An Offensive Weapon

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:13-17)

We think of armor as being defensive. The items called for are protection for loins, breast, feet and a shield for the entire body. Protect the head with a helmet. From head to toe, putting on the whole armour of God provides defense.

But we’re also told to take an offensive weapon the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.

We are told that God’s words are pure and serve as our protection: Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (Proverbs 30:5)

Jesus told us that men live by the very words of God: And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (Luke 4:4)

Jesus also tells us we become His family when we hear and do God’s word: And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. (Luke 8:21)

He told us that we are blessed by hearing, and doing, God’s word: But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. (Luke 11:28)

Paul told us it is the basis for faith: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Paul said the word of God is effective: For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

It is so much more than we know: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

From the beginning, as we read And God said, (Genesis 1:3a) we know of the power of His word. We are not surprised, then, to read: Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)

Nor are we surprised when it is revealed God’s word is more than scriptures: And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Revelation 19:11-13)