and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

(Ephesians 6:17)

The Authority of Scripture in Guiding Believers. The authority of the believer comes from God and from God’s Word. As we are God’s ambassadors, we can speak with His authority as we share His Word, appealing to the world on behalf of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). We wield the sword of the Spirit, a mighty weapon forged by God for our use (Ephesians 6:17).

The Sword Of The Spirit

In our ongoing battle with the forces of evil, the Lord commands, “Take the sword of the Spirit.” This is the only weapon we are given among all the combat equipment mentioned in this Bible passage. And what is this weapon? “The sword of the Spirit is the word of God.” Hebrews 4:12 describes it this way: “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Our enemy hates this weapon. He was repelled by the Word of God as he tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

And the sword – The sword was an essential part of the armor of an ancient soldier. His other weapons were the bow, the spear, or the battle-axe. But, without a sword, no soldier would have regarded himself as well armed. The ancient sword was short, and usually two-edged, and resembled a dagger very much. Of the Spirit – Which the Holy Spirit furnishes; the truth which he has revealed Which is the word of God – What God has spoken – his truth and promises.

It was with this weapon that the Saviour met the tempter in the wilderness; Matthew 4. It is only by this that Satan can now be met. Error and falsehood will not put back temptation; nor can we hope for victory, unless we are armed with truth.

As a result: (1) we should study the Bible, that we may understand what the truth is. (2) we should have texts of Scripture at command, as the Saviour did, to meet the various forms of temptation. (3) we should not depend on our own reason or rely on our own wisdom. A single text of Scripture is better to meet a temptation, than all the philosophy which the world contains. The tempter can reason, and reason plausibly too. But he cannot resist a direct and positive command of the Almighty. Had Eve adhered simply to the Word of God, and urged his command, without attempting to “reason” about it, sire would have been safe. The Saviour met the tempter with the Word of God, and he was foiled. So, we will be safe if we adhere to the simple declarations of the Bible and oppose a temptation by a positive command of God. But the moment we leave that, and begin to play with sin, that moment we are gone. It is as if a man should throw away his sword and use his naked hands only in meeting an adversary. Hence, (4) we may see the importance of training up the young in the accurate study of the Bible. There is nothing which will furnish a better security to them in future life, when temptation comes upon them, than to have a pertinent text of Scripture at command. Temptation often assails us so suddenly that it checks all “reasoning;” but a text of Scripture will suffice to drive the tempter from us. Bible Hub

On the festival of Pentecost, as Peter preached the good news of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, the sword of the Spirit “cut [people] to the heart,” and they cried out, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). The Word exposed their sin, and Peter explained the solution: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Hell lost its grip on three thousand people that day as they found freedom in Jesus. God’s Word is the true story of how God loves us at great cost to him. Can you see why it’s so important to spend time in God’s Word and make it part of our daily lives?

Our enemies are mighty, and we are without strength, but our Redeemer is almighty, and in the power of his mighty we may overcome. Wherefore we must stir up ourselves. Have not we, when God has called, often neglected to answer? Let us think upon these things, and continue our prayers with patience.