Before firearms were invented, a sword was the most deadly and powerful weapon someone could own. It was the weapon of choice in battle and in self-defense. He who was skilled at wielding it was a dangerous man to mess with.
In addition to knowing how to use a sword, it was also important to keep it sharp. A dull sword was a bad defense in protecting life and property from harm.
In this world of ungodly lies, it is a battle to find and hold onto the Truth. We, as Christians, can be grateful to have the Bible, which is the Truth in writing. But Ephesians 6:17 (NKJV) calls the Word something much more than words: “And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
The Word of God is a sword and it’s the sharpest one there is.
A Sword Like No Other
In the historical and literal sense, Learn Religions defines the Bible as, “the written Word of God and thus the ultimate set of guiding principles governing all areas of life for the people of God. Through these writings, God communicates His will, His laws, His nature, and His saving purpose to humanity; -a compilation of 66 books and letters written by more than 40 authors during a period of approximately 1,500 years,” (Fairchild, 2021).
The Bible can be divided in six sections: The Law, Biblical History, Poems and Wisdom, Prophecies, the Gospels, and the Epistles (or letters). It holds the World Record of Best-Selling Book (2021) with 5-7 billion copies sold since its existence. It has been burned, rejected, destroyed, confiscated, and slandered beyond count, and yet it’s still here.
What does the Bible say about itself? Hebrews 4:12 says the Word is “alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword!” This isn’t an ordinary book. It goes on to say the Word is a “discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart.” This sword cuts to the core!
The Word is “God-breathed, profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Word is “perfect, trustworthy, right, pure, enduring, true and righteous altogether, more valuable than gold, sweeter than honey” (Psalm 19:7-11). The Word cannot be chained (2 Timothy 2:9)! The Word is a lamp and light (Psalm 119:105). It’s soul-shaping (1 John 2:5), cleansing (1 Peter 1:22-24), freeing (John 8:31-32), sanctifying, (John 17:17), and the foundation for faith. (Romans 10:17). Ultimately, the Word is Jesus (John 1:1-5, 14).
A Necessary Weapon
What does God’s Word do in our lives and why do we need it every day? 1 Peter 2:2 says it is essential: “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” Babies need their mother’s milk to grow and be healthy. People need to eat every day to get the nutrients required to maintain good health. How much you read the Word has an impact on your spiritual health. Now ask yourself: how often do you read your Bible?
Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) says, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Job 23:12 says the Word is to be treasured more than food. If this is so, how much more important it is to our spiritual health than food is to our physical health!
Billy Graham once said, “The Bible is not an option; it is a necessity. You cannot grow spiritually strong without it.” You’re not going to know how to live as a follower of Jesus in this fallen world without it. You’re not going to know God or grow closer to Him without it. You won’t know the Truth without the Bible! We need God’s Word, more than we need food.
Remember the verse in Ephesians about the Word being a sword? Look at it this way: a sword is a mighty weapon, but it’s no good if it’s not sharp. The power of God’s Word is not dependent on us, it stands all-changing and all-powerful by itself. But your ability to combat spiritual warfare in your life is affected by how much you keep your mind in the Word. The Word of God can destroy all the devil’s lies that you wrestle with.
Being in God’s Word, memorizing it, taking it to heart, sharpens your sword. The world is a spiritual battlefield and Satan is raging. You will have hard moments, hard times, and persecution. Jesus promised that.
Holding onto God’s Word, both in hand and in your heart, will keep your mind in the truth and away from falling for the lies. You’ll see things more from God’s view, remembering what He’s done and who He is. You’ll remember that He is entirely true, and the world is full of lies. You’ll remember that this world is passing away and Jesus is coming back! Great is the reward that awaits those who run the race, fight the fight, and keep the faith, staying with Jesus no matter what!
Tips for Sharpening Your Sword:
1. If you’re struggling to remember to read God’s Word, leave Your Bible in an often-visited space (your desk, your bed, etc.).
2. If you’re struggling to find time to read God’s Word, find one thing you can give up to get back an hour you can spend in the Word every day.
3. Have someone hold you accountable to reading the Word. If you’d prefer, do a Bible study with another Christian.
4. Read Bible commentaries and utilize Bible study tools like Blue Letter Bible, where you can find the root definitions of the words in verses.
Stay Sharp
Reading God’s Word expands your understanding and changes your view on everything! You get to know God and His heart as His Word shows who He has been, is, and forever will be! It changes how you approach your day-to-day living as you seek after Him! It’s a tool to help grow your relationship with God and a weapon to conquer the lies of the enemy!
Don’t let your biblical knowledge grow dull, friends. Stay sharp!
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV)
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” – Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)
Such an important article, Grace! I love how much Scripture you used to prove your points!
Thank you for this!