"And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God  (Eph. 5:17b).

What is a sword used for?  A sword is an offensive weapon.  It is used to cut and/or divide.  When we look at the triumphant Christ at His second coming, John's revelation informs us that "His name is called the Word of God" (Rev. 19:13).  John also declares, "out of His mouth goes a sharp sword" (Rev. 19:15).  John is using this allegory to communicate to us that Christ is the Word of God and Christ will speak and rule the nations by and through His word (Rev. 19:15).  We are told to rightly divide the word of truth (II Tim. 2:15).  That speaks of discernment.  Discernment comes from Holy Spirit revealed truth (I Cor. 2:14).  Revealed truth should be based and/or confirmed by the written word of God.  The Holy Spirit will never reveal anything that is contrary to the written word of God, even though it might not be contained in the word of God.  For even John supposed that if all the things Jesus of Nazareth did were written, that the world could not even contain all the books that would be written (John 21:25).  I can assure you that everything that every member of the body of Christ will ever say or do will never be recorded in the word of God either.  However, that doesn't mean that it is not God in you doing the work as you, to and for others.  There are many things he may speak or do through you.  While it may not be written, it won't be contrary to the word either.

Peter commands, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.  If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen" (I Pet. 4:11).  Christians need to have the Holy Spirit renew their minds with all discernment, so that Christ can fully speak through their lips of clay to preach, teach, and minister as only He can in and through them as them.  The Sword of the Spirit is Christ.  Christ is the living Person in us, to speak through us (Gal. 2:20).  It is the very Spirit of Christ, the love-for-others Spirit to do the Father's will (Rom. 8:9; John 4:34). Christ is the living Word of God (John 1:1).  Christ will flow through us as a sword to discern every situation in the Spirit.  He knows the distinction and discerns the differences even between the soul and the Spirit (Hebr. 4:12).  When Christ speaks in us and flows through our minds and mouths, we know the difference.  He is the Anointed One. 

There is a sure difference when Christ speaks with His anointing through us, and we are just speaking in our own flesh.  Christians with discernment in the Spirit will know the difference as well.  Christ in us is a discerning hearer as well.  We know whether Christ is speaking in or through someone else, or it is just mere flesh speaking flesh thoughts out of the knowledge of good and evil.  Brothers and sisters, flesh speaking is just words of death.  Spirit-led, empowered, and anointing speaking produces truth and life.  When the Holy Spirit has transformed our mind to the renewed mind of Christ and Christ is using that mind in His anointing and speaking through us, we know him and are assured of Him. Christ – the sword of the Spirit, speaking through us by the Spirit, is our integrity! V