Read: Ephesians 6:10-18
Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
Not all elements of the armor of God are defensive. In addition to the elements for personal protection God gave us an offensive weapon – he has given us the sword of the Spirit. The word of God, what we have recorded in our bibles, is from the Spirit of God and has all that is needed to live rightly before Him; “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Timothy 3:16-17).
This truth from God is the standard that we use in “casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:15). If we are filled with God’s word, then when challenges come, we respond back with God’s word. This is exactly what Jesus did when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Satan would challenge Jesus and Jesus responded with citations from Deuteronomy.
But the sword of the Spirit must be treated like any other sharp element. It should be handled with care. Periodically we hear people using biblical truths to manipulate. Sometimes this is called bible thumping. Smacking someone with truth instead of cutting away in love. You can have a lot of biblical knowledge but without love, Paul says you’re nothing. Whether it’s confronting the world’s lies or a brother’s weakness for the sword to be effective it must be swung in love.
Meditation and Assignment for the Day: Read Matthew 4:1-11 and look up the verses that Jesus quotes back to Satan. How is Jesus swinging the sword of the Spirit?
For Fun: See if you have a dull knife and a sharp knife in the kitchen. Cut something with both knives and notice the difficulty the dull knife has. What would you prefer? What is more effective?