The sword is the symbol of aggressive (offensive) warfare. The first three parts of the armor protect us as to our own state, the second two are defensive, the sixth is aggressive. We have but one weapon to use against the enemy — the Word of God. But if we know how to handle it, or, what is equally important, how to draw it, no enemy can resist it. Anyone may draw the carnal sword, though anyone may not be able to strike with it. But not so the sword of the Spirit. We can draw it aright only when guided by the Holy Spirit. It is the sword of the Spirit. That is, we must be walking in communion with God and in the ungrieved power of the Holy Spirit to use it either offensively or defensively. Thus the right passage will be suggested to the mind and applied with divine power. Mere human intelligence and human capacity are of no avail in this warfare. The Word of God is our only but all-sufficient weapon. It baffles the power of Satan, it detects his wiles, it disables every adversary, it silences the voice of self, it brings light into the scene of conflict, and it discovers the dark deceptions of the foe.
But it may be well for us to turn aside for a little and meditate on the Lord’s use of the Word when in conversation with the Jews and when in conflict with Satan in the wilderness. The former He so answered from Scripture that no man durst ask Him any more questions; the latter He vanquished with all his hosts and spoiled him of his goods. Oh! for divine skill to use, after the manner of our Lord, the Word of God — the Spirit’s sword! Lord, help us to quote the right passage and at the right time, so as to maintain our position according to the Word, that the enemy may not gain an advantage over us!
Aggressive Spiritual Warfare
But the sword of the Spirit is also used actively in our spiritual warfare. Christianity is essentially aggressive in its character. It judges all that is opposed to its pure and heavenly doctrines. It wages war with the mighty empire of unbelief in its ten thousand forms. The gospel is to be preached to every creature under heaven and this side of hell. It openly attacks carelessness, worldliness, formality, infidelity, superstition, error, and vice of every kind. It assails no political body, state or kingdom, but it storms the citadel of individual hearts and consciences and seeks to win souls one by one to the Captain of our salvation, Christ Jesus the Lord.
When the empire of Satan is thus invaded and threatened, we may rest assured that he will leave no stratagem untried, no force unused, to hinder our progress and to quench the light of our testimony. Hence the continual, the unending, the unmitigated warfare. But our weapons are spiritual, our victories are peace, the sharp sword of the Spirit piercing the conscience subdues the heart, and brings the conquered soul in triumph to the feet of Jesus.
Prayer in the Spirit
We have now had before us the several parts of the armor of God — that which refers to our state both inwardly and outwardly — self-judgment, governed affections, practical godliness, confidence in God, a peaceful and peace-making walk, joy in salvation, and the active energy of the Spirit, both in the sword and girdle, by the Word. But behind all these there is a hidden spring of power, which gives connection and strength to the whole armor, and without which all would be of no avail. It is dependence on God — a dependence which expresses itself in prayer. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Eph. 6:1818Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18)).
The strength and blessedness of this position cannot be overestimated. In all our meditations there is no point more worthy of our closest, deepest study. It places the soul in connection with God and in dependence on Him. All our battles are to be fought this way, and if so, all our battles will be victories. Observe for a moment the structure of this remarkable verse. It is “praying always” — on all occasions — habitual and complete dependence. And “in the Spirit” — in the power of the Holy Spirit — in communion. And “watching thereunto with all perseverance” — active, vigilant. And “supplication for all saints” — earnestness, interest in others, affection which turns everything into prayer. This is the soul’s strong tower, and every soul’s strong tower. All do not have gifts for public ministry — for fighting in the front lines—but all have the privilege of thus drawing near to God and abiding there.
Let us be watchful and diligent, then, in the use of this weapon. See and avoid everything that would make us unspiritual and that would lead us away from God or interrupt our communion with Him. Our strength lies in communion. May the spirit of entire dependence on God characterize us as children in the family, members in the body, and servants in the kingdom.
Things New and Old, Vol. 14 (adapted)