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The Word of God Taking the
Sword And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.—Ephesians 6:17 Peter Karavas The sword of the spirit is part of the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Verse 17 describes it as “the word of God.” In essence, the sword of the spirit is the truth of the word of God as revealed to us by the holy spirit. The association of the holy spirit with the word of God reminds us of the holy of the tabernacle where the oil of the lampstand represents the holy spirit. The table of showbread represents the word of God. These two work together to provide enlightenment to those dwelling in the holy as new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The holy spirit helps to reveal the meaning of the word of God: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV). As the oil of a lamp fuels the flame, so the holy spirit provides enlightenment to the Scriptures. Finally, the holy of the tabernacle also contained the incense altar, picturing the prayers of Jesus and the saints (Revelation 5:8; 8:3). Ephesians 6:18 brings in prayer as a final element needed after putting on the whole armor of God. These three—God’s word, the holy spirit, and prayer—are the new creature’s spiritual growth tools during this Gospel age. Putting on the Armor “Let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12, NKJV). Only those who have put on the whole armor of God will be properly equipped to withstand the assaults of the enemy. We can find all of this shining armor of light in the Lord’s great armory—his word, the Bible. But it requires time and care to put the armor on and learn how to use it. We are not alone for we each assist one another in putting it on, every piece being riveted together with love. Those of God’s people who have been overcharged with the cares of this life and neglect the study of the divine word (the sword of the spirit) will find themselves lacking of the armor of God and vulnerable to error. Fully armed with the knowledge of his word, through the study and application of it, the new creature can withstand error by the kind and courageous presentation and defense of the truth. Paul’s admonition that we should “put on the armor of light” identifies truth (light) with all pieces of the armor of God. Without truth our faith (shield), righteousness (breastplate), hope of salvation (helmet), gospel (sandals) and service (girdle) would all be based on error. In this case our armor would be so defective as to provide little, if any, protection. We put the armor of God on each day as we study and apply his word in our lives. For example, we learn from the Bible that by faith David met Goliath in battle. By human standards David had no chance to survive the fight (1 Samuel 17:24). We apply this lesson by pursuing God’s will in faith, even against giant obstacles and likely loss of human possessions or status. This is how we put on the shield of faith. Another example is when we see how Daniel’s enemies could find no fault by which to condemn him (Daniel 6:4,5). We apply this lesson by acting righteously and honestly in all our activities, even when we sacrifice earthly attainments. This is how we put on the breastplate of righteousness. In every case where we put on one piece of the armor of God, the truth (sword) is the guiding principle for putting on that portion of the armor of God. How to Use the Sword of the Spirit Although most of the other armor is primarily defensive, the sword of the spirit is used both offensively (teaching truth) and defensively (responding to error with truth). To use the sword effectively, a soldier first needs proper training. The new creation learns to use the word of God skillfully by zealously searching the Scriptures so that they may employ the sword of truth for the protection of others and in defense of themselves. To not know how to use it is to have no protection against error. Let us not hold back from drawing our sword because we are ashamed of, or embarrassed by, the truth; God, after all, is its author. Yet, unless the truth is spoken in love, all who handle the word of God are in danger of doing injury to themselves and others. The truth itself needs no unkind language to drive it home. Since truth does the cutting, there is no need for us to make cutting remarks. The word of God teaches truth along the lines of doctrine, prophecy, godly service and character development. As the new creature speaks the truth along any of these lines, the sword of the spirit will provide enlightenment and guidance that will be a blessing to many. Let us not make the mistake of studying doctrine and prophecy without appreciating the character development lessons found therein. God is the author of doctrine and prophecy and, as such, these are a reflection of his character. For example, justification teaches us to be morally righteous, sanctification to grow as sympathetic under-priests through sacrificial service; and the prophecy of Gentile times shows that our compassionate God will forgive Israel’s sins and ultimately remove their blindness. Paul stated that “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into him, who is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15, NASV). We need to fight the human tendency to be hurtful and combative with our words. Paul elaborated in verse 29: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.” So before we speak, let us ask ourselves whether our words will be edifying, bringing grace to the hearer. In a similar vein, Paul wrote: “So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Romans 14:19, NASB). Just because something is true, does not mean it has to be said. A verbal assault against a brother, even if true, would not be edifying. We are admonished: “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law [of love] and judges the law” (James 4:11, NKJV). When parents admonish their children, it is not to hurt them, but to protect and guide them. When we see our brethren in danger, we may feel spiritually compelled to “speak the truth in love” directly to them. In a similar case, Paul lamented, “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16, NKJV). Such words should not be spoken without careful contemplation and prayer, weighing the potential benefits against the potentially divisive results. The damage done by our words cannot be reversed and the consequences may be greater than anticipated. Rather than merely speaking the truth in love, the best approach might be to teach by example. