The Sword of the Spirit; Ephesians 6:17b

How often do i read the word of God

Imagine going out into battle with all your armor to fight the enemy—but without the weapon, the sword. You will not last long, and the enemy will not even struggle. That is how important the sword is to kill the enemy. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:17b: “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Beloved, every time you leave your Bible closed, every time you go days without reading or meditating on the Word, you are stepping into the battlefield of life unarmed. 

No wonder so many Christians are weak, easily tempted, easily discouraged, and spiritually dry. They are in a fight—but they left their sword at home! Friend, you cannot live a victorious Christian life if you neglect the Word of God. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Just as your body cannot live without food, your soul cannot live without the Word of God.

The Image – A Soldier and His Sword

The Roman soldier had two swords. One was large and used for one-on-one combat. The other was smaller and sharp, used to pierce the throat of the enemy. Both were vital.Likewise, you cannot fight the devil without the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”Just as a soldier trains day and night with his sword until it becomes part of him, we must train with the Word of God until it is in our hearts, minds, and lips.

The Word of God and the Spirit of God

The first and most important truth Paul is urging is that the Word of God is connected with the Holy Spirit. The Word of God comes from the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit we cannot know the Word.2 Peter 1:20–21 reminds us that men wrote the Scriptures as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us all Scripture is God-breathed, meaning it comes directly from His Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the source of the Word of God.To fight against our enemy, the Holy Spirit must dwell in us to equip us with the Word in order to defeat the devil.

The Power of the Word of God

1. The Word accomplishes God’s promises.
   In Isaiah 55:10–11, God says His Word will not return empty but will accomplish what He desires.
2. The Word saves sinners.
   It is only through the Word of God that sinners are saved. James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23 declare that we are born again through the Word. Paul told the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 that they were chosen and saved through the Word he preached—because it came with power, the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction. John 16:8 tells us the Spirit convicts the world of sin.
3. The Word restores our soul.
   Psalm 19:7 says: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” It strengthens and comforts us (Psalm 119:50, 107).
4. The Word equips us for service.
   2 Timothy 3:17 says the Word equips us for every good deed. Ministry is not about clever techniques but about godly character shaped by Scripture. God uses ordinary people who are filled with His Word.

Defensive and Offensive Use of the Sword

Defensively.

A soldier defends himself from enemy attacks with his sword. Likewise, we must defend against Satan’s attacks not with our own ideas or strength, but with God’s Word. Even Jesus, when tempted in the desert, defeated Satan by saying, “It is written” (Matthew 4:1–11). He was led by the Spirit, and He defended Himself with the Word.Offensively.

We use the sword in evangelism, preaching, and counseling.

• Preaching: In 2 Timothy 4:3–4, Paul warns that people will not put up with sound doctrine but will turn to myths and false teaching. Today many churches are filled with prosperity gospel, motivational speeches, and traditions that cannot save. The only protection is to know and hold to the true Word.
• Evangelism: Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:20 to teach new disciples to obey all He commanded. Evangelism without solid teaching produces shallow converts who cannot endure. Numbers do not matter—souls must be discipled in the Word. Only God, through His Spirit, can save. Our work is to faithfully preach His Word.
• Counseling: God’s Word is sufficient to deal with life’s problems. 2 Peter 1:3 says God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. The Spirit produces His fruit in us so we can counsel, comfort, and strengthen others.

A Challenge – How Much Do You Read the Word?

Let me challenge you, church:

• Some of you read the newspaper more than the Bible.
• Some of you spend hours scrolling on your phone but minutes in Scripture.
• Some of you expect victory, peace, and guidance from God—yet neglect the very Word that provides all these things!

If a soldier neglects his sword, he will surely die. If a Christian neglects the Bible, he will surely fall.

Conclusion – Take Up Your Sword

The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Without it, you cannot stand. With it, you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).So I ask you today:

• Will you commit to reading the Word daily?
• Will you allow the Spirit to shape you through Scripture?
• Will you train with your sword until it becomes part of you?

Remember: the Bible on your shelf will not protect you. The Bible on your phone will not feed you. It is only when you open it, read it, believe it, and live it that it becomes your weapon in battle.Take up the Sword of the Spirit—every day. No sword, no victory. But with the Word of God in your hand and heart, the devil cannot prevail against you.