…and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. 

                                                                           Ephesians 6:17b 

The last piece of armor that Paul refers to is the sword of the Spirit, which he defines as the word of God. Unlike the other five pieces of armor, which serve as a means of protecting us (belt, breastplate, feet, shield, and helmet), the last piece of armor is offensive in nature…it is a spiritual sword. A sword is what we go into battle with enabling us to tear down any notions or preconceived ideas that are not consistent with the word, the gospel, and a loving God.

Because Paul describes this spiritual weapon as “the sword of the Spirit” and because he then identifies it as “the word of God” (The Bible), I believe that there are two indispensable parts of this sword that work in tandem and that we need to understand.

First, we need the Spirit of God. All born again believers in Jesus Christ have within them the Spirit of God. We can quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and we can grieve the Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30), but He remains as our Comforter, Advocate, and Guide (John 14:16-17, 25-26).

Secondly, we need the Bible as our source of instruction pertaining to all things spiritual. To have the Spirit without the scripture can lead us down the dangerous road of emotionalism. To have scripture without the Spirit can lead us down the equally dangerous road of mere intellectualism. But when the Spirit of God is coupled with the word, we receive the instruction and guidance that we need to traverse the course of this life.

Below are three examples in which scripture can help in guiding us into a deeper understanding of God, promoting a more personal relationship with Jesus, and allowing the Spirit to speak to our hearts, minds, and souls.

Confidence In Christ 

 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

                                                                                                         2 Corinthians 3:4-6 

As Christians, we are to have confidence toward God. This confidence does not come from our own performance rather true, spiritual confidence resides in trusting the Person of Jesus Christ. We are not adequate in ourselves but He has made us adequate to be ministers of a new covenant. This new covenant is based on the Spirit not on the letter of the Law. Paul tells us why this is so. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. As we make this biblical truth a priority in our lives, memorizing it, meditating on it, and living out its application, we will find spiritual freedom and have victory over the lies of the enemy. 

Strength In Christ 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 

                                                                                                           Ephesians 6:10-11 

As Christians, we are also to be spiritually strong. Again this strength does not come from us rather it comes from God. Paul says, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” When we trust in Jesus, we are relying on the strength that He produces within us. We are able to ascend on wings like eagles; we are able to run (spiritually speaking) without becoming tired, and we are able to walk (spiritually speaking) without growing weary (Isaiah 40:31). Again, when we make this spiritual truth a priority in our lives, memorizing it, meditating on it, and living out its application, we will find spiritual freedom and have victory over the lies of the enemy. 

Faith In Christ 

…nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. 

                                                                                                                   Galatians 2:16 

Finally, we are justified before God by our faith in Jesus. In this passage, Paul tells us three times how we are made right before God. It is by our faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Likewise, he tells us three times how mankind is not justified before God. Works of the Law will never justify mankind. No matter how much we try to achieve this right standing with God, it is gained only by faith in Jesus and nothing else. God in His mercy, kindness, grace, and love, is pleased to make it so. When we make this spiritual truth a priority in our lives, memorizing it, meditating on it, and living out its application, we will find spiritual freedom and have victory over the lies of the enemy.

It is worth noticing that this confidence, spiritual strength, and faith are all centered in the Person of Jesus. Our confidence is in Jesus. Our strength is in Jesus. And our faith is in Jesus. When we take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, we can defeat any idea or thought that might defeat us and declare victory because of Jesus!