The Holy Spirit and His Sword

image courtesy doubleportioninheritance.blogspot.co.uk

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12).

The last piece of armour a Roman soldier needed to be equipped with before going into battle was, his sword. After putting on all the other armour for protection and for defending himself, his armour-bearer will then hand him the sword, the weapon for attacking and defeating the enemy.

As Christians we are spiritual soldiers, army of the cross (2 Timothy 2:3-4). It’s very convenient to get comfy in the blessing and defensive zone. But We are commissioned not just to be blessed but to also be a blessing. Jesus told us to go and be a witness and advance the kingdom of God. And He has equipped us with the weapon to do that. We can go on the offensive with the sword of the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

All the other armour are for our protection but the Sword is for going on the offensive, to attack and defeat the enemy in spiritual warfare. The sword represents the Word of God and Jesus is the Living Word. (John 1:1, 14). But notice that Paul said sword of the“Spirit.” in Ephesians 6:17. “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Meaning, it is the Holy Spirit who wields this sword. It is the Spirit of God who goes to war with the Word!

The Holy Spirit is described as a gentle, and peaceful as a dove.  But, He is also a mighty Man of war! None can compare with Him when He wields the sword He cuts deep in the spirit whether it’s to do with demonic forces of darkness or human power. “It is not by power or by might but by my Spirit says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6).  None can dare contend or withstand that sword when the Holy Spirit wields it.

In spiritual warfare we need to learn how to be united with the Holy Spirit. Also Paul in the same verse in  Ephesians 6:17, was not talking so much about the Scriptures in general, but he was laying emphasis on what is called “Rhema.” or “Word of the Spirit.”  This is a Word of Scripture that the Holy Spirit speaks to you personally in your heart about the situation you are dealing with.

When God gives you a “Rhema” that Word will cause faith to rise up in you, it will release joy and peace in your heart. Now, when you unite yourself by faith in agreement with that  revelation and the Holy Spirit, by taking hold of that Word and you begin to pray and confess that Word, it becomes a powerful weapon against the enemy in the spirit. Because the Holy spirit takes your confession like a taken a two edge sword and Wields it, to cut and crush the devil to defeat!

My friend, be encouraged to rise up today in the spirit, with the full armour of Christ strength. We are to wield the sword by the power of the Holy Spirit, and take a bold stand, not to negotiate with the devil. Like Jesus wield the sword during His trial and temptation in the wilderness and defeated the devil and came out with power! God wants to help you to turn your adversity into advantage like Job. When circumstances of life say you are cast down, God says look up, because it is time for your lifting! (Job 22:29). Look beyond the natural, look beyond the horizon and let the Word of God propel you to victory! Take hold of the sword of the Spirit and make your way successful in Jesus name!

Prayer Confession: Father thank you for equipping me for victory. You have provided me with your own strength and power in your Word. I am seated in the heavenly places with Christ far above all the powers of darkness in high places. I am never alone for the Holy Spirit lives in me, guiding me through the word and fighting all my battles. Lord thank you for entrusting me with the gospel message. By the power of the Holy Spirit I can share the good news of your kingdom with others in the world. I am a soldier of the cross and an ambassador of the gospel. I live in this consciousness always. The Lord is the glory and lifter of my head in life and my promotion comes from God. All things will work together for good as I keep my focus on Jesus and remain faithful in serving. I walk in strength, health and victory always because I live by the word of God. In Jesus name. Amen!

Reflection: "So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11).