Armor of God | The Word of God

The armor of God has been a topic that has been difficult to get our minds wrapped around. What it is and how we put it on, has seemed to be a bit mysterious. So maybe by looking at the effect of the armor we can get a better understanding of how to put the armor on.

The Armor of God | Take the Sword

We previously looked at The Helmet of Salvation, so let's take the next piece. We're leaving in, The Effect of Armor, section here for continuity.

The Effect of Armor

The most prominent place the armor of God is listed is in Ephesians 6:14-18 NKJV. Each piece of armor has an effect. Since it is spiritual armor, and we are physically oriented, it can be difficult to understand what is happening when we have it on.

One of the things we know about armor is that once we are in the battle, we shouldn't have to think about the armor. It will passively protect us and we shouldn't have to give it another thought. We inspect, test and repair the armor on a regular basis and ensure it is fitted correctly on us.

Now, there are probably many effects that we can identify but this study is simply to start the process. For our purposes, we are focusing on one effect but be sure to seek out more. If you find more than what is listed here, please add them to the comment section below.

So, let's continue to look at the effect of each piece. Today we are tackling the The Sword of the Spirit.

The Sword of the Spirit

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God... - Ephesians 6:14-18 NKJV

The sword of the Spirit has an effect. The effect is a superior perspective.

For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?" But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT

This piece of armor actually has many powerful effects that you can quickly discover. Again, for our purposes we'll just focus on what may be the most impactful... a new perspective.

In the Old Testament we see that God's thoughts and ways are higher, than our thoughts and ways. This is because until we are born again and have the Spirit of God dwelling in us, and informing us, there's no way to see another way to look at our existence.

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. - Isaiah 55:9 NLT

Perspective... It's a Big Deal! 

We have an example in the scriptures where we see unbelievers who are stuck with only one worldly perspective. Satan and his world system have human minds on lock down. So much so, that Paul tells us that they are held captive to do whatever Satan wants.

Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. - 2 Timothy 2:25-26 NLT

Without a higher perspective, we are slaves to Satan and this world. Even the Christian who does not invest in having their mind renewed will not be transformed and although God will provide grace, that Christian is subject to the three enemies... Satan, the world and our flesh. The promises of God are enjoyed by those who overcome. Perspective is a big deal!

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. - 1 John 5:19 NKJV

Moving forward, we also find that Jesus's work on the cross has given us salvation, where the Holy Spirit lives in us as a part of our new nature. This new life gives us access to the mind of Christ. Now we not only can know God's thoughts and ways (if you've seen me, you've seen the Father) through the Word of God and the work of the Spirit in our heart and mind.

For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?" But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT

The Renewing of Our Mind

The power of this new perspective, reveals how we are to live in this life, how we solve problems and how we overcome obstacles. Our old lives have passed away in Christ so we need to embrace this new way of thinking. This is why we must be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

Renewing our mind should be our primary undertaking as Christians. Nothing happens until we think differently. Until we think like Jesus thinks, there is no faith, no growth and no knowing God. This new thinking is the new perspective.

Conversely, we see people who have done works in the name of Jesus, yet Jesus indicates, he does not know them. In fact, he actually says, "I NEVER knew you!"

"Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.' - Matthew 7:21-23 NLT

How is this possible if they are doing works in the name of Jesus? It's because they live according to their old life and not according to their new life in Christ. They never took on God's perspective and were prevented from doing the will of God.

If you want to take on this superior perspective, then take up the Sword of the Spirit!

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Take Action!

How do I take the sword of the Spirit? 

Since the sword is the Word of God, we need to know it and receive it, not with our old, worldly way of thinking but with a completely new way of thinking. There are many avenues for this. Follow the links below for a more in-depth review of knowing the Word and renewing your mind so you think like Jesus thinks by holding His perspective.


Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. - James 1:21 NKJV
Here are additional resources to help develop your strategy: 
Please, add your thoughts in the comment section.

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Concept

“The Sword of the Spirit gives us a new perspective.”


In The Cool Zone concept. Think like Jesus thinks. Deliver the Gospel. Teach what you have learned.

In The Cool Zone and More Life in My Day are sister websites dedicated to discipleship. They work in tandem, providing the teaching and coaching for growing in the Lord and becoming effective in our walk with the Lord. 

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