Podcasts about sword of the spirit

Ephesians 6:17 - The Sword of the Spirit Pastor Mike Dean

James gives believers a clear command and a sure promise: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that these two commands are inseparable—because successful resistance flows from successful submission. A life fully submitted to God is fortified with godliness. We cannot afford to be passive when Satan or our flesh tempts us away from obedience to Christ. Instead, we must fight the fight of faith by trusting the promises of God—His promise to give more grace, His promise to favor the humble, and His promise to forgive and cleanse all who confess their sins. Dr. Youssef reminds us that the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. When Satan whispers accusations—“Your sins are too many,” “Your past is too dark,” “God will never forgive you”—we draw the sword and answer with Truth: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” The enemy is disarmed by the Word of God because he recognizes the presence of Jesus in you—the same Jesus who defeated him in the wilderness, condemned him at the cross, and will one day cast him into eternal ruin. In Christ, all God's promises are “Yes,” and by His power, you can submit, resist, and stand. Join me in prayer. Father God, thank You for Your Word that is my sword to fight against Satan, my flesh, and the darkness of the world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

sword of the spirit. luis jara by Home Church

sword of the spirit. cody mathisen by Home Church

sword of the spirit. natiana hurtado by Home Church

Sunday morning sermons from Vertical Church St. Paul.References:Sources & citations• Ephesians 6:17; 6:13; 6:18 — the armor / the fourfold “stand” / sword-and-prayer as one sentence. Berean Bible Church, Eph 6:17–20• Isaiah 59:16–17 — the Divine Warrior puts on the same armor Paul lists; Septuagint word-parallels. Bible Hub cross-reference; Desiring God, "Sacred Weapons"• Isaiah 49:2, 49:16 — “mouth like a sharpened sword”; “engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Bible Gateway, Isaiah 49• Genesis 3:1 — “Did God actually say...?” Bible Gateway• Genesis 3:24 — the flaming sword guarding the way to the tree of life. Bible Hub• Genesis 1:3 — “Let there be light.” Bible Study Tools• John 19:34 — the spear pierces Jesus' side; blood and water confirm His death. Bible Hub• John 1:1 — “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God.” GotQuestions• 2 Timothy 3:16 — all Scripture “breathed out by God” (theopneustos). GotQuestions• Hebrews 4:12, 4:16 — living/active word that pierces; the throne of grace three verses later. Bible Gateway, Hebrews 4• Matthew 4:1–11 — Jesus answers temptation with “It is written.” Enduring Word, Matthew 4• Revelation 19:15 — the sword from the mouth of the returning King. Bible Hub• Revelation 19:13 — the returning King named “The Word of God,” robed in blood. Bible Hub• Revelation 22:1-2, 14 — the tree of life restored, gates open, no barring sword. Bible Gateway• Romans 8:1, 8:39 — no condemnation; nothing can separate. Bible Gateway, Romans 8• J.I. Packer, Knowing God — “graven on the palms of his hands... never out of his mind.” The Gospel Coalition• Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Creation and Fall / Temptation — “The temptation of Christ was harder...” Quotefancy• Martin Luther, Works, Vol. 51 — “I did nothing; the Word did everything.” Gentle Reformation• Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved — “You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests.” Henri Nouwen Society• Charles Spurgeon — “edge all over... keen to cut.” Goodreads; on the Word as sword / Christ-centered, The Spurgeon Centerbereanbiblechurch.orgEphesians 6:17-20 - The Pertinence of Prayer : Berean Bible ChurchDesiring GodSacred Weapons for Spiritual War: Wearing the Whole Armor of God

The only offensive weapons in the armor of God are the Word of God and prayer. Jesus never wields this sword with aggression, but He wields it with love and through prayer. He prays for His disciples and for us. The Sword of the Spirit is Scripture and prayed in dependence on the Father. Prayer is how we talk to God and the Word of God is how God has chosen to talk to us. The offensive weapon we have is the relationship we have with our God, that has been won for us by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Spiritual warfare is ultimately communion with God. To armor up like Jesus is to become a praying people, shaped by the Word, united in love, and confident that the victory has already been secured.  

