Tag Archives: sword of the spirit

The Machaira

Posted on February 26, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The Greek word used by the apostle Paul to describe the sword of the spirit is machaira. The actual word is μάχαιρα, an 18 inch dagger used as a weapon of war during hand to hand combat. This piece of the armor of God represents the Word of God which serves two purposes. First and foremost, as a defensive weapon to correct and expose the lies of the Devil. Then, transition onto offensive by attacking secular worldviews through wielding the promises within the Bible to shine light upon an ever darkening world.

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere, Ephesians 6:12.

One of the problems with war is identifying the enemy. As chaos on the battlefield ensues, some hide, retreat or pretend to be on your side. Perhaps, this explains the apostle Paul’s words in the passage above. Within any war, there are powers, rulers and spiritual forces working behind the scenes. Instead of giving into anger, frustration or rage, the person you are mad at could simply be a vessel of the Devil, distracting you from the real battle.

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God, Ephesians 6:17.

Just prior to introducing the Sword of the Spirit, the helmet of salvation is mentioned first. When armor isn’t put on in the correct order, soldiers become vulnerable, not completely covered. This helmet protects your mind from becoming concussed. During the battle called life, there will be individuals who won’t feel saved as doubts from the Devil are implanted within your minds. Life can be tiring, especially if you live pay check to pay check. Yet, without protecting yourself with the armor of God, you’re destined to fail. Therefore, may the machaira empower you to rely on the Bible to defend and enhance the kingdom of God.

by Jay Mankus

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Guarding Against Spiritual Concussions

Posted on March 10, 2019 by expressyourself4him

Prior to modern CT scans, little was known about concussions. A computed tomography scan, formerly known as a computerized axial tomography scan or CAT scan, makes use of computer-processed combinations. This technology enables many X-ray measurements taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside an object without cutting. This procedure helps connect the dots between blows to the head and their impact on the human brain. Any type of force, impact or jolting to the head can result in
temporary unconsciousness.

Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, Ephesians 6:16-17.

Just as safety concerns has improved modern sports equipment, the apostle Paul introduces a spiritual armor designed to combat spiritual concussions. Faith serves as a protective shield to deflect and extinguish Satanic attacks. As a fallen angel, Ephesians 2:2 refers to this spiritual entity as the ruler of the air. Other passages in the Bible suggest that certain areas, cities and regions are under demonic control, oppressing any unwelcomed visitor. Thus, unless you are fully armed with the helmet of salvation to protect your mind, violent invisible blasts will result in spiritual concussions. Victims will experience confusion, doubt and temporary unconsciousness.

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged [bsword, penetrating as far as the division of the [c]soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account, Hebrews 4:12-13.

Beside prayer, the only offensive weapon included in this armor is the sword of the spirit. The double edged portion is symbolic of having the ability to transition from a defensive position to offense in one move. The best example is found in Matthew 4:1-11 where Jesus corrects the Devil during his temptation in the wilderness. Jesus quotes Scripture in each of his three responses. However, the Devil takes the Bible out of its intended context to trick Jesus. While Jesus was able to fight back, if you don’t know the Bible well enough you are vulnerable to spiritual concussions. Eve was the first person to receive this type of concussion when Satan planted an ungodly thought within her mind. Unfortunately, it’s been downhill ever since, lulled into carnal and sensual desires. May this blog serve as a warning to inspire you to put on the whole armor of God daily to avoid a similar fate.

by Jay Mankus

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