Qualified to use the Sword of the Spirit
The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, can save a man, Rom.1:16, but it can also kill a man, 2Cor.3:6. If a believer does not use the sword correctly, it can do great harm to those on the receiving end.
Did you notice that in Eph.6:13-18, the sword is the sixth item on the list for a soldier to take up. It is the offensive weapon in the midst of the defensive armour, which is to be put on first. In context and in application, the believer is to be familiar with his armour first, before he goes for the sword. Before he wields the swords, he is to first gird himself with truth, which is the knowledge of the Word. Thereafter, he is to stand straight with righteousness, which is to apply that truth, resulting in a proclamation of the gospel, the exercising of faith, and abiding in that hope of salvation. It is only then, when that soldier is fully prepared, fully qualified, and thoroughly furnished, that the sword should be picked up.
