Chuck Larsen

The sword of the Spirit is the “word” of God. The Greek word for “word” is not the expected ‘logos,” which might, as Pentecost says, “refer to the Word in its totality; instead, he used an interesting and significant word (rhema) which refers to the Scriptures as composed of individual sayings.” In his book “Designed to Be Like Him,” J. D. Pentecost goes on to explain the significance of this distinction. He writes, “It is the Word in its applied sense. It is the Word that we have personally appropriated and experienced. When Paul uses this word, he teaches us a very important truth concerning the Word of God as a weapon. Only that portion of the Word which has particular relevance to the temptation at hand may be considered the sword that will defeat the enemy.”

If we’re to be like Christ, we must wield the sword like Christ did. Continuing the quote, “When Satan came to Christ with temptation, He used a specific verse that dealt with that specific problem, and He quoted that verse as the answer to the temptation. He took from the Scripture what was applicable to that particular temptation. You do not necessarily have a sword of the Spirit because you own a leather-bound, gilt-edged copy of the Holy Bible. You have the sword of the Spirit to use against Satan when that which is in the Bible has been transferred to your mind and heart so that when Satan comes, you can apply that which you have learned to defeat him in that particular attack.”

Again, continuing, J.D. writes, “The Word of God that you have appropriated is the sword of the Spirit.” It’s not the notes you have taken from retreat speakers. It’s not the books you have about the Bible. It’s what “you have written in your heart.” This struck me as correct because of David’s claim in Psalm 119:11. He says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Doing battle against temptation is the full and complete comprehension of God’s instructions to man, as they apply in every situation. In conclusion, my commentator says, “You must study the Word and appropriate the Word so that you may be able to stand. As a Christian soldier, you can have victory because you know the Word of God, have appropriated it, and know how to use it when you are tempted.”

All of the pieces of the armor of God are defensive in nature except one. Some would argue that the shield might be used to bash an opponent, but that’s not the intended use. The Sword of the Spirit, “which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17), is the only truly offensive weapon. To wield this weapon with skill requires practice. One must spend time knowing, understanding, and appreciating the weapon’s intricacies. David says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (See Psalm 119:103). There’s an old illustration many preachers have used to explain the importance of spending time soaking up God’s Word. It uses the butterfly, botanist, and bee!

Butterflies float from flower to flower, pausing for just a second or two before moving on. It touches many flowers but doesn’t get much from the encounter. Many people are like butterflies when it comes to God’s word. They really get little from the encounter. Botanists, however, will spend hours focusing a microscope on the pedals, the stems, and the stalks while taking notes. When he’s finished, he puts his microscope away and closes his notebook. There’s a wealth of information in the notes and in his head. But it doesn’t affect his life. Some people treat their bibles like the botanist treats their flowers. It’s filled with information; they have written all kinds of notes on its content, but when done, simply close it and walk away. The honeybee, however, settles upon the flowers and makes his way deep into the very heart from which he draws the sweetest nectar from which he produces honey to feed many. The bee takes away all it can carry. It goes into the flower empty but comes out full.

Butterflies move from popular preacher to popular preacher, from Bible Class to Bible class, fluttering here and there, looking for another nice feeling. The spiritual botanist takes notes. They focus on each detail of words, grammar, and culture, but it’s all purely academics. The bee draws out wisdom and truth and puts those sweet nuggets to work in their lives, providing for others. MacArthur concludes after retelling this illustration by asking, “Which one are you?” He goes on to suggest that when God’s Spirit rules in our lives, when we get into our bibles, we will “come in and go out full—again and again and again. You will know how to use your sword of the Spirit, on defense, on offense, and in any way you need. Then in the daily spiritual battle, you will have your fair share of the thrill of victory.”