EXPOSITION: Various images have been used to describe the Bible, one of which is the ‘sword’. The sixth piece of armour that Paul discusses in Ephesians 6 is the sword of the Spirit, which also represents the Word of God. In both the Ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world, the ‘sword’ was the most important weapon for warfare. It was used as both a defensive and an offensive weapon.

It was double-edged with a sharpened point to make it pierce an armour for deeper penetration. The word of God, however, is not just a sword; it is the ‘sword of the Spirit’. The Spirit of God is the author of the word of God, and He also uses it for the transformation of humanity. Our discussion today focuses on the word of God as the sword of the Spirit.

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, is part of the Christian’s armoury in the fight against evil. The writer of Hebrews made it clear that the word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword. The sword of the Spirit speaks of its source and owner. It belongs to the Holy Spirit and is given by Him.

The Holy Spirit makes the Word divinely powerful and effective, making it alive and giving it a cutting and piercing edge. It is the sword of the Spirit because it is of God. The word of God has been likened to sword because of its ability to pierce even to the dividing of the soul, spirit and human heart and the physical body (joints and marrow). It is so potent that as it enters into a person, it brings about transformation. It also has devastating effect on Satan and his cohorts. To effectively use the word of God as the sword of the Spirit, we must study, memorise and declare it in battle.