Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-17)
Although the Sword of the Spirit is listed with the armor, it really should be called something more like our spiritual weaponry. All the other pieces are protection when being attacked. They are defensive – to defend from the enemy’s attacks. The sword is an offensive weapon. It is the big guns, the enforcer! It is the invincible Word of God!
It is important to know Scripture. We’ve been told for years to hide the Word of God in our hearts. That is so true. His Words become part of us and we can recall them whenever, wherever, whether we have a bible handy or not.
When the enemy puts negative or fearful thoughts in our minds, meditate on the truths of Scripture. Don’t dwell on the lies; soak in the truth. However, our thoughts do not have the power of the spoken word. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He said in Luke 11:2, ““When you pray, say.” Our Father, Who art in Heaven…”
How powerful is the spoken word? God created EVERYTHING, seen and unseen, with just His Words – out of nothing! We are created in His image. Our words are powerful, too. They can change the atmosphere of a room just by choosing gratitude over complaining, or faith over fear. But HIS Words coming from OUR mouths? Wow! Mighty! Unbeatable!
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
First of all, who do we use the sword against? Right before the opening verses above, Paul tells us the reason for our armor, and our sword.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
We are not fighting people. We are fighting against spiritual fallen creatures who have rebelled against the Most High God and are determined to take us down. They are the ultimate picture of “misery loves company.” They know their fate, and they want to take as many as they can with them to hell. And those who’ve chosen Jesus? These evil spirits fight against the children of God to try to stop or nullify their witness and their destiny.
That is our battle. God has already won. The enemy just hasn’t been thrown into hell yet. Why? I don’t know all the answers, but one reason, I believe, is to grow up and strengthen His children. He doesn’t want us to stay babies. So, we are in a war, but He has not left us defenseless. We have our armor – and our swords!
What does the Word of God tell us about the Word of God?
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
We’ve all seen swords, either on display somewhere or in pictures. Some are very ornate, decorated with jewels and are highly polished. Some are long, thin and straight; others heavier, wider and sometimes curved.
What are the two most important characteristics of a good sword? Does it matter if is decorated? Not really.
Our sword must be sharp. A sharp sword will dispatch the enemy quickly. A dull sword is not much better than a club! The Word of God is sharper than a sword.
Secondly, no matter how fancy our sword, or how sharp our sword, it does no harm to the enemy unless it is unsheathed and used. Take your sword in hand – in your mouth – and attack the enemy! Declare what God says!
Maybe you are being tormented by feelings of fear and incompetence. You feel totally worthless, alone and abandoned. Are you? No, but those thoughts are relentless. The accuser keeps whispering lies in your ear.
Our emotions are a gift from God. They act like a barometer to let us know the “weather conditions” in our soul. Often the soul is injured by trauma and life experiences. The enemy takes full advantage of those wounds that have left an “open door” giving him access to us.
Using the truths of scripture – what God says about you – can begin to heal those wounds. You can pray and choose to close those doors. (This often includes forgiving those involved in the trauma.) Then, use your sword! Speak what God says about you. You know God’s never wrong.
Lord, I thank you that You have chosen me from before the foundation of the world. Thank you that You have made me a new creation in Christ Jesus. I am wonderfully made and I can do all things through Jesus Christ. You’ve started a good work in me, and You will complete it. You’ve not given me a spirit of fear, but of a spirit of love, of power, and a sound mind. I thank you that You go before me, You are my rear guard, and that you will never leave me nor forsake (give up on) me. You have said that You will give me wisdom when I ask and that I’ll hear a voice behind me directing me to turn to the right or to the left. Thank you for your faithfulness!
(Ephesians 1:4, Psalm 139:14, Philippians 4:13, 1:6, 2 Timothy 1:7, James 1:5, Isaiah 30:21)
There are so many “sword words” that it is impossible to put them all in this blog. Here is a free resource that gives us faith-filled words to stand against the lies and attacks of the enemy. And when reading your bible, the Lord may show you additional promises for your situations.
Here is a link to a free download titled Confessions For Life. It was compiled by Emily Preston who lives in Australia. In it are many, many sword words you can use to build yourself up in the faith, and to stand against the lies and tactics of the enemy. I hope it blesses you.
Emily also has a podcast called Faith Talk.
Here is the link: Free Resources | Faith Talks