How to Use the Sword of the Spirit
The sword of the Spirit is the word of God. (Eph. 6:17) “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) We must remember that the Spirit of God uses the word of God to accomplish the will of God.
The “sword of the Spirit” must be used along with other tools for good to come forth. In Neh. 4:17-18, we see that Nehemiah had learned that the sword alone was not enough. Other tools were needed by his men for the task at hand. You can fight with the sword, but you can’t build with it by itself. As you use the “sword of the Spirit,” be sure to use other tools available so that building will occur at the same time.
The “sword of the Spirit” must be combined with prayer. After telling the brethren to put on the whole armor of God in Eph. 6:10-16, Paul concluded by saying, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit …” (Eph. 6:17-18) Praying always in the Spirit means that we will have God’s power at work in us to help the “sword of the Spirit” serve its intended purpose in our own lives.
The “sword of the Spirit” must also be combined with gentleness, patience, humility, and love. (2 Tim. 2:24-26; Eph. 4:14-16) We must always think about the other person when using the “sword of the Spirit.” Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Reach out to them in gentleness, patience, humility, and love, and they will be much more likely to listen and respond.
The “sword of the Spirit” is the word of God. It is to be used by every Christian to accomplish the will of God in our lives and the lives of others. It must, however, be used along with other tools to build up for good. Always pray for the sword of the word to penetrate your own heart in the way it needs to. Then go forth in gentleness, patience, humility, and love with the “sword of the Spirit.” God will then be working in and through you to bring forth fruit to His glory. As you strive to imitate Him a little more in the week ahead, do so with the “sword of the Spirit” leading you forth at all times. God bless you. I love you.
Kevin
