Ephesians 6:17 The Sword of the Spirit
The next phrase used to describe the Christians armour is his sword. This reminds us that we are in a fierce battle. Satan is out to cause us to run away from the problems that being a christian inevitably causes. Paul said in his open letter to Timothy:
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12
Pressures will come from a multitude of directions. Family and friends may be discouraging, ‘Don’t take your faith in Jesus too seriously’, sporting and social events will conflict with commitments to the church, temptations of all kinds will increase. It is not easy to stand firmly for the Lord Jesus in a secular society. Yet we are told:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour 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. Therefore put on the full armour 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 . . .” Ephesians 6:10-14
As in any battle good defence is important but so is the ability to attack. The sword is the only attack implement mentioned. Pictures of Roman legionaries usually show them holding a sword in one hand and a spear in the other. It is surely significant that there is only one attack implement for the Christian, the sword.
“Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17.
Today many churches try a wide assortment of means to draw people into churches. Lively entertaining music, comedians, orchestras, the dignity of religious ceremonies but ultimately we have only one effective weapon, that is to wield the ‘word of God’. It is only when individuals hear God speak to them that they will permanently change the direction of their lives. The bible’s message is very straight-talking and attacks people’s consciences. Only when the message of the bible is clearly explained will people realise the precarious predicament that they are in. Many do want to know how they can ever get right with God. The scriptures alone tell us both about the plight we are in and the solution. The author of the letter to the Hebrews says:
“Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. 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 4:11-12
No-one will drift into heaven, we have to make an effort and determine to obey what God says. When we hear or read the Bible it comes alive, our consciences are struck, the way we think and our ambitions are criticised. Yet it is only by this means that we will come to understand the love of Jesus. He came to teach us and to die for us so that we can be forgiven and be given the status of being righteous as well as the power to change and become like Jesus..This is why a reliance on teaching Scripture is the foundation of any church that wants to produce Godly men and women.
The way christians will take on satanic opposition is by teaching people the word of God. This must be the priority of all churches and all christians. We need to be trained how to pass on its message to others. Leaders in our churches must see their role as being the trainers of others so that even christian works in this world as an ambassador for Christ. Paul wrote earlier in this book:
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13
Paul wrote to Timothy when he knew that his life was shortly to be ended:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
He leaves Timothy in no doubt as to the priorities god has given him:
“ In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4
Christians must not rely on underhand, psychological means to draw people into our churches, our main weapon must remain the proclaimation of what God has said and we find this message from him in the Scriptures.
BVP
