December 13

"The sword of the Spirit."—Ephesians 6:17.

VARIOUS figures are employed in Scripture, in setting forth the Christian life. He is compared to a racer on the course, a wrestler in the games, a mariner on the ocean, and a warrior in the field. The chapter from which this passage is selected, presents before us the spiritual panoply of the soldier of Christ. Let us notice

THE STRIKING FIGURE BY WHICH THE BIBLE IS SET FORTH. It is designated a sword. But why?

Because it penetrates into the most secret recesses of the heart. The sword is of no use while it remains in the scabbard, it must be taken out in order to do execution; and this justly applies to the Bible; it is of no use in the house, the head, or the memory, unless it is in the heart. The heart is the scabbard where the sword of the Spirit must be sheathed. "For the word of God is quick and powerful," &c., Hebrews 4:12. O what discoveries are made when the heart is opened by the Spirit; the evil thoughts and imaginations, desires and affections, come to light! One single stroke of this weapon can penetrate into the very lowest depths of the soul.

Because it subdues the most inveterate enmity of the mind. This is the sword that conquers rebel man, and brings him to the foot of the cross as an humble penitent. Nothing is done to purpose, till the word enters into the heart. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds," such as ignorance, prejudice, enmity, and self-righteousness. This weapon strikes at the root, and does not merely lop the branches.

Because it defends from the most powerful attacks of the enemy. Our Lord used it in his combat with Satan on the mount, and repelled his attacks with the words, "It is written."

What he did, we must do. Does the enemy tempt us to disbelieve the authenticity of the Scriptures? we must exclaim, It is written, "These things are faithful and true; and we have not followed a cunningly devised fable." Does he tempt us to believe that we shall serve the Almighty for nothing? we must repel the attack, by bringing forth the Scripture testimony, "Godliness is profitable unto all things." Does he try to allure us with the world's fascinations? Let us exclaim. It is written, "Love not the world." Does he insinuate that our inward corruptions will be too strong for the gracious principle? let us say, It is written, "Sin shall not have dominion over you." Take this sword with you on all occasions, there is none like it. But let us notice

THE PECULIAR APPELLATION BY WHICH IT IS DISTINGUISHED. "The sword of the Spirit." The blade of this sword is tempered with the breath of the Spirit. Two reasons may be assigned for the appellation here given.

Because its contents were indited by the inspiration of the Spirit. The Bible bears on it the stamp and impression of Deity; it is emphatically and really "the word of God." It is not our design to defend the outworks of Christianity, for we take it for granted that you believe in the divine authenticity of Scripture. "Holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

Because its meaning is explained by the teaching of the Spirit. Whatever conquests are obtained by this sword, he must have the honor of them. If the Bible is a hammer, he employs it to break the stony heart; if it is a nail, he fastens it in a sure place; if it is a lamp, he gives it light; if it is a fire, he makes it burn; if it is food, he gives us a relish for it; if it is a sword, he wields it.

"What glory gilds the sacred page! Majestic, like the sun; It gives a light to every age; It gives, but borrows none.

"The Power that gave it still supplies The gracious light and heat; Its truths upon the nations rise; They rise, but never set."