The Importance of Armor Maintenance: The Sword
This is the seventh segment in an eight-part series.
from Cossondra
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 that the Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Other than the secondary use of the Shield of Faith as a bashing weapon, the Sword is the only offensive weapon we are to include in our armor. It’s the only weapon Paul says we need. None of us would reject the fact that it is powerful. But it won’t do anything lying on a shelf. We must use it.
In looking for a modern equivalent to the Roman sword or dagger, I asked a soldier about combat knives today, and he said that there aren't any consistently in a soldier's gear. Knives can be included in the equipment but at the individual's preference. However, he expressed his belief that the pistol is the new sword for the soldier in close combat because of its easy handling, compact nature, precision, and power. But while guns may be the new sword for our military, they blow holes in things, while blades divide things. In understanding the Sword, we are looking for a tool that divides. Why? Because Jesus tells us that's what He came to do. (Luke 12:51)
This division is not like the frequent arguments on the news or social media, where people are easily offended and react aggressively. It's more of a change of perspective, dividing people from their old beliefs and allowing them to embrace the newness that Jesus brought to earth with him. Through his actions, Jesus demonstrated that he came to love and save all people, not just the Jews, not just the upper class, not just the ones who followed the law. This teaching divided friends and families who did not understand that showing love to all was the intention of God's love and was so much better than the law. God's love came to earth as flesh, as Jesus, the epitome of God's love and truth, the Word of God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5
Jesus is the Word. He was with God in the beginning, during Creation. And through Him is a life of freedom and the light (understanding) of truth. “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130) It is important to understand the scriptures, not just to repeat them.
The author of Hebrews gives us the best description of God’s Word as a Sword. For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Digging into Hebrews 4:12, let's examine a more contemporary translation to see what the Sword of the Spirit separates. For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, like a two-mouthed sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts. (TPT)
The Sword of the Spirit separates truth from lies and confidence from doubt. If you have ever been in an uncertain season, you know how important that ability can be. It also can separate our personal fleshly desires from our spiritual leanings by giving us access to the Word. Access to the Sword. Access to Jesus.
What comes with our access to the Word?
Power.
God's Word is a sword with purpose.
So shall my Word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)
It is breathtaking that God allows us access to the Sword because Jesus Himself is recorded as using it. Revelation 1:16: “In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.” We have access to the same weapon that the Son of God uses to divide and discern.
Sword Maintenance
If the Sword of the Spirit is the only weapon we need, it is vital that we take care of it. Good swords can lose their strength if they become rusty. They won't cut properly and will become brittle if rust is left untouched for too long. Swords need to be kept oiled and sharp, ready for use. How can we apply this to the Word of God? We need to keep the Word sharp in our minds by reading, memorizing, and meditating.
Sword Damage
The Word can become damaged with rust if it is not used on a regular basis. On the other hand, regular use can also cause the blades to dull. Sharpness can fade after battles of doubt or debate with others who question our knowledge or faith in the Word. When that happens, be sure to repair your Sword by relying on all of your armor: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation.
Sword Repair
In order to know the Word, we must go beyond memorizing. We need to understand. To sharpen the blades to precision, invite the Spirit to help you through prayer and meditation. He can help you unlock the mysteries of the Word. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will direct you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears, he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13)
Finally, soldier, to successfully wield your sword, you must be familiar with it. You need to be acquainted with the balance, the hilt, the reach, and the best way to use it. When was the last time you participated in a Bible study? I encourage you to find one, or even teach one. Good Bible studies focus on working with the Word, taking it apart and facilitating thought. From there, it should become part of the participants’ lives through daily application. To know the Word well, we must interact with it. When we do, we are interacting with Jesus Himself.
“Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands.” (Psalm 149:6)
