"The SWORD of the Spirit"
Ephesians 6:17
In Ephesians 6:13-17 we find Paul's famous instruction for putting on the whole armor of God. The "sword of the Spirit" is the only item he lists which is offensive in nature. Everything else he describes is used to defend against attack. Many assume this "sword" is something like a broadsword that is swung this way and that in an effort to hack and slash anything that stands in its way. Strength, not skill, is the requirement. The actual word says otherwise.
Paul uses the word machaira. That word is more descriptive than our English word "sword." The machaira was a short dagger, requiring significant skill to use properly. To flail about with such a weapon would be next to useless for it is incisive and precise. It must hit a vulnerable spot to do damage but when it does it is devastating.
This is significant because it demonstrates that we must develop more than a general knowledge of Scripture. Our goal is to become precise in using God's Word. Whatever temptation rears its head must be met with the specific passage of Scripture dealing with it. Thus, possessing the sword of the "Spirit" is not simply owning a Bible, but owning the knowledge contained therein.
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