362. EPH 6:17. THE SWORD
Eph_6:17. The Sword
"And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."’97Eph_6:17.
We now come to the consideration of the last part of the Christian armor, "the sword of the Spirit." You will observe that all the other pieces of armor are purely of a defensive character. The breastplate to defend the heart, the helmet the head, and the shield to quench the fiery darts of the devil. The sword is designed to answer both purposes; it is to guard the Christian soldier, and by it he is to vanquish all his enemies. The blessed word is held out to us as being adapted to every state and circumstance in which we can be placed. It is that hammer which breaks the rocky heart in pieces; it is that fire which consumes the stubble of our sins; it is that light which is to guide our feet into the way of peace; it is that lamp which is to direct our steps in the night of perplexity; it is that cordial which is to console and cheer in sorrow; those riches which are to form the Christian’s treasure both in time and in eternity. But at present we are to keep the martial view of it before our eyes. "Take the sword of the Spirit," &c. Notice,
I. The Sword recommended.
II. When it may be employed.
III. Some Directions for effectually wielding it.
I. The Sword recommended. Observe,
1. The sword itself.
Is "the word of God." Now when the Apostle wrote, he must have referred to the Old Testament scriptures only: of these great and blessed things are spoken. Writing to Timothy, he says, "From a child," &c. Jesus said, "Search the scriptures," &c. Now we have the whole book; not only the twilight of the Old Testament, but the meridian noon of the gospel of Christ. We have both the shadow and the substance; the type and the antitype; the mystery and the revelation. As Christians we have especially to do with the writings of the New Testament. This is the portion of the disciples of Jesus. Here our duties are specified, our privileges exhibited, our blessings announced. Notice,
2. The description given of this sword "Sword of the Spirit."
(1) It is the production of the Spirit. Not the word of man, but the word of God. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2Ti_3:16. See also 2Pe_1:19-21.
(2) It is the instrument which the Holy Spirit makes use of in effecting his pur poses. Now view this as personally applying to believers. It is by the word the Spirit alarms and convinces of sin; it is by the word the Spirit converts and regenerates. "Ye shall know the truth," &c. "Born again of the incorruptible seed," &c. It is by the word the Spirit sanctifies and builds up. Act_20:32. So also in extending the kingdom of the Lord Jesus, the Spirit effects it by the word of God. Gospel heralds are to go forth crying, "Unto you is the word of this salvation sent." It is this gospel of the kingdom which is to be preached, &c. The world is in darkness and error. Hence the prayer, "O Lord, send out thy light and truth!"
(3) It is by the Spirit’s influence believers can profitably use the word of God. Hence that prayer, "O Lord, open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things," &c. Clearness of spiritual vision must be given to us by the Holy Spirit. See Joh_16:13, &c. Notice,
II. When the Sword of the Spirit may be employed.
Whenever we are assaulted by the devil; whenever the world attacks us; whenever our hearts would deceive us.
1. Satan’s assaults are to be resisted by the sword of the Spirit.
See this exemplified in the case of the Captain of our salvation. Mat_4:4, &c.
2. The world’s attacks are to be overcome by the sword of the Spirit.
Christ has said, "in the world ye shall," &c. "Be of good cheer, he that is in you is greater," &c. Now faith in God’s all-sufficiency will overcome the world. "This is the victory by which," &c. When in danger of worldly-mindedness, "Take the sword," &c. "Ye are not of the world, even as I am not," &c. "Come out," &c. When in danger of the snares of worldly riches. "Lay not up for yourselves," &c. The word points to Abraham, and Moses, &c. "They sought a better country," &c.
3. When our hearts would deceive us.
By distrust and despondency. It is written, "As thy day is," &c. The Lord will allow of no trouble, or trial, or temptation, but what is common. "Let us go up," &c. When in danger of being deceived into self-complacency and self-satisfaction. "I count not to have apprehended that for which I was," &c. "I press toward the mark," &c. Or into supineness and indolence. "Let us give all diligence," &c. "Work out your salvation," &c. "Let us fear lest a promise," Sic. "Be steadfast," &c. Notice,
III. Some Directions for effectually wielding it.
1. Cultivate an intimate acquaintance with it.
Read’97lay it up’97meditate. Let it dwell in you richly. Be mighty in the scriptures.
2. Keep this sword polished and bright.
This is only to be done by constant exercise. Practise the word of God; every day will give you opportunities.
3. Seek, by constant prayer, a renewal of spiritual strength.
God will make the hands of your arms strong. "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." "By waiting on the Lord ye shall renew," &c.
Application
1. Learn from this not to wage war with unhallowed weapons; such as human reason’97such as human passion. Neither; nor yet both, will do.
2. The weapon provided is all-sufficient. With this we may go forth, like our illustrious Captain, from conquering to conquer. It is divine, and has omnific power.
3. Use it for all spiritual purposes.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS