TAKE UP THE SWORD-----

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication for all the saints.

(Ephesians 6:17,18

As we use the shield of faith as a defense and protection we are to use the “sword of the Spirit”; not only as a defense but also in an offensive manner.

The Romans were masters at adapting and modifying sword design to overcome disadvantages in combat. Thus the Roman soldier had a number of swords at his disposal.

The Roman soldier used a long slender sword called “Spatha” when he
was mounted to give him extra reach.

They used the “Gladius” for combat in the mountainous regions
which required a shorter sword with superior slashing capabilites.

However the 20” Double-edged “short sword” of which there were 5

basic types , was the sword that is known as “the sword that conquered the World .

The bible distinguishes the Roman double-edged sword for its awesome powerfulness as a weapon by allegorically referencing to it when describing the power of the Word of God. (Heb, 4:12)

This sword was known for its Roman combat tactics when a Roman soldier simply stepped forward inside the enemy’s “guard” and quickly cut-and-thrust in any direction it was swung.

This tactic would be useless with a longer sword but was perfect against the enemy’s longer sword.
In Eph 6:17 the Word tells us that we are to take up “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Our understanding of the “Sword of the Spirit” is, of course, the bible or God’s written word.

However we are not talking about one big sword—the bible itself. If we think in this term we limit and weaken our ability to fight effectively in spiritual warfare. Each particular relevant individual scripture is a sword unto itself and is very effective in battling Satan and temptation. So, think about it --- we don’t have one sword but thousands of swords.

Each verse in the bible, depending upon the situation, can be very powerful against the enemy’s assault and in stepping inside the enemy’s guard and quickly disarming and defeating him.

Roman swords varied greatly in their size, design and the techniques required to master their use. The same is true of our sword – the word of God—when we desire to use the best “Sword of the Spirit” for the battle.

So let us memorize and pray the word of God.
The double-edge of our sword is the word and prayer!!