The Sword of the Spirit by Richard Maisenbacher
Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” The era we are in now seems to be marked by controversy, arguments, opinions, blame, and lies, with very little peace. The schemes of the devil are to create anything but peace. It is our advantage in these battles to intercede and declare the Word of God and His truth as one of our weapons.
Our primary offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. All the first five weapons may keep us from being wounded, but the Word of God is the offensive weapon that gives us authority over the enemy. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Quoting Scripture must be a tool for satan, because even he used Scripture with Jesus in the wilderness; he just misapplied it. Jesus did not engage in a theological debate; He simply said, “It is written.” The sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God, refers to the rhema, or spoken Word. The sword of the Spirit means by faith we hear what the Spirit is saying scripturally; then we cooperate with Him and speak boldly. Thus, the Spirit of God motivates us and gives us the power and wisdom to use it.
Finally, the passage encourages us to communicate or pray at all times. This produces the intimate relationship that God desires. God wants to answer our prayers when they are in His will. By focusing on Him and His desires, we avoid becoming self-absorbed. This relationship fulfills us, gives us purpose, destiny, and peace, knowing that we are doing His will.
Recognizing the good fight of faith and love in our relationship with Jesus and others, is what makes this walk exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling. Finding happiness, self-pleasure, and self-worth in all the wrong places only brings guilt, frustration, and a sense of fear. Our walk with God includes faith, and more importantly, love. John 17:3 describes the relationship, “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” I am finally learning that this is eternal life, developing an intimate love relationship of knowing Him. The sword of the Spirit is necessary for that covenant relationship and winning the battles that confront us.
In His Covenant Love,
Richard Maisenbacher
Covenant Outreach Ministries, Inc.
The Covenant Center
P.O. Box 524, Lakeland, Fl. 33802
info@thecovenantcenter.com