In previous studies of this series, we talked about the importance of recognizing that we are in a real battle against unseen forces of evil and the nature of that battle. We considered the value of being inwardly empowered by the DUNAMIS of God and how to go about it. We've looked at putting on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness and we've talked about having our feet shod "with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Most recently, we focused on the shield of faith then the helmet of salvation
Today we turn
our attention to the sword of the spirit.
[Eph 6:13-17a, ESV] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God....
Two
important Greek words from verse 17:
- MACHAIRA- a large knife, used for killing animals and cutting up flesh; a small sword, distinguished from the large sword
- RHEMA- that which has been stated or said, with primary focus upon the content of the communication; that which has been uttered by the living voice; an utterance
The Latin word
is gladius and it became known as "the sword that conquered the
world"
- · The most actively used version of this sword during Paul's time is called the Pompeii Gladius
- · Four of these were discovered in the excavations at Pompeii (which was destroyed by volcanic eruptions in 79 AD) and have been tentatively dated to around 64 AD, the same year Paul wrote his letter to the church at Ephesus
"The sword
of the Spirit"
- · The owner's name was often engraved or punched on the blade
- · The blade was around 20" long and just shy of 2" wide
The Pompeii
Gladius was the fourth major version of the gladius... and it was designed with
a specific goal in mind
- · Like previous versions of the gladius, the blade had two razor-sharp edges for cutting (double-edged sword)
- · Its innovation was the point, which was reinforced and designed to punch through leather and even thin metal armor
- · This change in design reflected that battle tactics had changed to emphasize the thrust rather than the cut in combat
[Roman soldiers] were taught not to cut but to thrust with their swords. For the Romans not only made a jest of those who fought with the edge of that weapon, but always found them an easy conquest. A stroke with the edges, though made with ever so much force, seldom kills, as the vital parts of the body are defended both by the bones and armor. On the contrary, a stab, though it penetrates but two inches, is generally fatal.- Flavius Vegetius Renatus (from a 390 AD military manual)
"The sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God" is also designed with a
specific goal in mind
·
Rhema- that which has been stated or said, with
primary focus upon the content of the communication; that which has been
uttered by the living voice; an utterance
·
See Luke 2:25-32
The significance of rhema is exemplified in the injunction to take "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," Eph 6:17; here the reference is not to the whole Bible as such, but to the individual scripture which the Spirit brings to our remembrance for use in time of need….
-Vine’s Expository Dictionary
- · See Matt. 4:1-11
- · The design and size of a Pompeii Gladius allowed a soldier to step inside an enemy's guard and thrust the sword with deadly effect
The effectiveness of Roman
soldiers was no accident; they received exhaustive training in use of the
gladius
We are informed by the writings of the ancients that, among their other exercises, they had that of the post. They gave their recruits round bucklers woven with willows, twice as heavy as those used on real service, and wooden swords double the weight of the common ones. They exercised them with these at the post both morning and afternoon. This is an invention of the greatest use, not only to soldiers, but also to gladiators. No man of either profession ever distinguished himself in the circus or field of battle, who was not perfect in this kind of exercise. Every soldier, therefore, fixed a post firmly in the ground, about the height of six feet. Against this, as against a real enemy, the recruit was exercised with the above mentioned arms, as it were with the common shield and sword, sometimes aiming At the head or face, sometimes at the sides, at others endeavoring to strike at the thighs or legs. He was instructed in what manner to advance and retire, and in short how to take every advantage of his adversary; but was thus above all particularly cautioned not to lay himself open to his antagonist while aiming his stroke at him.- Flavius Vegetius Renatus (from a 390 AD military manual)
How can we prepare ourselves to be ready to effectively
hear and use the sword of the Spirit?
- Recognize that as believers we are designed and able to hear the rhema of God
John 8:47,
ESV
Whoever
is of God hears the words [rhema] of God. The reason why you do not hear them
is that you are not of God."
John 10:27,
ESV
My
sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
- Saturate ourselves in the logos
Heb
4:12-13, ESV
For
the word [logos] of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and
discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
"By continually looking at the word, faith sees the answer." -Kenneth Hagin
