The Sword of the Spirit

The last of the six pieces of the Christian’s armor listed in Ephesians 6 is “the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word” (Eph 6:17). John Stott points out that “of all the six pieces of armor or weaponry listed, the sword is the only one which can clearly be used for attack as well as defense.” And the kind of attack envisaged here is one that involves a close encounter, for the word used for sword is machaira, meaning a short sword or dagger.

There is much more to spiritual warfare than standing up to the Devil. We possess, according to James 4:7, the potential to make him “flee”: “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” The word “flee” is a very strong word in the original Greek. It means much more than just a strategic withdrawal; it means beating a swift retreat. What an amazing truth! It is possible for a Christian so to resist the Devil that he races away as fast as he can.

This truth must not be seen in any way as limiting the Devil’s power, for he is a strong and determined foe. It means rather that a Christian able to wield the sword of the Spirit can ensure that Satan is overpowered. We are right to develop a healthy respect for the Devil’s wiles, but we are wrong when we allow him to terrorize us.

We must have the assurance, given everywhere in the New Testament, that to engage in conflict with the Devil is not a hopeless task. We are not to indulge in overconfidence, but, at the same time, we are not to be frightened by him.

Further Study

Lk 10:1-20; Ac 3:6-8; 16:16-18; 1Pt 5:8-9

How much authority over Satan have we been given?

How did the early church exercise this authority?