Ephesians 6:14–20 (ESV)
The Whole Armor of God
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.
This passage details the Armor of God. This is all defensive to protect your body. The only offensive weapon listed is the sword of the Spirit. What is the sword
of the Spirit? It is the Word of God. It is what Jesus used against the Devil in the temptations. The Devil attacks and Jesus quotes scripture back to the Devil. It is our weapon too!
This is one of the reasons to study God’s Word so that we can fight the battle. Without the sword, we simply stand there and receive the blows and let the armor deflect. To step forward is to use the Word of God.
I pray: O Lord, create in me a desire and hunger for your Word. Help me to study and develop the sword of the Spirit. Amen.