The Sword of the Spirit

Clothed with armor, we take up our weapon, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

In Ephesians 6:17b, Paul uses the Greek word “machaira” (pronounced:  makh’-ahee-rah) meaning, a knife. This sword is the kind used in hand-to-hand combat, not the long cumbersome swords wielded in battle. This knife, for close, one-on-one fighting, is the word of God or rhēma in the Greek. Rhēma (pronounced hray’-mah), carries the meaning of treasure or utterance. In other words, it is a personal word from God Almighty.

But to fully understand, we need to take a step back.

What do we know about the Word of God?

From John 1, we know Jesus, God the Son, is the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. In Revelation 19, His name is the Word of God. We understand from Peter 1:23 that it is through this same Living and Eternal Word of God, we become born again. However, the Holy Spirit uses a different Greek word in these verses. He uses, “logos” meaning:  something said or the Divine expression – Christ. Jesus is the Word – Logos. He speaks a personal word – rhēma – into our heart from His written word.

This rhēma is as Hebrews 4:12 says, it is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. It is so precise it can divide soul and spirit, cut between joints, bone and marrow and it judges the thoughts and intents of our heart.

So how do we fight with this sword? 

We live in a world where Satan is a master puppeteer, controlling unbelievers like marionettes. He is behind the scene pulling all the strings. As true believers, we know we fight not against flesh and blood. But we fight the spirit behind the lies, the unbelieving family, acquaintances, co-workers, and people who hate and reject us. However, we are not to fight with the world’s weapons. We must use the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. Only God’s word is powerful enough to pull down strongholds, false arguments, lies, and every high thing that exalts itself against the truth and knowledge of God.

We are the ones clothed with armor, brandishing the weapon of a personal word from God. How we react when Satan pulls the strings is crucial. God gives us the privilege of being up-close and personal with people who need Jesus. If we forget whom we are wrestling or if we do not recognize the enemy, we can lose the fight. However, when we do remember it is Satan behind the person we must also remember Jesus in us is greater. With His strength, we can wield this sword of the Spirit and God will sever their puppet strings.