Ephesians 6:13 tells us to put on the Armor Of God to stand against Satan.
The last piece of armor the Apostle Paul tells us to take is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
The sword of the Spirit is the only item that Paul mentions that is truly both defensive and offensive. One can block Satan’s flaming arrows with the sword of the Spirit, or one can attack Satan head on.
Jesus Is Our Example Of How To Use The Sword Of The Spirit To Defeat Satan
The Gospel of Matthew details how Jesus was sent by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by Satan. Jesus’ weapon to resist Satan’s temptations was the sword of the Spirit.
Matthew 4:3-4
The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’ ”
The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’ ”
Jesus quoted the word of God (Deuteronomy 8:3) to defeat Satan.
Ask Any Warrior –Wielding A Sword Takes Training
It takes years to master the use of a sword … how to parry, block, stab, and slash with it. So, too, it takes training to wield the sword of the Spirit.
What training do we need? Very simply, we need to read and study the word of God. Just as Jesus was ready to recite scripture to parry, block, and stab Satan into submission … so we must be armed with the word of God on our tongue. By memorizing scripture, we learn to hold and swing the sword of the Spirit.
Psalm 119:11
I have hidden (stored up) your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
I have hidden (stored up) your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
So, when we put God’s word in our heart through study and memorization, we can battle our inclination toward sin.
A Weapon Powered By The Holy Spirit
Paul the Apostle uses the Greek “rhema” to express “word” in “word of God.” Rhema can mean word, utterance, or things said (a word that is given). So that when you properly wield the sword of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit could reveal things to your heart.
John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.
When you study the word, the Holy Spirit helps you recall just the right scripture to quench Satan’s fiery arrows.
You Are Ready To Be God’s Gladiator?
You Are Ready To Be God’s Gladiator?
The Roman word for sword was “gladius,” which is where we get the word gladiator. So, with the full armor of God, including the word of the Spirit, you are now fully armed and protected in your battle against temptation, sin, and Satan’s attacks.