The only offensive weapons in the armor of God are the Word of God and prayer. Jesus never wields this sword with aggression, but He wields it with love and through prayer. He prays for His disciples and for us. The Sword of the Spirit is Scripture and prayed in dependence on the Father. Prayer is how we talk to God and the Word of God is how God has chosen to talk to us. The offensive weapon we have is the relationship we have with our God, that has been won for us by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Spiritual warfare is ultimately communion with God. To armor up like Jesus is to become a praying people, shaped by the Word, united in love, and confident that the victory has already been secured.  

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword." Matthew 10:34 (NKJV) Cultural Peace? Most people enter Christianity looking for a life free from conflict, pressure, or difficult choices. They want a "peace" that is defined by the absence of trouble. Jesus exposes the truth: Following Him is not a path to human comfort; it is a path to radical realignment. If your version of the Gospel is "peaceful" with the world's systems, your own fleshly desires, and religious traditions, you are likely not following the Jesus of the Bible. Christianity is not about your personal comfort; but total allegiance to Him. The "sword" is the Truth of God's Word. When that Truth enters a life, it creates an unavoidable division between the old man and the new man, and between the Kingdom of Light and the kingdom of darkness. You cannot have both. You cannot be yoked to the world and yoked to Christ at the same time. The sword is designed to cut away the idols, the compromises, and the soulish attachments that are hindering your walk with Him. Jesus explains that this "division" will even affect the closest human relationships. This is not because Jesus hates families, but because He requires Supremacy. If your primary loyalty is to a person, a tradition, or a political agenda rather than the King, you are not fit for the Kingdom. The "sword" will eventually force you to choose: Will you prioritize the approval of man, or the mandate of the Holy Spirit? Radical discipleship requires the courage to walk away from anything—or anyone—that demands you compromise your loyalty to Christ. #ApostleCathyCoppola #Matthew1034 #KingdomAlignment #RadicalDiscipleship #TheSwordOfTheSpirit #HouseOfGlory #MightyWindTV #ApostolicTeaching #KingdomAuthority #SpiritualWarfare #TotalAllegiance #GospelOfTheKingdom

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword." Matthew 10:34 (NKJV) Cultural Peace? Most people enter Christianity looking for a life free from conflict, pressure, or difficult choices. They want a "peace" that is defined by the absence of trouble. Jesus exposes the truth: Following Him is not a path to human comfort; it is a path to radical realignment. If your version of the Gospel is "peaceful" with the world's systems, your own fleshly desires, and religious traditions, you are likely not following the Jesus of the Bible. Christianity is not about your personal comfort; but total allegiance to Him. The "sword" is the Truth of God's Word. When that Truth enters a life, it creates an unavoidable division between the old man and the new man, and between the Kingdom of Light and the kingdom of darkness. You cannot have both. You cannot be yoked to the world and yoked to Christ at the same time. The sword is designed to cut away the idols, the compromises, and the soulish attachments that are hindering your walk with Him. Jesus explains that this "division" will even affect the closest human relationships. This is not because Jesus hates families, but because He requires Supremacy. If your primary loyalty is to a person, a tradition, or a political agenda rather than the King, you are not fit for the Kingdom. The "sword" will eventually force you to choose: Will you prioritize the approval of man, or the mandate of the Holy Spirit? Radical discipleship requires the courage to walk away from anything—or anyone—that demands you compromise your loyalty to Christ. #ApostleCathyCoppola #Matthew1034 #KingdomAlignment #RadicalDiscipleship #TheSwordOfTheSpirit #HouseOfGlory #MightyWindTV #ApostolicTeaching #KingdomAuthority #SpiritualWarfare #TotalAllegiance #GospelOfTheKingdom

May the God of Wonders Bless You!

The enemy knows Scripture. He just doesn't follow God's will. That's why followers of Jesus need more than Bible knowledge—we need God's Word shaping our lives.

In this message from Ephesians 6:14–17, Pastor Jim concludes the Armor of God section by focusing on the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. He explains that God's Word, through the Holy Spirit, orients us to reality, especially when life feels cloudy, confusing, or spiritually chaotic. The Spirit uses the written Word to point us to the living Word, Jesus, helping us resist deception, know truth, and walk in obedience. Ultimately, the goal is not simply to quote more Scripture, but to know Christ so deeply that the enemy's lies become unbelievable.

Ephesians 6 reminds us that Scripture, brought to life by the Holy Spirit, is far more than ancient text. It's a living, breathing source of strength for battles we face today. When we know God's Word deeply, we can stand firm against doubt, fear, and every lie that tries to steal our peace. Listen now and be inspired to pick up your Bible with fresh eyes and let the Spirit make it come alive in your heart.

