We continue our examination of the components of the Christian's armor, given in Eph. 6:10-18.

Thus far, the armorment has been entirely defensive. God has well equipped His soldiers against the attack from Satan and his minions. God also equips the soldier with an offensive weapon. Please note that we need only one... the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Nothing else is needed to attack false religious ideas or vain human philosophies. All that is needed is a "Thus it is written..."

There are two different words for "sword" in the Greek New Testament. The sword of Eph. 6:17 is machairan, a dagger or large knife much like our English "machete." The other "sword" is rhomphaia, and is more like a long sword or spear. Passages using this type of sword are Rev. 1:16; 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21. These texts indicate such a sword as a judgment tool. The "sword" of Eph. 6:17 is one that would be easier to use in attacking our enemy, and is also found in Mt. 26:47, 51-52; Lk. 21:24; Heb. 4:12. There may be a subtle lesson for us in noting the different words for "sword." Would it not be correct to say that God has not given us something that is clumsy and awkward to use in battle? How much easier is it to wield a dagger than a long spear when figting the enemy?

The word of God is sufficient for His soldiers to use in the great battle for the soul (cp. 2 Tim. 3:16). Satan fears it more than anything else we could use because he knows how powerful and effective it can be (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10). He knows he must leave the battlefield when a follower of God brandishes this weapon (Mt. 4:11). Thus, we are always exhorted to be good students of the Scripture (2 Tim. 2:15). One cannot use a weapon that is unfamiliar to him.

God has indeed given us all we need to win this battle: spiritual reality, moral uprightness, preparedness, absolute trust, and the revelation of His own mind and will. We can step on the battlefield with confidence to face and defeat our enemy who battles us for our souls.