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Contending for the Word Q&A, October 17, 2025
Standing Firm with the Sword of the Spirit
Question: What Role Does God’s Word Play in Spiritual Warfare? (Ephesians 6)
Introduction
Welcome back to Contending for the Word. Today’s question is, “What role does God’s Word play in spiritual warfare?” The Bible teaches that we are in a spiritual battle, not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). God has not left us defenseless, He has given us His armor, and central to it is His Word.
The Sword of the Spirit
In Ephesians 6:17, Paul calls the Word of God the sword of the Spirit. Every other piece of the armor is defensive, the sword is both defensive and offensive. God’s Word is our means of resisting temptation and confronting error.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He answered each attack with Scripture (Matthew 4:1–11). He replied, “It is written,” and the enemy fled. The same sword is in our hands today.
God’s Word Exposes Lies
Satan’s schemes are often deceptive, he twists truth and sows doubt. God’s Word reveals what is true, correcting false ideas about God, exposing the reality of sin, and clarifying our identity in Christ. With Scripture, we discern truth from error and stand firm.
God’s Word Strengthens Faith
Paul speaks of the shield of faith in the armor of God, and faith is strengthened by the Word. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” As we read and hear Scripture, our confidence in God grows, and faith extinguishes the fiery darts of the evil one.
God’s Word Equips Us for Endurance
Spiritual warfare is not resolved in a single moment, it continues through the Christian life. God’s Word trains us to persevere. Its promises encourage weary hearts, its commands lead us in obedience, and its gospel hope reminds us that Christ has already secured the victory.
Conclusion
So what role does God’s Word play in spiritual warfare? It is the Spirit’s sword, it is our sure defense, it is our truth against lies, it is the source of our faith, and it is our strength to endure. If you want to stand firm in the battle, take up the Word daily. The enemy does not fear human strength, he trembles at the power of God’s Word rightly wielded by the people of God.
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