The Whole Armor of God10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 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, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. Every weekday at 3:30 am and 7:30 am you can listen to The Gospel for Life on KSPD 94.5 FM and 790 AM Boise's Solid Talk in the Treasure Valley,  Idaho, USA.If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them.  If you enjoy The Gospel for Life, please give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. That helps us a lot!Phone: (208) 991-3526E-mail: thegospelforlifeidaho@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://www.790kspd.com/gospel-for-life/to donate on line https://www.reformationboise.com/donate

Every believer has been given a powerful weapon for spiritual victory, the Word of God. In this practical and empowering message, Pastor Corey Erman teaches how to effectively use the Sword of the Spirit to overcome temptation, defeat the enemy, and stand firm in faith. Learn how to speak, declare, and apply God's Word with confidence as you engage in spiritual warfare and walk in victory. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” - Ephesians 6:17To support this ministry and help us reach the nations with revival visit RiverWPB.com or text GIVE and any amount to (855) 968-3708.

I dunno about YOU LOT but in these troubled, dumber than dumb fuck times I need all the distractions I can get. Preparations for this week's episode were slightly dented by my spending most of the past several days pouring over footage from a pair of 2026 celluloid achievements, to wit, Lifetime's "Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery" (with an incredible star turn from 14 year NBA vet turned podcasting sensation Matt Barnes) and Sword Of The Spirit Publishing's "Beauty & The Atheist"*, the latest epic from author/director Donald James Parker (of "Gramps Goes To College" infamy). It does seem a bit of a shame these films couldn't have been combined into one, given some similar touchstones (the bible, podcasting, robotic dialogue), but maybe there's still time for the Sword Of The Spirit and Lifetime cinematic universes to collide. Before we're all turned to pillars of salt, anyway.* - h/t Doug Mosurock for updating me on Gramps' latest tussle with woke-itis.

May 31st, 2026 continues on Pastor Jesse Cunningham's message on Ephesians with today's message titled, "Sword of the Spirit". 

Battle Ready Week Six - The Sword of the Spirit by Pastor Troy Powell

Pastor Mike Stevens continues the “Full Armor of God” series with a powerful message on “The Sword of the Spirit.” In this message, Pastor Mike unpacks how the Word of God is not just something we study, but something we actively live out through obedience, prayer, and faith-filled declarations. Through Scripture, believers are reminded that God has given them authority to resist the enemy, overcome fear, and walk in spiritual victory.This encouraging message challenges us to stop believing the lie that we are powerless. Pastor Mike Stevens explains how praying in the Spirit, speaking life, and standing on God's promises can help us push back against doubt, temptation, and discouragement. The Sword of the Spirit is more than knowledge, it is a weapon God has placed in the hands of every believer.#GoodHopeChurch #PastorMikeStevens #FullArmorOfGod #SwordOfTheSpirit #Faith #SpiritualWarfare #Prayer #BibleTeaching #JesusChangesEverything #ChristianLivingSermon Notes: https://link.goodhope.ag/armor-6Giving Information: https://goodhope.ag/givingSTAY CONNECTEDYoutube: https://youtube.com/GoodHopeChurchInstagram: http://instagram.com/goodhopemnFacebook: http://fb.com/goodhopemn

Pastor Daniel Stevens continues the “Full Armor of God” series with a passionate message focused on “The Sword of the Spirit.” Pastor Daniel teaches that the Word of God was never meant to stay on the pages of a Bible alone, but to become active in our everyday lives through faith, obedience, and Spirit-led prayer. This message encourages believers to stand firm against spiritual attacks and trust the authority God has given them.Throughout the sermon, Pastor Daniel Stevens reminds us that we are not helpless against fear, discouragement, or the lies of the enemy. By learning to pray boldly, speak life, and apply Scripture daily, we can walk in the victory Christ has already won for us. This message will inspire you to pick up your sword and use it with confidence and faith.#GoodHopeChurch #PastorDanielStevens #FullArmorOfGod #SwordOfTheSpirit #Faith #SpiritualWarfare #PrayerLife #BibleTeaching #HopeInJesus #ChristianFaithSermon Notes: https://link.goodhope.ag/armor-6-dsGiving Information: https://goodhope.ag/givingSTAY CONNECTEDYoutube: https://youtube.com/GoodHopeChurchInstagram: http://instagram.com/goodhopemnFacebook: http://fb.com/goodhopemn 

