Devotional For Men

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17, NLT

Of the six equipment items Paul mentions as part of the armor of God in Ephesians 6, five are strictly defensive, protective gear. Belt, body armor, shoes, shield, and helmet--none of these are weapons. A sword can be used to parry blows, but it can also be effectively used to cause damage to an opponent. This passage is not the only place in Scripture where the Word of God is described as a sword. Another well-known reference is Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." The Bible may look like a typical book, but the pages contain truth that can injure much worse than a paper cut. God's Word is a weapon in the realm of the soul and spirit. Like a sharp sword in the hands of a novice, the Bible can do as much damage to the wielder as to an opponent. This is not an argument for staying away from God's Word; it's an argument for becoming skilled in using God's Word. Since spiritual warfare is unavoidable, why would anyone want to enter the battle unarmed? And why wouldn't you want to know how to effectively use the sword you've been issued? Acknowledging the Word of God and even collecting various Bibles doesn't accomplish what Paul speaks about in this passage. "Take the sword" does not mean "carry one on occasion, or at least know where you have it put away in case you need it." A swordsman trains every day. The weapon becomes an extension of his body. Even the basic discipline of thinking about God's Word on a daily basis will take you a long way toward becoming a qualified spiritual swordsman. Ultimately, however, obeying God's Word creates a spiritual thrust or slash against Satan. Any time the Bible gets applied in someone's life, damage gets done in the devil's cause. Each time you open the Bible, you choose between participating in careless swordplay or effective engagement in spiritual warfare. God's Word in your hands signals "En garde" to Satan.