February 5, 2023
Ephesians 6:13-17
TOOLS of WAR Week 4
“Heads up, Swords up”
Service Overview: The last two images Paul uses in describing the spiritual armor we’re to put on is the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Of all the tools available to us in our war, only one is offensive, that is, only one tool can inflict damage on our enemy, and that is the Word of God.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV)
Background Insights:
- Roman military helmets were of two types: the galea (made of leather) or the cassis (metal). The helmet had a band to protect the forehead and plates for the cheeks and extended down in back to protect the neck. When the helmet was strapped in place, it exposed little besides the eyes, nose, and mouth. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 268)
- The Christian’s sword is the Word of God. However, the Greek word translated “word” here, rhēma [4487], is a reference to the spoken Word—the Word verbalized. Though its meaning overlaps with logos [3056] (a term for “message” or “word”), the focus of logos is the content of the message, while the focus of rhēma is the expression of that message. Thus, Paul’s emphasis here is not simply reading Scripture but actually using God’s revealed Word against Satan and his insidious spirits of darkness. (Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll’s Living Insights: Galatians & Ephesians, 371)
- 6:17. The outline is divided here because the Greek word take is an imperative, rather than another participle. This parallels the imperative “stand” in verse 14. The helmet and sword are the last two pieces a soldier takes up. A helmet, being hot and uncomfortable, would be put on by a soldier only when he faced impending danger. Having one’s head guarded by a helmet gives a sense of safety, so the helmet of salvation refers either to present safety from the devil’s attacks or to a future deliverance, “the hope of salvation as a helmet” (1 Thes. 5:8). Finally, a Roman soldier would take in hand his sword, his only offensive weapon. Of the Spirit refers to the source or origin of the sword; hence it is “the sword given by the Spirit.” “The sword of the Spirit” is specified as the Word of God. “Word” (rhima; cf. Eph. 5:26; Rom. 10:8, 17; 1 Peter 1:25) refers to the preached Word or an utterance of God occasioned by the Holy Spirit in the heart. Believers need this “sword” to combat the enemy’s assault, much as Christ did three times when tempted by the devil (Matt. 4:1-11). (Harold W. Hoehner, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, 644)
How does salvation serve as a helmet in our tools of war?
- By bolstering confidence in the protection salvation brings.
(Is. 59:17; John 10:28; Rom. 5:1; 8:16; Eph. 6:17; 1 Thes. 5:8; Heb. 10:22; 1 John 5:13)
The sense of salvation puts life beyond all danger. (B. F. Westcott, St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, 97)
In Isaiah, God’s helmet of salvation is what he does; in Ephesians, it is what he gives. “The helmet of salvation” is the assurance of salvation and the resulting confidence it brings. A helmet is a confidence-builder. Put a football helmet on an eight-year-old and he will typically swell with overweening confidence and turn into a sixty-pound kamikaze attacker—at least until he’s been knocked down a few times. Nevertheless, a good helmet is valid ground for confidence. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 268)
How does the Word of God serve as a sword in our tools of war?
- As a defensive means to rebut Satan’s attacks.
(Matt. 4:4; John 8:44; Rom. 10:17; 15:4; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:14; Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8)
The sword of the Spirit (6:17), like the soldier’s sword, can be used as an offensive or defensive tool. The soldier could use it aggressively by inflicting wounds upon his opponent, or it could become the means by which he repelled the attack from his opponent. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3555)
- As our only offensive means of inflicting damage on our enemy via ultimate truth.
(Ps. 86:11; Prov. 30:5; Is.h 40:8; Mat. 4:1-11; 24:35; John 14:6; 17:17; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 6:11; Heb. 4:12; James 1:18; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 1:16; 2:12)
Enemy-occupied territory — that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage. (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 29)
It is the sword of the Spirit that pierces [Satan] and conquers him. It is that great and strong sword with which God punishes Leviathan, that crooked serpent. It is that sharp sword that proceeds out of the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, with which He smites his enemies. Every text is a dart to torment the old serpent. He has felt the stinging smart thousands of times. Therefore, he is engaged against the Bible and hates every word of it. (Jonathan Edwards, Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, 1741… Modern language courtesy of Archie Parrish, The Spirit of Revival, 95)
Conclusion… How can these tools be practically applied in a believer’s life today?
