Biblical Teaching · Personal Bible Study
Is the Bible Our Sword?
6 min read, approximately
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17)
Throughout history, we have read how every historical figure who fought had an enemy and a direct connection with a weapon. We are no exception… After we decide to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, God’s Word gives us precise instructions on how we should fight…
Three Enemies in Common?
\1. Satan
“Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 ASV)
\2. The Flesh
“For the desires of the flesh oppose the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit oppose the flesh. They are in conflict with one another, so that you do not do what you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The works of the flesh are evident: adultery, fornication, impurity, lust, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarrels, jealousy, anger, strife, divisions, heresies, envy, murder, drunkenness, orgies, and similar things. I warn you, as I have warned you before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:17-21)
\3. The World
“If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own. But because you do not belong to the world, and I chose you out of the world, the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)
So… What Do We Fight With? What Is Our Weapon?
The answer is found in Ephesians 6:17 “… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”… That is right!
“For the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any double-edged sword. It pierces to the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
The Bible?
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these have been written so that you may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31)
Let Us Look at Some Roman History
Looking back at history, the Roman army was so formidable because of its methods of attack, its organization, and its famous “gladius,” a sword approximately 45 to 65 cm long. This was a double-edged steel sword designed for accurate, fast, and effective attacks. Moreover, a Roman soldier could quickly thrust his gladius into an opponent and withdraw it several times!
But there was a price… the Roman soldier had to keep it sharp and practice with it constantly!
Likewise, with God’s Word we keep our discernment sharp…
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Through your commandments you have made me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, because I meditate on your testimonies. I understand more than the elders, because I have kept your commandments. I have kept my feet from every evil path, so that I may keep your word. I have not turned away from your judgments, for you have taught me. How sweet your words are to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your commandments I have gained understanding; therefore I have hated every false path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:97-105)
Training ourselves in it will spare us many headaches, make our attacks against the enemy more effective, and help us prosper in our way and succeed in all we do…
“Only be strong and very courageous, taking care to act according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper in everything you undertake. This book of the law shall never depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may observe and do everything written in it. Then you will make your way prosperous, and all will go well for you.” (Joshua 1:7-8)
By Using It, We Will Know How to Resist the Devil!
“Submit yourselves, then, to God; resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
And beyond that, it is the weapon we use to free captives from the enemy’s grasp!
“I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and in his kingdom: preach the word; be persistent in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine. Instead, with itching ears, they will gather teachers to suit their own desires, turn their ears away from the truth, and turn to fables. But you, be sober in everything, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
For Reflection
Is our gladius sharp? Have we practiced with it? Acting rashly would be far too risky and careless! And let us never forget that our sword is meant to build up our brothers and sisters, not condemn them!
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Come on, warriors! Let us meditate on the Word, train ourselves in it, and never forget:
“No weapon formed against you will prosper, and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the inheritance of the Lord’s servants, and their salvation will come from me, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17)
_**Remember to stop by the Songbook
May God continue to bless you, and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!