Today, as we continue through the book of Ephesians, I want to begin looking at the Sword of the Spirit. It’s the second of the pieces that we receive.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17
It goes without saying that the sword is an offensive weapon. Everything so far has kept the enemy from hurting you. This piece actually hurts the enemy and does damage to his kingdom. If we’re going to walk in the victory that God has ordained for us, then we need to understand what this weapon is and how to use it.
First, we need to know what it’s not. The Sword of the Spirit is not the Bible. The Bible does not hurt the enemy. As a matter of fact, the devil has the Bible memorized and he quotes it when it suits his purposes (Matthew 4:5-6).
The Sword of the Spirit is a rhema-Word from God. It’s a Word I need to receive directly from God.
We serve a God who speaks to His people. But we need to be in a position to hear what He’s saying to us. I must spend the time needed to be listening in His presence.
That’s why it’s important that we understand this is a received weapon, along with the helmet. The fact is that the Holy Spirit has to train us to use this weapon.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
There are many Scriptures that talk about our need to be approved. For the most part, we ignore them. Then we wonder why the church seems to have no power.
The word approved means that there has been an inspection. More than that, the inspection has been passed and the one tested has been certified. There needs to be training.
The phrase that’s translated as correctly handles actually means to make a straight cut. We need to be able to make a straight cut with the Word of truth. This verse is talking about the logos-Word of God.
It’s the logos-Word that trains us to use the rhema-Word. For in-depth teaching on the differences between the logos, rhema, and graphe word of God, click here.
The fact is, if you can’t make a straight cut with the logos-Word, then you’ll not be given permission to use the rhema-Word. We must be approved to use the sword. It’s not some spiritual toy that we can take out and play with whenever we want.
The question is, how do I become approved to use this sword?
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
James 1:19-21
This verse tells us that anger, man’s passion, will never win the war against evil. It’s the humble acceptance of the Word that rids us of evil. At least that’s how it’s written in Greek.
James goes on to tell us how to prepare.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22
These verses from James are all talking about the logos-Word. If I can’t hear and obey God’s logos-Word to me, then I’m not ready for His rhema.
If I want to walk in the greater things of God, then I first need to be faithful in what I’ve already received. That’s the key to a victorious Christian walk.
Question: What’s the last thing you knew that the Holy Spirit was speaking to you?
© 2023 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 