Wielding the Sword of the Spirit

By: Sonja Winburn - Atlanta, GA

But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. …. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:13-17 NKJV).

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, … that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (Ephesians 6:17-19).

What do you see in your mind’s eye when you think of wielding a sword?  Is it a competent, armor-clad soldier running towards his enemy with his face set in determination and a long sword drawn, somewhat like the Christian crusaders from an earlier century?  Such imagery may be common; however, it can easily lead to false impressions regarding what it means to wield God’s Word as our effective sword.

Any dedicated Bible student should consider what each Biblical context meant to its original audience before they attempt to extrapolate the meaning and application of any passage to their present time and culture.  Contextually valid illustrations may be understood differently depending on time and place.  Therefore, understanding that anyone at any time is reading someone else’s “mail” is a first step in wielding “the Word.”  All applications to current circumstances should be examined through this lens. 

When it comes to properly using the revealed written word of God, many lessons can be drawn from properly understood illustrations of spiritual warfare.  The word “wield” means to manage a weapon in the most efficient manner.   The sword, or machaira in the Greek, was likely a defensive weapon used for close-up encounters with an enemy.  It was more like a dagger. The word could also be defined as a large knife used to carve the flesh from small animals.  In the context of Ephesians 6, the sword of the Spirit is expressly defined as “the Word of God”, which refers to the written Word in Scripture.  In 2 Timothy 3:16, we learn that such scripture is God breathed, or theopneustos in the Greek.

Wielding the sword of the Spirit, then, is to use God’s very mind to protect someone from a Godless or evil influence when they are in close proximity to a spiritual threat.  Further, applying Spirit-directed wisdom can be done in such an effective manner so as to manifest light.  

Where is the battlefield? An accurate picture may involve God’s Spirit wrangling within an individual’s heart where the implanted Word is used as the powerful and targeted weapon.  When comprehended this way, the concept has the maximum amount of potential for success in relation to each person’s ability to “overcome the world” in their own lives.

In I John 2:16, “the world” is defined as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Outward manifestations of our successful internal confrontations with darkness can produce such power and light that it contributes to the inward development of someone else in proximity.  The mind of God can prick and cut hearts to the quick.  The result is destroyed false arguments held up against the Godly principles that are defined in Scripture and made manifest in Christ.​  

In our opening verses, Paul makes a distinction between his use of the inspired Word as an apostle and the saint’s personal use of the revealed word.  Paul, through Christ, is specifically unveiling a divinely inspired mystery, while the saint is taking that information into their own heart and allowing God to facilitate their transformation from death to life.  The proper wielding of God’s teaching in a man’s spirit produces new attributes and new emotions, making a new creature. They manifest in a transformation of one’s life that can draw people to God. God is always the recipient of glory when His Word is executed adeptly.  

Paul also utilizes the power of prayer.  Early in Ephesians (3:16-20) there is an example of how to ask God’s assistance.  In part, it says Paul prays so “that He would grant you, …to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man…” This strengthening process and its fruit manifest God’s light.  

When a saint views their use of the written word in this manner, they see their role and use of God’s word differently from one that sees it used like a physical weapon in war.  The difference is that the battle is fought in their mind.  The Word becomes their tool for self-improvement in addition to spiritual defense.  They apply all teachings to themselves first, not thinking so much of how it would affect others.  Any outward impact on extenuating circumstances is seen as a by-product of the Spirit’s work in their own heart. 

So, what would wielding the sword of the Spirit look like in practice today?  Anyone wielding the sword and wearing a helmet of salvation will have an easily entreated heart.  And like Jesus before his accusers, they will know when to speak, and when to speak not a word.   Their responses cut straight and make fine distinctions on all matters.  They possess a stability within that produces a peace that is observed by others.  Each meditation is made through a prism derived from a Biblical view of this world instead of a secular one. 

When being attacked, they do not respond in kind.  They view themselves as a citizen of a kingdom not from this world.  When encountering the influences of those without God in their knowledge, they see opportunities to combat the evil one on some micro level in their own life while leaving all increase or impact up to God.  They do not ascribe to others the same responsibilities they feel for themselves because they recognize that all have differing talents and circumstances.

Importantly, having faith, they are confidently able to dare to be different.  This is because they can see a reality that is unseen by those that hold a humanist mindset.  The intentions and resulting actions of their valiant heart use everyday opportunities to improve themselves and to contribute to others fighting the good fight of faith!