Key Verse:
and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6: 17b (NLT)
I’m pretty sure everyone understands getting on base is the only way to score points in a baseball game, and the only way to win a game is by scoring more points than your opponent. That means every batter needs to know how to correctly use his bat. But he must also learn to see and connect with the pitch to get a hit. Hits create opportunities to score.
Defense is played with a glove.
Offense is played with a bat.
Defense is played as a team.
Offense is played by one player at a time.
The same is true for us as Jesus-followers. Offense is played individually and not as a team. How effective we are in our offense will definitely impact others, but while defense is a team effort, offense is not.
Jesus-followers don’t use a bat.
We use a sword!
Paul used the imagery of first century Roman armor in his letter to the church of Ephesus because it was something they would understand. They were familiar with how each piece was worn and used.
We’ve already looked at the belt, the body armor, the shoes, and the helmet. We learned every soldier wore all four pieces for the purpose of protection.
Last week, we learned the shield, also known as the scutum, is useful for the protection of both the one holding it and those standing beside him.
This week we’re going to look at the sword and what it can teach us about how God’s word is meant to be used in the life of a Jesus-follower.
The sword of a first century Roman soldier was called a gladius. It was not large, but it was extremely sharp, double edged, and the point was so strong and sharp it could pierce an opponent’s armor.
A gladius was worn at all times, but it was only used during close combat with the enemy.
The sword of the Spirit is the word of God. It’s our gladius and our only offensive piece of armor.
Read what the writer of Hebrews wrote about the word of God.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
Sounds very much like the gladius, doesn’t it? But what really catches my attention is what it exposes when it cuts. Read that part again.
“It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Now, read what James wrote about the relationship between temptation and desires.
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 (NLT)
Our own desires entice and drag us away.
Okay, before we stop for the day, let’s go back to today’s verse one more time. Notice whose sword it is we’re told to take.
It’s the sword of the Spirit!
This tells me (and you), our best offense begins with reading God’s word and allowing Holy Spirit to use His sword to expose our thoughts and desires. Exposing the places we are weak and vulnerable. Places where our enemy can do harm. When wielded by the Spirit, the word of God exposes the places where our flesh is still controlling our thoughts. Places where our desires leave us vulnerable to temptation.
Next week, we’ll look at what it looks like to take the sword.
Between Then and Now…
1 Read your Bible, your gladius, every day. Read the book of Ephesians again. Read one chapter a day and be alert to whatever the Spirit exposes. Don’t forget to pray first. Ask for Holy Spirit understanding.
2 Exercise. Choose one Bible verse and practice memorizing it while doing butterfly arm exercises. Why? God’s word changes the way we think and leads to transformed lives. (Romans 12:2)
3 Apply 1st John 1:9 to every exposed place. Remember! Be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power and allow your weak places to become the places where He is strong. (Ephesians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 & Zechariah 4:6)
I’m praying for you. I’m also praying for me. May we learn to wear and use our spiritual armor. LORD, give us eyes to see and ears to hear what it is You are teaching us through Your written word. Help us to cooperate with Your transforming work in our lives by reading Your word. Holy Spirit, we invite You to expose our innermost thoughts and desires to us. We ask You to help us understand what You reveal and quickly agree with You without hesitation or argument. Help us forgive ourselves as You forgive us. Amen.
Digging Deeper:
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 (NLT)
If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.