The Sword for the Christian<\/h2>\nWhat is the sword for the Christian? Paul explains what it is in two ways. First, Paul states that this is the sword of the Spirit, <\/em>and then secondly, Paul goes on to clarify that the sword is the Word of God. <\/em>Some have confused Paul\u2019s statement here by thinking that the sword is the Spirit; but it isn’t. Paul clarifies that the sword we use in spiritual battle is the Word of God.<\/p>\n
But what is the Word of God?<\/p>\n
Though the previous paragraphs have been referring to Scripture, the Word of God, as Paul writes of it here, is not precisely the same thing as the Bible. You see, many people think they have the sword of the Spirit if they have a Bible. But Paul does not agree. You do not have the sword of the Spirit if you own a Bible. You do not take up the sword of the Spirit by having possession of a Bible. We will discuss next about how to take up the sword of the Spirit, but in leading up to that, it is important to recognize that Paul does not use the normal term here for the Word of God.<\/p>\n
Typically, when biblical authors want to refer to written Scriptures, they either use the term graph\u0113, <\/em>which means \u201cwritings,\u201d or they use the term logos<\/em>, which means \u201cword.\u201d Both terms refer to Scripture, in its entirety, as it was originally written down on paper by the original authors.<\/p>\n
The graph\u0113, <\/em>the writings, or the logos, <\/em>the Word of God, refers to what we call the Bible, as a written revelation from God. It is important to note that the second term, logos<\/em>, can also refer to Jesus as the living, incarnate Word of God (cf. John 1:1-11). There is a written logos<\/em>, the Bible, and a living Logos, <\/em>Jesus, and both are divine revelations from God.<\/p>\n
So which terms does Paul use here in Ephesians 6:17? Neither.<\/p>\n
Instead, Paul uses the Greek word rh\u0113ma. <\/em>This term differs from graph\u0113 <\/em>and logos<\/em> in that while these latter two terms refer to the entire written Word of God, rh\u0113ma <\/em>refers to speaking<\/em> individual verses or passages from Scripture to help or aid in a particular circumstance or situation.<\/p>\n
This is how Paul used the word in Ephesians 5:26 when he wrote about the washing of water with the word. The written Scriptures do not cleanse us or wash us unless they are spoken to use and applied to our lives.<\/p>\n
So while logos <\/em>is the written Word of God, rh\u0113ma <\/em>is when the written words of Scripture are spoken into our lives for encouragement, instruction, and correction. As Harry Ironside said: \u201cThe Bible is not the sword of the Spirit, it is the armory. There are thousands of swords in [the Bible] and every one of them is powerful and two-edged.\u201d<\/p>\n
If Paul meant that the sword of the Spirit was the Bible\u2014he would have used the word logos<\/em>. But he didn\u2019t. He used the word rhema<\/em>, which shows us that the sword of the Spirit is the individual verses and phrases and passages of the Bible which we can wield quickly in battle. The individual statements, promises, and truths of Scripture are useful for stabbing and thrusting into the weak spots of our enemy attackers.<\/p>\n
Every time you memorize a verse, you have added another sword to your arsenal. Every time you learn a new truth about a verse, you have sharpened the blades on that sword. Every time you learn a new way to apply a verse, you have become quicker and more deadly in using that sword. This is why practice is needed in correctly handling and rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). And when we practice using Scripture, the Word of God becomes powerful and effective.<\/p>\n
It can destroy Satan\u2019s arguments and defend us against his temptations (Matt 4:1-11). Remember, this is how Jesus defeated the temptations of the devil in the wilderness. When Satan came at Jesus with three temptations, Jesus used verses from Scripture as a way to fend of the attacks of the devil. We can do the same thing.<\/p>\n
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 that the Word of God helps us tear down enemy strongholds and the false and deceptive teachings spread by Satan. So you need to know the Word of God to defeat the enemy.<\/p>\n
The Word of God can also pierce men\u2019s hearts and show them the truth about their own sin and the only way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. (Jer 23:29; Acts 2:37; Heb 4:12; Rom 10:17). When we share the Gospel with people, we need to use Scripture. Witnessing without the use of the Word is like trying to win a battle without a sword. The Spirit uses the Word of God to convict sinners and convince them of their need of Jesus Christ (John 16:7-11).<\/p>\n
It provides comfort, encouragement, instruction, and correction as Christians (Mark 4:20; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 2:15; 3:16\u20134:4; 1 Pet 1:23\u00ad\u20132:2). It is like a scalpel, carefully cutting away all the dead flesh and scar tissue that is left behind from our old way of life. It is a knife that cuts the bonds of sin that trip us up and drag us down. But it is also milk and meat (1 Cor 3:2; Heb 5:12; 1 Pet 2:2), providing us with sustenance and energy to grow strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.<\/p>\n
The Word of God does all of these things and more for the Christian who knows how to use it. And since it does all of these things\u2014keeping the enemy at bay, helping us bring light to sinners, showing us how to become more Christlike, the Word of God should be our constant companion. Like a sword, Scripture should always at our side, as a ready defense in times of need.<\/p>\n
And just like the people of Israel in the days of Nehemiah as they went about rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, we need to make sure we always have our sword at our side, as we go about our days and do whatever it is Jesus has called us to do in life. Toward this end, let us consider a few brief ways to take up the sword as a Christian on the field of battle.<\/p>\n
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