The Best Offense

Take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17

Depending on whom you talk to and about which sport, people may say “the best defense is a good offense” or “the best offense is a good defense.” Perhaps they both have value in different situations. But when it comes to living the Christian life, it appears the apostle Paul is going with “the best offense is a good defense.”

In Paul’s discussion of the Christian’s spiritual armor, all the elements of armor he mentions are defensive in nature—the belt, the breastplate, protection for the feet, the shield, and the helmet—except for one: “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The Bible is the only offensive weapon we have at our disposal among the armor of God. Because Christians are constantly subjected to the “fiery darts” of the evil one, it makes sense that our ability to stay spiritually alive is a function of our defensive armor. But there are times for offense as well—for going on the attack. And our weapon is the same one that Jesus used to defeat Satan: the promises of God (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).

How sharp is the edge of your sword? How quickly can you access a promise of God when you are under attack? Don’t be caught off guard in the midst of the battle.

The Bible is a rock of diamonds, a chain of pearls, the sword of the Spirit.

THOMAS WATSON