Pastor Mike Jurek continues the “Full Armor of God” series with an uplifting message about “The Sword of the Spirit.” Pastor Mike shares how God's Word becomes powerful in our lives when we not only know it, but also live it out through prayer, faith, and surrender to God. This message highlights the importance of standing strong in spiritual battles and refusing to believe the lie that we are powerless.In this sermon, Pastor Mike Jurek encourages believers to pray with boldness, speak words of life, and trust in the promises of Scripture. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome fear, discouragement, and every attack of the enemy. God has equipped His people with everything needed to walk in victory and freedom.#GoodHopeChurch #PastorMikeJurek #FullArmorOfGod #SwordOfTheSpirit #FaithOverFear #SpiritualGrowth #PrayerWarrior #BibleMessage #JesusChangesLives #WalkByFaithSermon Notes: https://link.goodhope.ag/armor-6-mjGiving Information: https://goodhope.ag/givingSTAY CONNECTEDYoutube: https://youtube.com/GoodHopeChurchInstagram: http://instagram.com/goodhopemnFacebook: http://fb.com/goodhopemn 

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about how we fight with the sword and prayer, from Ephesians 6:10-18. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 21, 2026.

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about how we fight with the sword and prayer, from Ephesians 6:10-18. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 21, 2026.

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about what the sword does, from Ephesians 6:10-18. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 19, 2026.

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about what the sword does, from Ephesians 6:10-18. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 19, 2026.

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about why the spiritual fight matters, from Ephesians 6:10-18. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 18, 2026.

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about why the spiritual fight matters, from Ephesians 6:10-18. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 18, 2026.

To take up the Sword of the Spirit is to take aim at hostility and division. The promised Holy Spirit is the deposit that guarantees our collective future and tells us we are one family.Scripture:Ephesians 6:10-20Resources:FaceBook- FCC Young AdultsInstagram- @fccyaEmail- fccyadmin@fccsantamaria.orgWebsite- fccsantamaria.org

Pastor Levi Matteson talks about knowing the Word of God and being in prayer, including 1 WHY THE FIGHT MATTERS, 2 WHAT THE SWORD DOES, and 3 HOW WE FIGHT: THE SWORD AND PRAYER. This episode of the Evangel Houghton podcast is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 17, 2026.

Pastor Levi Matteson talks about knowing the Word of God and being in prayer, including 1 WHY THE FIGHT MATTERS, 2 WHAT THE SWORD DOES, and 3 HOW WE FIGHT: THE SWORD AND PRAYER. This episode of the Evangel Houghton podcast is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 17, 2026.

The sermon emphasizes the Bible as a divine standard and weapon against spiritual opposition, drawing primarily from Ephesians 6:17. It warns against the danger of misquoting or omitting Scripture, using Satan's temptation of Jesus in Luke 4 as a cautionary example. The speaker illustrates how God's Word acts as light that dispels darkness, enabling believers to navigate life and share the gospel effectively. By correctly handling the text, Christians can stand firm like a sword of the Spirit when facing trials. The message concludes with an affirmation of the Bible's authority and the necessity of preaching its truth to a lost world.

The sermon emphasizes the Bible as a divine standard and weapon against spiritual opposition, drawing primarily from Ephesians 6:17. It warns against the danger of misquoting or omitting Scripture, using Satan's temptation of Jesus in Luke 4 as a cautionary example. The speaker illustrates how God's Word acts as light that dispels darkness, enabling believers to navigate life and share the gospel effectively. By correctly handling the text, Christians can stand firm like a sword of the Spirit when facing trials. The message concludes with an affirmation of the Bible's authority and the necessity of preaching its truth to a lost world.

