
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. —Ephesians 6:10-17
Up to this point, every piece of Armor that we have been given is actually defensive in nature. If we really are taking our life seriously, as Paul says we should, and we see it as a real war with a real enemy, we might want to have an offensive weapon! God gives us one! The sword of the spirit!
When you think of a sword, what do you think of?
If you were a first century person and you heard Paul say the word sword, what do you think they would think of?
About Swords:
When the Apostle Paul wrote this, 1st Century AD, Everyone carried a sword. In Greek the word was Machaira. Sounds kind of like a common word we use called Machete. Not to be confused with Rhomphaia, which was a huge two sided sword that would be swung with two hands. The Rhomphaia was a sword that would do extreme damage whereas the machaira was a smaller sword that could be carried by everyone. In fact, machaira is the word used of the sword that Peter was carrying and used to cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest who came to arrest Jesus. The soldiers who came to arrest Jesus were carrying Machaira’s. It was the sword for everyday carrying and everyday use. For the soldiers of the first Century, this sword was their American Express Card, You Never Leave Home Without it!)
Do you think Paul chose the word Machira instead of Rhomphaia for a reason and if so, why?
Not everyone could wield a Rhompaia or even have access to one.
The sword Paul said we have is not meant to bludgeon or enemies or cut off limbs and heads.
Everyone could carry a machaira and everyone should
For Leaders:
Paul could’ve chosen to use the other word for sword, that meant a big heavy slab of bloody death metal, but he didn’t. Everyone couldn’t carry one, everyone didn’t have access to one. We could also surmise that it wasn’t practical for everyday purposes. However there was something that everyone did have access to that would make a huge difference in their life if they used it. The machaira. The sword. Then he told us that our sword is the word of God.
How is the word of God like a sword? (Machaira) and not (Rhomphaia)?
For Leaders
When we say a weapon of offense, it doesn’t have to be a weapon of offense! Whereas a Rhomphaia was a weapon swung about to do ultimate damage the machaira “sword” was more of a strategic weapon used in close quarters hand to hand combat. Instead of slash and burn it was more of a surgical strike. Perhaps we might be better representatives of Christ if we realized that there is a difference.) We should also remember we are not fighting against flesh and blood.
The word is never to be used against people.
How are some ways that we might or have used our sword wrongly?
If our enemy is not people, but principalities and rulers in high places, how do we use the word of God like an offensive weapon?
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, —2 Corinthians 10:5
For Leaders:
Do you hold tightly to the sword of the Spirit? Do you believe what God’s word Says? Are you living your life according to what you say you believe or have you laid down your sword? Are you allowing the enemy to lie to you, confuse you, redefine for you what God has already said to you? Do you need to apologize to someone for using God’s word in a wrong way? Do you need to put down the Rhomphaia and pick up the Machaia and start building relationships with those you say you love so you have their ear to challenge their beliefs?