Grace Bible Church
Pastor-Teacher
Robert R. McLaughlin
Friday, December 27, 2013
1. First, we had the girdle or the belt which emphasizes the importance of Bible doctrine as the basis for everything.
2. Secondly, the breastplate which emphasizes the personal integrity on the part of the believer.
3. Then we had the combat shoes emphasizing the importance of understanding the doctrines pertaining to the Gospel.
4. The Roman shield emphasizing the faith rest drill and the different rationales.
5. The helmet of salvation emphasizing the importance of a proper mental attitude and the protection for our thoughts.
6. The sword metaphor.
The last half and final piece of equipment which is called the marchay meaning a sword for battle.
The machaira was only 18″ long but both edges and the point were very sharp.
It’s outstanding advantage was that the Roman soldier was never off-balance while he used his machaira.
The genitive of description comes from two words of the spirit referring to God the Holy Spirit. The Greek phrase is “tou pneumatos.
The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God because the Holy Spirit is the divine author of all scripture, 2PE 1:21.
The Holy Spirit is also teacher of Bible doctrine, JOH 14:26, JOH 16:12-14, 1CO 2:9-16.
1JO 2:26-27, These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
Under the concept of hermeneutics there are some principles which we need to note.
The akinakes which is a sword that was decorative rather than punitive.
The Bible has beautiful segments of poetry in the original language but it isn’t the beautiful language that gives it its power or strength.
The akinakes usually had ivory handles and was studded with gems faceted in gold.
It was totally useless in combat and reminds us of all the fancy sermons, the articulate speakers with their eloquent speech who say so much, but what they give is totally useless in spiritual combat.
A second word for sword which was used at that time was dolon. Dolon was a sword hidden in a whip or a cane.
The truth of the word of God is not hidden, therefore it could not be used.
The mystery doctrine of the Church-age is available for anyone who desires to know it.
Then there was another great battle sword used by the Barbarians called the romphaia. The romphaia was a long broad sword. It had one cutting edge.
The romphaia was a sword of considerable length, never shorter than four feet and often up to six feet in length.
Because the romphaia’s awkward length and weight caught the barbarian or Gaul temporarily off balance after a stroke, costly moments were lost before he could regain combat effectiveness.