In American football, having a good offense often helps make the defense look good. When the offense can dominate the time of play, it keeps the other team from getting in rhythm which helps out their defense and often times keeps their defensive weaknesses from being exposed. Or, as we have seen recently, when a Patrick Mahomes type QB can put points on the scoreboard at will, it deflates the other team and often makes them force play to keep up which ends up in turnovers.
For the Roman soldier, having a good offense is ultra-important. In Biblical times, swordsmanship was a matter of life and death on the battlefield. It was their soldiers one offensive weapon. Skillful swordsmen were highly acclaimed.
It is the same for the Christian soldier. In Ephesians 6:17, Paul the Apostle instructs us to “Take up (draw and keep drawn) the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The one offensive weapon that we have as Christians in spiritual warfare is God’s word. Psalms 119:11 declares, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” “Hidden” means that the Bible has been read, understood, meditated, absorbed and drawn upon. Once it is “hidden” in your mind, it keeps you from sin.
Let’s take a close look at the dynamics of the following verse, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
- “alive” – our word “energy” comes from this word. The Word of God is living and creates a vitality in our lives.
- “active” – our word “dynamite” derives its meaning from this word. The Word of God is explosive and dynamic! Think about oppressive sinful thought patterns (negative neural networks i.e. addictions, lusts, anger, controlling, depression, anxiety, etc.) that can dominate our minds. Start meditating and memorizing scripture. When these lying thought patterns go on attack, dynamite them with the truths in the word of God.
- “penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit” – God’s word explains that there is more in life than your soul (mind, emotions and will). There is the “spirit” part of our being where He resides. Invite His Holy Spirit to take up residence and empower your life.
- “judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” – the Word of God drills down to the depths of your mind and deals with the thoughts and attitudes in the recesses of your mind. God knows you at the deepest, darkest levels and wants to comfort you and reveal the truth empowering you to walk out of the lies and deceptions in your mind.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Never forget the offensive power and strength that He has given to each of His soldiers…the power and strength of His Word. Time to draw your sword and keep it drawn.
Barnabas Man 