The Sword and Its Swordsmen

Articles

Philip C. Strong
09/03/24 - Bible Study

Firstly, please understand that the kingdom of Jesus Christ was and is a spiritual one, rather than a fleshly, earthly, or political one, cf. John 18:36. Thus, His “servants” (or true kingdom citizens/soldiers) do not wage a fleshly, earthly, or political war. Such engagements were not and are not in keeping with the divine battle plan.

Secondly, note from 2Cor.10:3-4 that “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” That is, our armament is spiritual, and is to be taken up in the spiritual conflict against “speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God,” and that the objective is to capture of “every thought” to “the obedience of Christ,” 2Cor.10:5. Therefore, geographic borders, earthly domains, and political causes are not the “fortresses” against which His soldiers fight. Such entanglements in “the affairs of everyday life” are neither the duty of a “good soldier” in “active service” of the Lord’s army, nor do they promote it, cf. 2Tim.2:3-4.

Thirdly, though given strong defensive “full armor” to “resist” and “stand firm,” the infantry in His army are provided with only one offensive weapon with which to wage war, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Eph.6:10-17. With it, we are expected to faithfully fight to “persuade” our counterparts in this epic battle with Satan, 2Cor.5:11. An example of this mighty weapon’s proper and effective use can be seen in Acts 17:17 and Acts 18:4.

To these ends, a few other pertinent details are herein provided for your consideration in taking up this our weapon of spiritual warfare…

The sword comes pre-sharped and properly honed. It needs no other adjustment or modification by the soldier for effective use. In fact, the Manufacturer forbids such, Gal.1:6-8; Rev.22:18-19! This sword is so sharp it is capable of “piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” Heb.4:12.

Thus it is not the weapon that needs preparation, but the soldier who would wield it. Such requires:

Diligence in preparation, 2Tim.2:15a. Though the KJV’s translation of spoudazo as “study” is perhaps not the best rendering (it is only so utilized here, but is elsewhere translated as “make every effort” in 2Tim.4:9,21, “eager” in Gal.2:10, and “diligent/diligence” in 2Tim.2:15 and most other passages by the NASB), there is no doubt that the “diligence” required in this particular area involves preparation through eager, consistent, and purposeful “study” and “examination” of the Scriptures/Sword, cf. Acts 17:11. Know your weapon; it’s the only one you’re issued or need!
Approval/certification, 2Tim.2:15b. Every soldier must meet the basic proficiency requirements with his weapon to be approved or certified to enter combat. In the spiritual military, such demands familiarity with its origin (1Cor.2:10-13), all its working parts (Rom.15:4; Gal.3:23-25), and its proper intended use (Rom.1:16).
Proficiency as a workmen (or soldier/swordsmen), 2Tim.2:15c. However, the approval/certification detailed previously demands more than just prerequisite familiarity; it also requires proficiency. The soldier/swordsmen must not only be intimately familiar with this sword, he must be capable, able, and willing to use it! Swords left in the sheath do nothing to defend the kingdom (cf. Titus 2:9) or to offend the conscience and pierce the hearts of the opposition, cf. Acts 2:37-41.
Accuracy, 2Tim.2:15d. The soldier needs to not only be able to properly identify the true enemy (cf. 2Cor.10:4-5, again), but also the proper target. This sword is not meant to used as: a utility knife to “do it all,” as it has a singular spiritual purpose, cf. 1Tim.1:5; a hatchet for chopping off unwanted limbs (1Cor.12:14-25); nor as an executioner’s ax to dispatch offenders (cf. 3John 9-11). Instead, and always in a graceful way (Col.4:5-6), its target is to carve away the false and foolish wisdom of the world that others can see and appreciate the true wisdom of God, 1Cor.1:18-25; and it is to be wielded as “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,” Rom.1:16.

Fellow soldiers/swordsmen, never forget that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world-forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places,” and that “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph.6:12,17b) is a mightily powerful weapon capable of conquering them all in this immortal conflict, IF it has swordsmen who are prepared, approved, proficient, and pointedly accurate in its use, cf. 2Cor.4:7!