Ephesians 6 | The Sword of The Spirit

Sword of the Spirit; The Word of God

On today’s blogThursday, we will be taking a closer look at the last piece of equipment necessary for believers to have, according to Ephesians, chapter six. Let’s take a deeper dive into the main use of the sword in the context in which Paul refers to it versus the general use of the sword in the time of the apostles. 

​The Machaira is a large sword used for cutting animals into pieces and used as a weapon as well. We have seen how the other parts of the Armor are either used as an offensive or defensive tool. In the case of the sword, we will mainly be focusing on both sides of the use as well. You might remember Malchus, a character mentioned in the gospels. Remember when there were soldiers and teachers of the law coming to arrest Jesus and Peter basically slicing the ear off a man? Yeah, that’s Malchus (Mark 14:45-49; Matthew 26:50:54; Luke 22:49-53; John 18:10). What happened in that moment clearly helps us understand the difference between using our sword (the word of God that is used out of zeal but no revelation of the Spirit of God) versus using the sword of the Spirit (the use of the word of God according to the revelation of the Spirit of God) to protect ourselves from the attacks or being used by the enemy and also to protect our hearers.

Let’s take time to compare the two sections of scripture below and take time to reflect on how it relates to the use of the sword. 

“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)” (John 18:10)

“Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37).

(An Iron Machaira. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)

Did you catch the similarities and the differences here?

It is interesting how in both scenarios Peter is the main person performing the action. In the case of John 18:10, Peter took his sword and cut the ear of Malchus, while in the second scenario, the same person, Peter, now filled with the Holy Spirit, takes the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God (Eph 6:10), which then cuts the stubborn hearts of the Jews and all those in Jerusalem. It is also interesting how Malchus’ ear was cut and not another part of his body, making it more effective for the comparison we are making here. When we use our sword, which could be our understanding of the Bible that is out of context, our cultural background and limited sight, or out of zeal (like Peter has displayed when he wanted to defend his Master), we cause harm to our hearers. However, when we use the word of God, understanding through the Holy Spirit and speaking by the power we have received from Him, there is healing.

The Bible clearly demonstrates that we are to see the word of God, the scriptural truth that is found in the Bible, as a sword. Understanding the word of God to be like sword lets us know how much care goes into the use of the word of God and its effect on the human heart. The human heart by nature is deceitful (Jer. 17:9), and unresponsive to the call of the Holy Spirit. So, in our careful use of the sword of the Spirit, we can let the Spirit of God do His work by cutting away all the fat that is causing the heart to become unresponsive. Lastly, we must always remind ourselves that as believers, it is important we are equipped with the sword of the Spirit so that it “penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12). 

Question to reflect on

1. Whose machaira have I been using in my life so far? Mine or the Holy Spirit’s?

2. Has my use of the sword resulted in producing a Malchus or a crowd whose heart was cut to become responsive to the Spirit of God?

Prayer

Dear God, I want to thank you for teaching me through your word. I repent for all the times I have caused harm to others by misinterpreting your words and misrepresenting your kingdom. Equip me with the right knowledge of your word today so that I can become an active participant in the transformation of hearts for your kingdom. Teach me to depend on you for strength and may your Spirit continue to guide me all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.