A. Remind yourself regularly of the gospel and the assurance it provides.
(John 3:36; 5:24; Rom. 1:16; 5:1; 8:1; 8:16; Phil. 1:6; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 10:22; 1 John 5:13)
The helmet of salvation (17a) does not refer to the great confidence that God has power to save, but rather to the protection which participation in God’s salvation assures. If a soldier goes into the battle estranged from God, without knowledge and confidence in his Leader, he has no guarantee of protection in the heat of the battle. On the other hand, the grace of God will make him ” more than conqueror.” “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31; see also 8:37-39). (Willard H. Taylor, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 8, 212)
Believers have complete assurance that God will do all that he has promised. Their salvation, already accomplished, will be consummated when Christ comes to claim his own. (Bruce Barton, Ephesians, 133)
B. Master your weapon…
(Ps. 19:7-11; 119:9; Prov. 30:5; Is. 55:11; John 17:17; Rom. 16:20; Eph. 4:27; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16; Heb. 4:12)
The Word of God as an attacking weapon is described in Hebrews 4:12, where the writer relates that it is sharper than a two-edged sword and penetrates and divides the soul and the spirit. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of humankind. It reveals every hidden thing within creation. Surely we have little idea of how powerful a weapon God has bestowed upon His people. But, like any weapon, it must be used with care, for improperly applied, it can wreak havoc on the innocent in our surroundings. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 3565)
- Study it.
- Memorize it.
- Apply it.
- Declare it.
God’s Word is a laser beam that kills to make alive. (Hughes, Ephesians, 271)
A physical sword wounds to hurt and kill, while the sword of the Spirit wounds to heal and give life. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 154)
The manual of operation for the Christian war-time mentality is the Bible. It was inspired and authorized by the Commander, and contains all the truth needed to win people over from the enemy camp, deprogram their old thought patterns, train them in strategies of righteousness and equip them with armor and weapons to defeat Satan and liberate his captives. (John Piper. How the Spirit Helps Us Understand sermon, May 20, 1984)
Gospel Application…
Because of the gospel, in Christ we have ultimate protection; both in this life, and in the life to come.
(John 3:16; 6:35; 8:31-32; 10:10; 14:6; Rom. 6:23; Col. 1:13; Heb. 2:14; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 1 John 5:20)
As an obedient believer, you are to stand firm in the strength of the Lord, to be sober in spirit, and to remain alert in order to resist the schemes of the devil. However, in all areas of your walk as a believer, you are incapable in your own strength and insufficient in your own resources to overcome the wiles and temptations of Satan. Therefore, you must put on the full armor of God to be an overwhelming conqueror in your continuing spiritual battle. (John Broger, Self-Confrontation Manual, Lesson 21, Page 4)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- Have you ever doubted your salvation? How can having confidence in what Christ has done for us help in our fight against Satan?
- In what ways might one experience an attack from the enemy regarding their salvation? In what ways does knowing our standing in Christ provide protection when our enemy attacks?
- How have you seen scripture serve as a sword in someone’s life? How might you become better at wielding it? How might you help others in their training with it?
- In what ways can you adjust your daily schedule in order to spend time with the Savior, embrace the promises of His Word, and work at growing in the salvation you have received?
Quotes to note…
It is the Spirit who inspired the Word (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21) and who now interprets the Word to believers. (Willard H. Taylor, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 8, 212)
To the Christian armed for defense in battle, the apostle recommends only one weapon of attack; but it is enough, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. It subdues and mortifies evil desires and blasphemous thoughts as they rise within; and answers unbelief and error as they assault from without. (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1264)
The Christian soldier must never expect to find rest in this world. He will never hear orders to relax his guard or put his armor aside. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 266)
When we began the Christian life, we didn’t stroll onto a happy playground . . . we stepped onto a harsh battleground. Though we don’t hear bombs bursting in the distance or bullets whizzing past our ears, we live every day of our lives on a spiritual battlefield. And make no mistake: Satan’s snipers have us in their crosshairs. They know us intimately. Having studied us for years, they are familiar with our strengths and fully aware of our weaknesses. They’re masters of psychology and experts on human nature. They know their prey far better than we know our devilish predators. Whether you’re a young believer or an old saint, spiritually strong or weak, well trained or just a novice, Satan and his emissaries have one goal for you: destruction. (Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll’s Living Insights: Galatians & Ephesians, 357)
Sooner or later every believer discovers that the Christian life is a battleground, not a playground, (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 148)
The sword of the Spirit is first of all a defensive weapon, capable of deflecting the blows of an opponent. It is the believer’s supreme weapon of defense against the onslaughts of Satan. Unlike the shield, however, which gives broad and general protection, the sword can deflect an attack only if it is handled precisely and skillfully. It must parry the enemy weapon exactly where the thrust is made. (John MacArthur, Ephesians, 370)
The preservation of our joy in God takes work. It is a fight. Our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, and he has an insatiable appetite to destroy one thing: the joy of faith. But the Holy Spirit has given us a sword called the Word of God for the defense of our joy. Or, to change the image, when Satan huffs and puffs and tries to blow out the flame of your joy, you have an endless supply of kindling in the Word of God. (John Piper, Desiring God, 123)
if Christ, the Divine Man, in battling Satan while here on earth did so with the sword of the Word, how much more do we frail men and women need to wield that same sword if we are to be victorious? (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 270)