Ephesians 6:10–20

Life isn't neutral. Every day we face pressure, temptation, distraction, doubt, fear, and spiritual resistance. Whether we realize it or not, we are in a battle. The question isn't if you're in a fight—it's whether you're dressed for the battle! In this series, we'll walk through Paul's powerful words in Ephesians chapter 6 and discover how God has already given us everything we need to stand strong. The battle is already taking place, but you don't have to live exposed—it's time to GEAR UP! • Westbridge Church is people helping people FIND and FOLLOW JESUS! We believe that no matter where you are in your faith, there's always a next step you can take to grow in your relationship with God. As a church, we are committed to continually growing and encouraging others to grow in their faith, connect in community, share God's grace, serve others, live generously, and have serious fun along the way. Learn more: https://westbridgechurch.com/ Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/westbridgechurchmn Current worship: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2lpxmpwwtzhkeebpp8frhihttp://spotify.com/playlist/2lpxmpwwtzhkeebpp8frhi

This is a sermon from the Morgantown, WV, USA sanctuary of Restoration Church International. Joe & Rena Perozich pray that this message will be a blessing to you as you listen. Should you wish to learn more about the ministry, we invite you to visit www.restorationchurchintl.org

We are not just protected when we put on the armor of God, we are equipped with a weapon. The Sword we wield is the Spirit-inspired, Spirit-given Word of God…and it is the only weapon we need. For more information about Breakaway, check out www.breakaway.org and follow us on social media @breakawaymin If Breakaway has impacted your life and you want to generously give back, visit www.breakaway.org/give

by Ernest Smith

Send a textToday, we discuss Ephesians 6 - The Final Pieces of the Armor of God: Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and Sword of the Spirit.Check out our new website:https://www.graceintheshadowsor.com/We can be reached here:drjonathan@graceintheshadowsor.org(251) 244-4645*If you are searching for a clinical counselor and you live in Alabama, Idaho,  Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, Kentucky, or North Carolina, Dr. Jonathan Behler would be happy to see you as a client! He does all counseling virtually through a secure portal. He will also work with you on payments - don't let finances keep you from getting counseling!God is good, and we have raised the money for the Maasai Church/School Multi-Purpose building! We are now raising money to build a well! Please click below to give a tax-deductible gift:https://gofund.me/d216c719dSupport the show

Ephesians 6:17

www.northmaincog.org/online Sword of the Spirit 2026 Theme: Gentleness Series Title: Gentle Warrior Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 February 15th, 2026 Follow along on the Bible App: http://bible.com/events/49547338

Armor of God: Sword of the Spirit Ephesians 6:17 Pastor Justin Grifford

Yesterdaywe looked at “the sword”. Today, we want to think about “the sword ofthe Spirit”. Paul calls this sword, “the sword of the Spirit”.Someone has said that the best understanding of this is that the sword is fromthe Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the author of Scripture. We must alwaysremember that the Word of God that we have, the 66 books of the Bible fromGenesis to Revelation, are inspired by God's Holy Spirit, were breathed throughGod's Holy Spirit. 2Peter 1:20-21 tells us, "Knowing this that no prophecy of the Scriptureis of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in the old time bythe will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the HolySpirit." We're reminded in 2 Timothy 3:16, “all Scripture”,from Genesis 1:1 to the last verse in Revelation, “is given by inspirationof God”. The word inspiration means that it is God breathed. So, we mustremember that the Word of God, which is “the sword of the Spirit”,is not merely a human writing. It is divine truth. That means that every wordthat those 40 plus men put into the 66 books of the Bible, they were inspiredby God's Holy Spirit to put those words down. TheBible is a living book. It's the divine truth. And because the Spirit wrote it,the Holy Spirit can use it. We find these great truths in John 14, where Jesus beganby saying, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it beafraid." He then gives several reasons why Christians and believers,as we face the challenges of the world, we should not have troubled hearts. Weshould not fear. We should not be afraid. InJohn 14:16-18, Jesus told the disciples, "I'll pray the Father, and Hewill give you another helper that He may abide with you forever, the Spirit oftruth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knowsHim, but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be with you. I will notleave you orphans. I will come to you." Jesus Christ comes to us inthe person of the Holy Spirit. He goes on to say in verse 26, "But thehelper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teachyou all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I've said toyou." RememberJohn the Baptist had prophesied, when He was preaching as the forerunner ofChrist, in John 1:33, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”. In Luke3:16, Luke recorded that John actually said it this way, “He will baptizeyou with the Holy Spirit and with fire”. Then we read that Jesus told Hisdisciples in Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit hascome upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judeaand Samaria, and to the end of the earth." For the next 10 days thedisciples prayed in the upper room. And on the Day of Pentecost, in Acts 2:1-4,the Holy Spirit came down upon them like tongues of fire. TheHoly Spirit, who inspired the Word of God, is the sword, is the sword of Godthat pierces the hearts of sinners and brings conviction. That's what Jesuspromised in John 16:8-11, “When He has come, He will convict the world ofsin, of righteousness and of judgment. Of sin because they do not believe onMe. Of righteousness because I go to My Father and you see Me no more. Ofjudgment because the ruler of this world is judged.”  Jesus went on to say in John 16:13-14, “However,when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; forHe will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak;and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take ofwhat is Mine and declare it to you”. Myfriend, when we take the sword of the Spirit, after we have put on the helmetof salvation, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we have apowerful weapon in our hands. We'll talk more about this powerful weapon thenext couple days.  MayGod help us to realize today that we have access to this sword of theSpirit to do mighty works for God.

