Soglio

Soglio
Village of Soglio Hiking in the Swiss Alps - John 6:3    And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Ephesians 6:17 - Is the Sword for offense or defense?

This passage is very familiar....

Eph 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Eph 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.


It is sufficient and effective.


Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.


He just repeated that.


What is our armour?


It begins with truth.


Eph 6:14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Eph 6:15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Eph 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.


Eph 6:17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:


The word of God is our only offensive weapon, but it can be used also in defending.


Paul states our position clearly..

Rom 12:18  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Rom 12:19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Rom 12:20  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Rom 12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.


In another text it seems Jesus implies we are not to build an arsenal....but be prepared for defending ourselves as does the Ephesians passage clarify in our spiritual battles.


Luk 22:36  Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewisehis scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Luk 22:37  For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

Luk 22:38  And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.



Eph 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;


Paul ends with this emphasis on his own need for effective words.


Eph 6:19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Eph 6:20  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.


Yet at times speaking the truth will offend.


Joh 6:60  Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

Joh 6:61  When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?


It really did ......


Joh 6:66  From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

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