will not be bought or sold, of men who stand as true to their conscience as the needle is to the pole.” 

All it takes for evil to thrive is for men of good conscience to do nothing. This clearly requires the Sword of the Holy Spirit to be drawn in accountability, compassion and love.

Make no mistake. We are called to stand for the right though the heavens may fall. The sword of the Holy Spirit is the perfect weapon for the job.

Questions.

1. How often have you bitten your tongue and held back, later to regret it?
2. How important is it for you not to rock the boat?
3. If you can’t rock the boat because you can’t swim, is it now time to let the Holy Spirit teach you?

Prayer.

Dear Lord, Papa God.

I have often been afraid to declare truth because I have lacked knowledge and confidence. Thank you Papa for giving me the armour of God and the training of the Holy Spirit in it’s use. Know my heart and examine me Lord. Show me the way of righteousness and hold me as I stand in testimony of You against all evil. Knowing that You alone will make all things right if I surrender to Your will. For this I pray in Jesus Holy name.

Amen.

Graham  Hood.