Lesson 27: The Sword of the Spirit, part 1

Ephesians 6:17
…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

The sixth piece of armor we need to put on for God’s victory that He has already given to us is the Sword of the Spirit.

The Roman soldier’s sword was about 18-24 inches long, usually made of iron, and was double-edged so it could cut both ways. In training with this short sword, the soldier was taught to stab and thrust rather than slashing. They did not often use their longer sword, which was 6 to 8 feet long, because this longer sword required both hands – meaning they could not use their shield. This large sword, also because of its size and weight, took more energy to stop once a swing with it was begun. Both swords were hung on the soldier’s belt (remember, the Christian’s belt is the Belt of Truth!). The short sword, then, was a much quicker and effective weapon because it could be used, together with the shield, in quick thrusts and jabs at unprotected parts of an enemy’s body.

Please notice that armor is not only defensive. If it was, a soldier could only stand for so long before unending attack would wear them down. This sword was for attack. It dealt the killing blows. With the sword, you could fight back and take your enemy out. You could stop the attacks from happening!


Our verse above tells us what this sword is for us – the word of God, the Bible. Some people think the sword is the Spirit, but this is not so – it is the sword SUPPLIED by the Spirit, the sword is the WORD of God.
2 Peter 1:21 - For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God gave us His “sword” to cut into our enemy with precise jabs. The Bible knows exactly where to jab and cut into and to stop the evil one’s attacks. No matter what the enemy throws at us, there is a precise counter attack from God in His word that will defeat him.
Isaiah 27:1 - In that day the LORD with His hard and great and strong sword will punish [the enemy]...
Amos 9:4 - And if they go into captivity before their enemies, there I will command the sword, and it shall kill them…

We will study more about the power of this sword in our next lesson.