It was required of the soldier to have all the other components of his armour (the belt, breastplate, shoes, shield and helmet) on, in readiness for battle; this is equivalent to the believer’s preparedness in Christ. However, there was one component of the armour that a soldier would take and use when engaged in the actual battle – the sword.
The Roman soldier’s sword, called the ‘gladius,’ was a small sword (as distinguished from a large sword) and a very effective weapon for offence. The blade had a pointed tip and was double-edged so that it could pierce the target’s armour more effectively than previous weapons. The gladius also had a rounded knob on the handle, which helped soldiers balance and maneuver their sword better.
God has also given us a very effective sword, to use in our spiritual combat with the enemy. While truth, salvation, faith, and righteousness are also depicted as essential components of our armour, the Word of God is depicted as the weapon for offence, used in spiritual warfare against the devil, demons, and their schemes.
6. THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
Ephesians 6:17b NLT
“…And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word (rhema) of God.”
Paul referred to the word of God as the sword of the Spirit. Thus the word of God is not just the written word contained in the Bible (Greek – Logos); it is also the word of God, spoken by the Holy Spirit in a given situation (Greek – rhema). Thank God, we have been given both the Logos (written word of God) and the Rhema (spoken word of God) as weapons to contend with.
Hebrews 4:12a NKJV “
“For the word (Logos) of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…”
The Bible describes the LOGOS, the scriptures or written word of God as sharper than a two-edged sword, making it a very effective weapon. However, in spiritual warfare, we have the RHEMA, the spoken word of God, inspired by the Spirit, as a very effective weapon for both offence and defence. We must read, study and learn the written word of God; however, in spiritual warfare, you must rely on the Holy Spirit to give us a specific word, that is relevant or applies to the specific need, problem or issue you’re battling with.
Luke 4:1-2a NLT
“[1] Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, [2] where he was tempted by the devil for forty days…”
Three times, the devil tempted Jesus, and each time, full of the Holy Spirit, He responded with, ”It is written…” After the third temptation, the devil ceded defeat and left Him. The word of God prevailed and gave Jesus the victory.
In using the word of God, however, we must bear in mind that sometimes the enemy also bends the word of God to deceive us or put doubt in our minds. He did that with Eve and tried it with Jesus; he will try it with you too.
This is why it is necessary to know the written scriptures and learn to use them effectively against him. Jesus boldly told the devil, “Away with you satan! For it is written…!” We need to learn to rely on the Holy Spirit to give us a ‘rhema’ when needed. (Matthew 10:19-20)
Matthew 10:19-20 TPT
“[19] So when they arrest you, don’t worry about how to speak or what you are to say, for the Holy Spirit will give you at that very moment the words to speak. [20] It won’t be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
For Further Reading: Luke 4:1-13; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:11-13; Revelation 1:16
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
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