readrevelation.org

I have heard it said that all the parts to Paul's Christian armor are defensive, or protective, weapons except the sword, which is the Christian's one offensive weapon.

Let's examine the concept. The armor simply makes the boundary of the skin more defined. The Christian who puts on this armor communicates very clearly, "What's inside my skin is mine and protected." When I claim them as mine, truth, love, peace, faith, and hope (Ephesians 6:14-17; compare 1 Thessalonians 5:8) make a statement about me that says I'm not to be messed with.

I suggest that the sword, which is the Word of God, is also a protective, or boundary, weapon. God allows me no right to be vengeful or offensive even with the Word of God. My boundaries are not meant to hurt other people. They are statements about me, not about the other person. They are to protect what God has given me to be used and developed for God's glory and kingdom on earth.

I think the protective weapon, the sword, allows me to extend the space that is protected by my armor. It lets me reach out beyond my body armor and thereby extend the protection offered by my clear boundaries.

It works like this. I spend time in the Word of God and use the words I learn there in my speech. As I speak the Word of God, people and projects within the sound of my voice begin to respond. For those that are important to me and within the sphere of my influence, I think this sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, can make a statement, a clear boundary, that says neither they NOR I am to be messed with.

One more thing. In the same chapter, prayer is mentioned, and some have called this the Christian's secret weapon. Keep on considering these weapons as protective or boundary-creating weapons. Just think how far the protection of your armor, or your boundaries, could reach by means of your prayers!

Go ahead, claim someone in prayer as under the protection of your armor!