And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” Ephesians 6:17.

A weapon is a tool used for gaining advantage or defense in conflict. Similarly, as children of God, we are engaged in a daily spiritual battle against Satan and his forces. However, we face this struggle confidently, knowing God is greater within us: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4. Victory comes from God’s presence and power alone!

Building on this confidence, praise be to God that every born-again believer is equipped with weapons of warfare. Our spiritual armor empowers and gives us strength for the battle! Ephesians 6:11-12 states, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Scripture outlines for us the distinct parts of our spiritual armor. Most of the weaponry is defensive in nature. The sword, however, is both an offensive and defensive weapon used by soldiers or warriors. In this case, it is a weapon belonging to the Holy Spirit. Swords were used to protect oneself from harm or to attack the enemy and overcome or kill them. In both cases, a soldier needed rigorous training in the proper use of the sword to achieve maximum protection. All Christian soldiers need the same rigid training to properly handle the Sword of the Spirit, “which is the word of God.”

Let us take a closer look at two facts about this most powerful tool:

1. Logos…means the expression of thought or the written word. God has provided us with sixty-six books of the greatest love story ever written, the BIBLE. It is our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth– The word of God outlines all that we need to walk this Christian journey in victory. 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 
2. Rhema means the spoken word. It does not refer to the whole Bible, but to certain scriptures the Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance at the right moment. This happens in three ways: First, God to us, when we need a word from the Lord. Second, God to others, as He uses us to witness, encourage, comfort, and teach through His word. Third, the Holy Spirit enables us to recall and quote scriptures for defense against sudden attacks of Satan. This brings strength, power, and peace to the believer’s heart. Jesus provides the ultimate example when tempted by the devil in the wilderness: “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4.

In light of these truths, may our hearts seek to have the same zeal as the brethren in Berea and their commitment to the word of God: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11.

My friends, where is your Sword today? Is it ready for use, or left aside? God has provided everything needed in His word to fight the good fight of faith. His word lights our path in darkness and allows us to stand strong against the enemy. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.: Osalm 119:105.

If you are not part of a church that is well-grounded in the belief of God’s truth and offers good Bible teaching and preaching, then pray earnestly for God to lead you to a place where you can grow in His word. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2.

Blessings, and remember: victory in spiritual battles comes from knowing, using, and trusting in the Word of God. Stay in the Word!