Ephesians 6:17“And take the helmet ofsalvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Todaywe're continuing in one of the most important passages in the New Testament forvictorious daily Christian living. That's Ephesians chapter 6:10-17. Thepassage that's on the whole armor of God. Today we come to a piece of theequipment that is absolutely essential if we're going to stand in victoryagainst the devil. Ephesians6:17 says, "And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of thespirit, which is the word of God." Now, up to this point, my friend,Paul has been describing the armor that's mainly defensive, the belt of truth,the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shieldof faith, and the helmet of salvation. All of those protect us. But now inverse 17, Paul gives us one piece of the equipment that's not just defensive.This one is offensive. It is the sword of the spirit. Paul tells us plainlywhat it is. It is the Word of God. Iwant you to notice something. Paul does not say that the sword is youremotions. He does not say the sword is your personality. He does not say thatthe sword is your experiences from the past. He does not say that the sword isyour opinion. He says the sword is the Word of God. If you and I are going tostand up against Satan and all his strategies, then we must learn to take upthe sword and know how to use it. I'vegot to remind you that the Christian life is a real battle. In Ephesians 6:10,remember Paul had said, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lordand in the power of His might." Then in verse 11, he says, "Puton the whole armor of God that you might be able to stand against the wiles ofthe devil." The Christian life is not a playground. It is abattlefield. We're not fighting people. Remember in verse 12, Paul said, "Forwe do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, againstpowers, against the rulers of the darkness in this world, against spiritualwickedness in high places." We're dealing with a real enemy, aspiritual enemy, an intelligent enemy, a deceptive enemy. Then again in verse13, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that you might be ableto withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Paul says thegoal is not merely to survive, but the goal is to stand. Thenwhen we come to verse 17 where we're looking at today, Paul says, "Andtake the sword of the spirit." Now the sword was a very powerfulwonderful piece of equipment for the Roman soldier's close combat weapon. Severalcommentators, with an understanding the original Greek language, point out thatthe sword that Paul is describing is the Roman “machaira”. It's a short sword,sometimes about six to eighteen inches long. It wasn't one of those long swords,that most of us have imagined as we have read this passage of scripture, forswinging wildly. No, it was a sword used in hand-to-hand combat, up close,personal, precise. Thisis very important to know and understand because Satan does not usually attackus from afar. He attacks us up close in your thoughts, in your fears, in yourtemptations, in your doubts, in your discouragements, in your private moments.That's why we don't need a vague knowledge of the scripture and the Bible. Weneed specific scriptures ready, sharp, and available. And we also need tonotice that it is “the sword of the Spirit”.  If are going to us this weapon effectively andefficiently, we must understand the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit thathas given us this piece of equipment. We will be looking at that tomorrow. Today,make sure you are putting on the “whole armor of God” and be ready to face allthe challenges of life that come at you! Godbless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.

The sword of the Spirit shows that the Word and the Spirit work as one. The Spirit authored Scripture and uses it to guide, correct, and protect us, so any impression from God will align with the Bible. To wield that sword well, the Word must live inside us through memorization and steady dwelling, so truth rises naturally when trials come. Scripture can be misused, as Satan did with Jesus, but Jesus countered lies with rightly applied truth. Science can explain mechanics but cannot answer questions of meaning, purpose, or moral truth—those are illuminated by the Spirit through the Word. Spiritual opposition is often a sign that light is advancing, and the sword becomes powerful in the hands of a believer whose life is shaped by Scripture and the Spirit.

By Robert Pflaum - Sermon given by Bob Pflaum on January 24, 2026.