Praise Habit

Concerning the “Sword of the Spirit”

Paul uses some interesting wording here. He writes, as translated by the NASB, “…And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

I have always been taught that the “Sword of the Spirit” is always the Bible. As a growing Christian believing that, I would use this understanding to defend my faith with scripture as well as be on the offense with scripture. This understanding was also used for evangelism. While this might be correct, I wonder why Paul uses this wording. Was he referring to the scripture of the time? Or was Paul merely painting a picture of how to grow and advance in your faith?

Without armor and weaponry, a soldier could not defend himself and advance on the battleground. Knowing the ideas of spiritual warfare, I think Paul was using this imagery to convey a message on how to defend from spiritual attacks.

Looking at the main subject of this letter, Paul spends a lot of time talking about the mystical body of Christ. The end of the letter continues this idea, talking about the spiritual realm. This makes an interesting interpretation of this scripture and brings me to the wording that Paul uses.

Earlier, I alluded to “word” as being scripture. But a look at the actual Greek word that is used (rhema) brings me to a different conclusion. This word literally means an utterance or a topic especially of command. The interpretation this brings me to is the literal word, or command, of God. Since this is the “Sword of the Spirit,” I would say this is about the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we are in direct communication with God (in a sense). We can receive a direct command from God. This is the “word” that I think Paul is talking about.

Take these ideas and think about them. This is how I am interpreting this scripture and might be completely wrong.

So I’m reading a new book.  It is called “Velvet Elvis” and it is by Rob Bell of Nooma (those church videos that don’t remind you of church) fame.  The first chapter kinda made me think.

He likened doctrine and theology to the springs of a trampoline.  They are necessary, but not the point.  You can take one idea (spring) out and work it, strech it and the trampoline still works.  The problem is when we make doctrine and theology like bricks in a wall.  When you take one inflexible idea, the rest of the wall is weakened.

After reading that, I realized that my theology was just that.  I was building a brick wall and hiding behind it most of the time.  The process of turning that wall into a trampoline is going to be a difficult process.

I’ve taken a great experience and turned into an intellectual thing.  I’m struggling with my past of learning how to “sell” Christianity to others.  While I love to debate theology and doctrine, the hard part is living it.  I seem to have a hard time lately “delighting myself” in God.

I have the knowledge, but my heart is falling behind.  I hope these next few weeks will be enlightening in that aspect of my life and my seemingly hardened heart will become softer.

Brandon