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NIV). Elders are admonished “to shepherd the flock of God which is among you … being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3, NKJV). We are all well advised to do the same. Paul is a great example of one who carefully and skillfully wielded the sword of the spirit. He knew how to put himself in another person’s shoes and to communicate in a way they could appreciate his message. He wrote: “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22, NKJV). Paul’s tact and diplomacy of speech were so compelling King Agrippa said to him, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28, NKJV). The Bible is full of other examples of the skillful use of the sword of the spirit. Jesus’ words gave hope to thoughtful sinners, rather than condemnation, and they flocked to him. Abigail entreated David with humble words of apology and thereby turned his wrath to kindness (1 Samuel 25). Phillip won over a stranger, preaching the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40). Let us also skillfully use the sword of the spirit. Hebrews 4:12—The Word of God A key text to help us understand the rich meaning behind the sword of the spirit is found in Hebrews: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB). The context shows that the Israelites could not enter God’s rest due to their disobedience and unbelief. Yet we now can enter God’s rest through trust and obedience to his word, which here is compared to a sword. The Amplified translation of Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective].” The word of God is living and powerful in the sense that it animates and energizes our heart, mind and actions to faith, obedience and service, thereby causing us to successfully enter God’s rest. But we are told in 1 Corinthians 13, if we have all knowledge, but no love, we are nothing. To benefit us spiritually, knowledge must transform our minds and hearts. Many who have studied doctrine and prophecy have done so without understanding that the main goal to be achieved is character development in God’s likeness. The doctrines and prophecies recorded in the word of God give us an insight into the mind and heart of God, of whom we strive daily to be a copy. Two-Edged Sword This sword is described as “two-edged” because it is used for applying the principles of God’s word to ourselves as well as sharing it with others. Additionally, it can be said that God’s word reproves sin as much when found in his most earnest followers as when found in others. The word of God is described as “piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul [the human nature] and spirit [the new nature]” (Hebrews 4:12). With the guidance of the holy spirit in understanding God’s word, the new creature can distinguish between the world’s wisdom and God’s wisdom. We can make a distinction between behaviors and interests of the flesh and the spiritual longings and pursuits of the new creature. Paul explained it this way: “For what person knows a man’s thoughts except the spirit of the man which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:11, 12, RSV). Able to Judge Heart Intentions Let us look at various translations of how the two-edged sword works in Hebrews 4:12:
The study of the word of God identifies a standard of righteousness that helps us discern which of our motives and behaviors are good and which are evil, as they harmonize with or contradict the Bible’s teachings. God’s word helps us see where our motives and behavior fall short of its standard and where we need to correct and/or grow. Hence God’s word helps us judge and correct our heart intentions as well as our behavior. We cannot overemphasize the importance of using the sword of the spirit to discern and judge our own heart intentions. As Pastor Russell wrote: “Heart-loyalty to the Lord will mean continual effort to bring all the conduct of our lives, yea, the very thoughts and intents of our hearts, into subjection to the divine will” (Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 6, p. 136). Remembering that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9, NKJV; see Proverbs 4:23), we can understand why the Scriptures admonish us to examine ourselves.
The apostle Peter experienced a period of deep self-examination after denying Jesus, and the result was a dramatic change in behavior when he boldly stood up to the counsel of religious leaders and refused to stop preaching Jesus (Acts 4). As we go through periods of self-examination, the result should be to correct our behavior and thoughts, to be continually transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). The sword of the spirit not only judges our own heart intentions, but the truth also manifests the thoughts and intents of people’s hearts by how they react to it. Indeed it has produced a separating and sifting work throughout the Gospel age, particularly in both the Jewish and Gospel harvests. Even so, it is not for us to judge the hearts of men who have been sifted out or separated from us during the harvest. Sickle of Truth “Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle” (Revelation 14:14, NKJV). A sickle is a harvesting tool that looks like a curved sword. In symbol we think that this sickle, like the sword of the spirit, also represents truth. Truth does the dividing work during the Gospel harvest, the end of the Gospel age, separating the wheat (true Christians) from the tares (imitation Christians) (Matthew 13:39,40). During the Jewish harvest, Jesus was described as having a winnowing fan in his hand (Matthew 3:12). It was a fan-shaped shovel used to toss the harvested wheat into the air. The wind then blew away the chaff. This winnowing fan, like the sickle and sword, represents the truth that separated Christians (wheat) from nominal Israel (chaff) at the time of the early church, during the Jewish harvest. Warfare in the Harvest
Just as in World War II when the Allies fought the Nazis in various theaters of
battle such as North Africa, France, England, etc., during the Gospel age, there
are various theaters of battle. Each has its own Platoon Leader or Messenger
with unique battle requirements and strategy (see Revelvation 2 and 3).
