Sword of the Spirit
"Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17)
For Roman soldiers, marching into battle meant a face-to-face confrontation with their enemy. They needed special skills to use their sword, which was one of most important weapons and could save their lives. The sword was the only piece of equipment that could be used both in offense and defense. The sword could deflect an enemy's blow, or deal a deadly blow.
The Roman sword was about two feet in length, with a two inch wide blade. Being double-edged, the sword could cut in any direction the soldier swung. The sword's small size allowed the soldier to deploy it rapidly. This was because most battles were fought close-up, on a one-on-one personal level. It was for this reason the Roman soldier needed a weapon that was quickly available.
Take the Sword with you
We fight evil with God's Word, which is sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). In combat against evil, we are to use the Word to cut and thrust, or block and knock away. The Word is compared to a weapon because it pierces and penetrates so that neither Satan nor his attacks are able to get the upper hand on the properly equipped Christian soldier.
The Sword of the Spirit is not the Bible on the bookshelf or laying on the table in your living room, or placed in a prominent position in your bedroom. That does not scare the devil or his army. It’s when you know the Word and speak what it is written in faith that it becomes the Sword that can deflect the enemy's blow, or deal a deadly blow.
Activation
Find a verse that speaks God's truth over a situation you are facing and wanting to see change. Write it on sticky note and put it on your bathroom mirror, turn it into a wallpaper on your phone, whatever keeps it up front and gets it into your spirit! Read and declare it OFTEN, especially when that situation begins to rob your peace and joy. Watch God move on your behalf in response to His Word being declared!
(from Pastor Joel Phillips' blog archive)
For Roman soldiers, marching into battle meant a face-to-face confrontation with their enemy. They needed special skills to use their sword, which was one of most important weapons and could save their lives. The sword was the only piece of equipment that could be used both in offense and defense. The sword could deflect an enemy's blow, or deal a deadly blow.
The Roman sword was about two feet in length, with a two inch wide blade. Being double-edged, the sword could cut in any direction the soldier swung. The sword's small size allowed the soldier to deploy it rapidly. This was because most battles were fought close-up, on a one-on-one personal level. It was for this reason the Roman soldier needed a weapon that was quickly available.
Take the Sword with you
We fight evil with God's Word, which is sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). In combat against evil, we are to use the Word to cut and thrust, or block and knock away. The Word is compared to a weapon because it pierces and penetrates so that neither Satan nor his attacks are able to get the upper hand on the properly equipped Christian soldier.
The Sword of the Spirit is not the Bible on the bookshelf or laying on the table in your living room, or placed in a prominent position in your bedroom. That does not scare the devil or his army. It’s when you know the Word and speak what it is written in faith that it becomes the Sword that can deflect the enemy's blow, or deal a deadly blow.
Activation
Find a verse that speaks God's truth over a situation you are facing and wanting to see change. Write it on sticky note and put it on your bathroom mirror, turn it into a wallpaper on your phone, whatever keeps it up front and gets it into your spirit! Read and declare it OFTEN, especially when that situation begins to rob your peace and joy. Watch God move on your behalf in response to His Word being declared!
(from Pastor Joel Phillips' blog archive)
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