… and divides the mind and spirit …
Summary: The reason for the sword of the Spirit is to separate our mind from our spirit. Only when we are cut free from the mind’s machinations can our spirit see its need for Jesus.
If we are to wield the sword of the Spirit effectually, we need training and practice. Fortunately, the Word of God provides us with instruction, and God’s Spirit will train us.
A sword is an apt metaphor for the Word of God, but the idea of a spiritual sword is difficult to fathom. What kind of sword cannot stab people or lop off limbs? When we contemplate using this sword, it helps to remember who it belongs to. Paul says the sword is the word of God. To put it another way, it is God’s sword.
For our first lesson on using the sword of the Spirit, let’s turn to the book of Hebrews. The writer says:
“God’s word is living and full of power. It is more sharp than any sword that cuts on both sides. What God says cuts through and divides the mind and spirit. … What God says is able to judge the things people think and plan in their hearts.” (Hebrews 4:12 – Worldwide English NT*)
The sword of the Spirit is alive! Like some mythical weapon of old, this sword has a will of its own. It serves its maker, God. More than simply having a spirit of its own, this sword is active. The sword of the Spirit gets things done.
But what can it do?
It can divide mind and spirit. The Word of God cuts through our rationalizations and our excuses. Our spirit, when separated from the mind, stands naked before God. When this happens, salvation is possible. It is when we compare ourselves to God’s perfection that we feel our guilt and shame. Without the confusion created by the mind, our spirit stands exposed to God’s light and truth.
Who can stand before God and not feel ashamed? Who can stand in the reflection of God’s perfection and not see how far we have fallen? When the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, does its work, we see our need for redemption. Then we realize our need for help, our need for a savior.
The goal of God’s word and the function of the sword of the Spirit is to bring us to our knees. It cuts away the confusion of the devil’s lies. It lops off our arguments and rationalizations. It exposes our hearts before the Lord. It shows us our need for Jesus.
A rational mind is a wonderful tool, but by itself it is amoral. It does not know right from wrong. Because of this, we need God’s Word and his Holy Spirit. This is why God’s Word says, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:14)
Application: Examine your heart and see if you remember when the sword of the Spirit divided your mind and spirit.
Food for Thought: Does the sword of the Spirit serve us, or do we serve it?
*We chose the Worldwide English NT for this passage because they translated the Greek into “mind and spirit” rather than the confusing “soul and spirit.” While the Greek word “pneûma” is often correctly translated as “soul,” the Strong’s Concordance defines the word as the “rational soul” and “mental disposition” of a person. These are attributes normally attributed to the mind.
May the sword of His Word bring us His peace and presents on our life today!
Amen, Jim! 🙂
Since it is God’s word, I think we are called to serve God by using it to advance the gospel. We take it and do His will. Romans 12: 2; Luke 22: 42. But it could be said that it also serves us by providing the foundation for a growing faith. Romans 1: 16 – 17; Matthew 7: 24 – 25.
Brother Rich,
I love being able to ask questions here because I learn so much. Thank you for your thoughtful response this morning!
I came to the same place as Rich. The thought of saying the sword of the Spirit serves us makes me uncomfortable, but I think about how Christ came in service, so that we could serve God. In that thought, the sword of the Spirit serves us, so that we can serve. It is a relationship.
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Chris,
Isn’t it interesting how we learn things by exploring these questions? I appreciate your response today because you “tried on” a certain perspective and found it “uncomfortable.” Sometimes, that is the way we communicate with God’s Spirit. We try something on and the Spirit says, “Nah, that doesn’t look so good on you,” or “Wow, that fits!”
11-03-2023, Does the sword of the Spirit serve us, or do we serve it?
The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
The sword of the Spirit will cut through our spiritual cataracts, restore our spiritual vision, and reveal the truth’s about God, ourselves, and others. The sword of the Spirit will show us the true image of God that is revealed in Jesus Christ, placing reality, who we really are, what we have in Christ, in our spiritual hearts.
“In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:4
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Galatians 5:24
The sword of the Spirit serves all mankind, by giving spiritual life to all who will listen and apply .
Interesting sword, isn’t it? 🙂
Thanks, Ron!
I agree — God’s Word is for all of us. A message of hope and salvation.
It’s interesting, Genesis 2:7, God’s breath gave life to Adam’s body, and God’s breath gives spiritual life through His God-breathed Scripture.
Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7
All Scripture is God-breathed so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17