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Ephesians 6:17b - Christian Armor; The Word of God.

Ephesians 6:17b (NLT) and take the sword of 
the Spirit, which is the word of God.  

INTRODUCTION

   Finally, the soldier takes the sword of 
the Spirit -- the only offensive weapon 
mentioned. This refers to the short sword used in close 
combat. The sharp, short sword was one of Rome's 
great military innovations. The Roman army was 
called the "short swords" because of its use of the 
short swords in winning battles. The sword's 
double edges made it ideal for "cut and thrust" 
strategy. The relative pronoun translated which could 
refer to "the Spirit" or to the whole phrase, 
"sword of the Spirit." The Word of God is the 
Spirit's sword (see Isa 11:4-5; 2 Thess 2:8; Heb 
4:12). The Spirit makes the Word of God effective 
as we speak it and receive it. The Spirit gives 
the Word its penetrating power and sharp edge. 
Jesus' use of God's Word in his temptation prompts 
our use of it against Satan (Matt 4:4,7,10). 
With the Holy Spirit within, believers have the 
constant reminder of God's Word to use against 
Satan's temptations. 
   When the enemy, the tempter (Matt 4:3-4; 
1 Thess 3:5), tries to tempt us to do evil, we 
have the power to send him away with the word of 
God. The Spirit will bring the words to mind, for 
Jesus promised, "The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, 
whom the Father will send in my name, will teach 
you all things and will remind you of everything 
I have said to you" (John 14:26 NIV). (Life 
Application Commentary) 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   The creative energy that called the 
worlds into existence is in the word of God. This 
word imparts power; it begets life. Every command 
is a promise; accepted by the will, received 
into the soul, it brings with it the life of the 
Infinite One. It transforms the nature and re-creates 
the soul in the image of God.   
   The life thus imparted is in like manner 
sustained. "By every word that proceedeth out of the 
mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4) shall man live.   
   The mind, the soul, is built up by that 
upon which it feeds; and it rests with us to 
determine upon what it shall be fed. It is within the 
power of everyone to choose the topics that shall 
occupy the thoughts and shape the character. Of 
every human being privileged with access to the 
Scriptures, God says, "I have written to him the great 
things of My law." "Call unto Me, and I will answer 
thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which 
thou knowest not." Hosea 8:12; Jeremiah 33:3.  
ED126 

COMMENTARY

Pick Up Your Sword
   Before I became a Christian, I read some 
of the Bible, but it seemed largely 
meaningless. After I became a Christian, however, the 
Bible came alive to me. 
   I remember reading it and understanding 
it for the first time. It changed my life as I 
discovered new principles every day for living the 
Christian life. 
   When the apostle Paul outlined Gods 
armor in Ephesians 6, the only piece he listed 
that is both defensive and offensive is the sword 
of the Spirit, the Word of God (see Ephesians 
6:17). With the sword we can block attacks, but we 
can strike with it as well. 
   The Holy Spirit inspired the Bible and 
illuminates the Scriptures for us. And the Holy Spirit 
enables us to know Gods Word, remember verses 
weve studied, and use them appropriately. 
   Jesus modeled this for us during His 
temptation in the wilderness. He responded to each 
temptation by quoting the Scriptures. He effectively 
deflected temptation using the sword of the Spirit. 
   Sadly, a lot of believers have all their 
spiritual armor in place but never use the sword of 
the Spirit. They talk about it. They study it. 
But they never actually use it in spiritual 
battle. 
   Meanwhile, the devil knows all too well 
the power and authority of the Bible, and he 
will try to keep Christians from it at all costs. 
He fears the sword. He knows the value of it. 
   What shape is your sword in? Is it 
polished from daily use and sharpened on the anvil of 
experience as you apply and obey its truth in your 
life? Or, is it rusty from a lack of preparation 
and dulled by disobedience? 
   If we neglect Bible study, our spiritual 
life ultimately will unravel. Everything we need 
to know about God is found in His Word. So, 
lets follow the example of Jesus and use it. 
[Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries; 
https://www.harvestdaily.com] 

ONE LINER

As the will of man co-operates with the will 
of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to 
be done at His command may be accomplished in 
His strength. All His biddings are enablings.  
{COL 333} 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY

Ephesians 6:17b - Christian Armor; The Word 
of God. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180424-0917.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/