EPHESIANS: Word Sword

EPHESIANS Number 76
THE WORD OF GOD
(Word Sword)

Ephesians 617b “and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (KJV 1900).

As we have progressed through this passage in Ephesians, we have seen the power of truth. We read in John that God’s word is truth. We know that Jesus is referred to as the Word who was with God in the beginning and who is God, and who was made flesh and lived among us. (see John 1)

For this reason, we might say that Jesus is our armor. Jesus allows us to stand against the schemes of the enemy. We would certainly not be in error to say that. But in those passages from John’s gospel, he uses a different Greek word for “word” than the one we find here. John uses “logos” and the word we find here is “rhema.” These words both mean “word,” but their usage is broad and varied.

While it would take hours to fully study these two words, I think it’s reasonable to view it this way. Jesus is both the Messenger of God and the message of God. Jesus is the living Word (logos). The sword of the Spirit, which is the word (rhema) of God can be properly understood to mean God’s will—His purpose.

There is a clarity of mind that comes from having a clear understanding of what Father is doing. Father’s purpose is to be glorified. We are instruments to this end. Our role as we participate in the divine nature (see 2 Peter 1:4) is to make Him tangible to the world. In us, people see our wonderful Father, the God of all.

We remember that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness (see 2 Peter 1:3).

We remember that it is He who is at work in us to desire and do godly things (see Philippians 2:13).

We remember that as Titus 2:11–12 (KJV 1900) tell us, “11 …the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

We remember that Ephesians 2:10 (KJV 1900) tells us that, “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Remembering these things allows us to cease trying to act like God in our own strength and simply trust that He is acting like Himself in and through us. The fruit of His Spirit is going to be apparent. We do not have to work up the willpower. We do not have to select virtues to work studiously on improving. We simply live the dependent life of “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” as we read in Philippians 1:6 (KJV 1900)

The enemy has been defeated. Colossians 2:15 (KJV 1900) tells us, “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” The enemy cannot touch those who are in Christ according to 1 John 5:18.

The sword of the Spirit is the word of God. Jesus Christ is the word of God made flesh, and you are in Him. This is why hearing the truth of the Good News resonates with your spirit.

You know the word of God. You have an innate love and desire for His word, and you think about what He has said often; without even intending to. There's a reason for that. The word of God is like a sword. Father's word is filled with truth--and here's the good news: truth is his Kryptonite.

The word of God is in your arsenal. The enemy may lie and accuse, but the word of God cuts through all of it with Truth. The enemy is toothless. All bark and no bite. The word of God cuts the legs from under the enemy because Truth, is his Kryptonite.

The sword of the Spirit fits.

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EPHESIANS: Spiritual Warfare

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EPHESIANS: Assurance of Salvation