In the New Testament, there are two primary Greek words behind the English word for “word”: logos and rhema. While both can be translated “word,” there are underlying differences in the two. In general terms, think of logos as a book or concept and rhema as a sentence or saying. Biblically, think of logos as the Bible and rhema as a saying or verse within the Bible. 

When the apostle Paul referred to “the word of God” as “the sword of the Spirit,” he used the word rhema for “word of God.” He seems to be saying that we should take up a portion, a verse, or a promise in Scripture when defending ourselves in spiritual warfare. That’s what Jesus did when He defended Himself against the temptations of Satan in the wilderness. Three times He quoted verses from Deuteronomy to refute Satan’s carnal attempts (Matthew 4:1-11).

Just as Jesus quoted the Old Testament from memory in the wilderness, so must we commit Scripture to memory so it is always at hand when Satan attacks. Satan has no defense against the power of the truth of God. Take a few moments today to begin memorizing Ephesians 6:17.

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