“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.“

Ephesians 6:17

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November 18, 2025 

Taking up one’s sword was the last action of a foot soldier before marching into battle.  The sword was honed to razor sharpness, and the warrior trained in its use.  His life often depended upon his skill and endurance in wielding his weapon.  Roman infantries were armed with short double-edged swords that were most effective when combatants were in close quarters, literally within arm’s reach.  The lines of battle would have rung with swords clashing on swords, shields, and helmets.  The sword was both an offensive weapon, slashing and thrusting at the bodies of opponents, and a defensive one, parrying the blows of opposing troops.  The sword achieved its purpose when it penetrated the flesh of the enemy.  

The sword of the Spirit is identified as the word of God.  Like Roman infantry, believers must be trained in its use.  Using stories from the Bible that present God in ways that catch listeners completely off guard can break down defensiveness in discussions about the Christian faith.  We need to familiarize ourselves with biblical narratives that thoroughly illustrate spiritual truths.   Utilization of the word of God is indispensable for the actual explanation of what we believe.   

For example, parables of Jesus are laden with amazing pictures of the living God.  Common perceptions of God are those of a distant being who is continually angered and frustrated by human behavior.  We have all heard references to “the Man upstairs.”   In Luke 15, the parable of the prodigal son pictures God as a longing father looking out across the fields day after day for his son.  When he finally sees him in the distance, he literally runs toward him in joy.  His son is tattered and ill kept.  When the boy tries to explain his change of heart, the father does not even listen to him.  He immediately calls for the best of clothing to be put on his son and commands that preparations be made at once for a celebration of his return. 

This is the God we worship.  He is continually looking for sons and daughters to return to Him, and He will run to them and throw His arms around them.  There is always a great celebration when someone comes home.  I wonder how many people have considered a God like this, who is so welcoming and generous.  This is just one example of a doctrine of our faith brought to life in the word of God that cuts right through misconceptions of this world.     

Questions for reflection and discussion:    

  • Think of a truth of our faith that would be important for someone to understand who is considering following Jesus, like forgiveness, the receipt of the righteousness of Christ, or the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide a follower of Jesus.  Select a Scripture passage that illustrates the spiritual truth and familiarize yourself with it so that you can share the narrative and explain its message.   
  • For example, the parable of the Unrighteous Steward in Matthew 18 offers valuable insight into forgiveness.            

 Church Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 11-12; Hebrews 13