Understanding that we are in the last theater of battle, the Laodicean Church,
and the harvest of the Gospel age, it is important to fighting and winning our
personal battle, because it changes what we should do (Revelation 3:14-22). Deceptions in the Hour of Trial Revelation 3:10 says, “Because in spite of suffering you have guarded my word, I in turn will guard you from that hour of trial which is soon coming upon the whole world, to put to the test the inhabitants of the earth” (Weymouth). The sixth theater of battle (the sixth church, Philadelphia) was spared the “hour of trial,” but we are not spared. This “hour of trial” is so severe that the Adversary is attempting through it to mislead the elect: “For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24, NASB). These deceptions come from the false religious systems of Babylon, from which we are to “come out,” lest we “partake in her sins” (Revelation 18:4). These influences can creep into our fellowship and are well illustrated in Jesus’ warning in Luke 17:32 against being like Lot’s wife who turned back to the system and influence out of which she came. Pastor Russell described these deceptions that try us in the harvest. “The inspired apostle pointed down to our end of the age when indicating that Satan would transform himself into an angel of light … ‘Power and signs and lying [deceiving] wonders’ are to be expected at this time, as tests in this ‘harvest’ time of the age (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).”—Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 6, pp. 638, 639. “It is surely time that all—the eyes of whose understanding have been opened to a realization that we are now living in the end of the age, where all these predictions should be expected to reach fulfillment—should be on the lookout for them, and be able to identify them with the seductive teachings and miracle-workings prevalent on every hand throughout Christendom.” —Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 6, p. 639.
“We
see that, owing to the hundreds of conflicting creeds and doctrinal systems; the
many ‘isms,’ and the strong delusions and multiplied errors; so that if it were
possible the very elect would be deceived; not many are holding to the true
faith—only the ‘very elect.’ (Matt. 24:24)”—What Pastor Russell Said, p.
775. Sword of the Spirit is the Remedy Jesus provides the remedy to these deceptions in this “hour of trial.” “For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together” (Matthew 24:28, NKJV). Gathered around the bountiful provisions of the harvest truth, the elect will not be deceived by these nominal influences. We use the sword of the spirit to examine and expose these deceptions. Let us keep our sword sharp and ready for use by the continual study and application of God’s word. The concept of study and harmonization of all Scriptures on a topic has been key to eliminating confusion and finding the truth to be clear, compelling, and harmonious. In Luke 12:36,37 we are told that Jesus personally is serving us at his return. Then in verse 42, we are told how Jesus serves us this meat in due season. It is through that faithful and wise steward, our platoon leader in this harvest theater of battle. This meat in due season is the same truth as the sword of the spirit, but it is specially fitted for our present theater of battle, which is the Gospel age harvest, the time of the Laodicean church. Warfare in Heaven Although this spiritual warfare has been raging throughout the Gospel age and during the harvest, the battle continues and will be completed on the other side of the veil: “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13, NKJV). The “from now on” is the start of the Gospel age harvest mentioned in the next verse (Revelation 14:14). Once the harvest began in 1874, any who died in the Lord after this, “their works will follow them.” On both sides of the veil reapers are using sickles (swords) of truth to gather the wheat into the barn and tares into bundles for burning (Matthew 13:30,41). The barn represents our present association together much like the early church in the Jewish harvest, but ultimately it pictures our association together in heaven. The truth also has the effect of defensively drawing religious systems built on error and confusion more tightly into their denominational bundles. In Revelation 19, we have the next step where all the saints, having completed their earthly mission, are now represented as the armies in heaven: “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And he who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. … And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed him on white horses. Now out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should strike the nations” (Revelation 19:11-15, NKJV). Just as on this side of the veil, the sword of truth is our weapon to counteract lies, deceptions, and error. From the other side of the veil and on a much grander scale, the armies in heaven will continue this work. By that time the people will no longer be blinded and confused by lies, deceit, and errors. Even today we see the preliminary stages of this work as truth becomes more and more available on all subjects. We find senators, governors, big business, church denominations, and entertainers all being seen for what they really are. More and more, the people are able to see that the emperor (so to speak) is wearing no clothes. “The earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed” (2 Peter 3:10, ESV). Everyone Will Learn the Truth In the future earthly kingdom of Christ, Christian warfare will be over and the sword of the spirit will have accomplished its Gospel age work. Even so, truth will prevail as never before since “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9, NKJV). The deaf will hear, the blind will see, and those who erred will understand (Isaiah 29:18,24). “Many nations shall come and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; he will teach us his ways, and we shall walk in his paths” (Micah 4:2, NKJV). We Can Win the Battle In the meantime, we have a battle to fight. Though from a human standpoint victory seems impossible, we know that “with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27) and that he has provided us the necessary armor to win the battle: “For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, World English Bible).
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