Winning - how to stay on the offense | Ephesians 6:10-24
“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.
Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts.
Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 6:10-24
Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806–1873), a naval officer and scientist, while recovering from an injury, asked his son to read Psalm 8:8 to him, where David pointed to “the paths of the seas” (NKJV). The phrase struck Maury deeply. He believed that if God’s Word cited “paths” in the sea, they must truly exist. Determined to prove this truth, he resolved to search for them. In 1855, he published The Physical Geography of the Sea, regarded as the first modern textbook on oceanography. Maury systematized the study of winds, currents, and ocean routes by collecting data from thousands of ship logs. He openly testified that his scientific work was grounded in his belief in the Bible’s authority. Because of this, he became known as the “Father of Modern Oceanography.” Did you know the Bible can navigate not only the oceans—but also every area of your life?
The sixth piece of armor is the sword of the Spirit. Unlike the shield or the helmet, it is an offensive weapon placed in your hands for spiritual warfare. Paul declares, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). Roman soldiers carried two kinds of swords. The first was a short sword (machaira), 6–18 inches long, designed for precision in stabbing, wounding, and killing the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. The second was the long, heavy broadsword (rhomphaia), meant for sweeping strikes at a distance. Paul’s choice of word here points directly to the machaira.
The analogy is powerful—whenever and whatever fiery arrow or attack the devil hurls at you, there is a precise word from God’s Word to respond, resist, and cut him down. You must wield the Word of God in battle! No other book in human history compares to the Bible. It is the inspired, authoritative Word of God—a weapon designed by God Himself for your spiritual victory.
You will learn something even more fascinating in this message. Paul deliberately used the Greek word rhema, translated “word of God.” Rhema refers to specific words or particular statements. In spiritual warfare, this means there is a precise Scripture for every temptation, trial, or attack the enemy aims at you to use in a counterattack.
For example, when the enemy whispers, “You’d better worry!” you strike back with Scripture: “Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him” (NLT, Philippians 4:5-6). Across the 66 inspired books of the Bible are thousands of promises—specific, Spirit-breathed words (2 Timothy 3:16) ready for you to wield against every demonic force. You are never left defenseless—God has placed in your hands a sharp, unbreakable sword: His Word.
This is precisely why I believe a Christian must read the Bible daily and continuously, from Genesis to Revelation. This is also why Scripture memory is so essential. Every minute you spend in God’s Word strengthens your grip on the sword and trains you to stand firm in battle.
And there is more. Paul highlights an energizer that empowers the sword of the Spirit—mentioned four times in a single verse (Ephesians 6:18)—fervent prayer. Prayer ignites the sword, giving you the force and accuracy to strike with power. When you combine Scripture with worship, the enemy cannot withstand you. Listen and learn how to wield the sword of the Spirit!
