“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

 ~ Philippians 3:14 (KJV) ~

Paul’s words sound a lot like the language of a good coach: press toward the mark. Don’t run aimlessly. Don’t score for the wrong side. Keep your eyes on the goal line and move the ball forward for God’s Goodness and Kingdom.

When my boys were young, they loved playing sports like baseball and football. I remember one game—I'm not exactly sure if it was Joshua’s or Jeremiah’s—the coach finally allowed a player, who had been waiting all season, to join in. You could tell how happy he was. Then, the big moment arrived: the quarterback threw him the ball, he caught it, and took off like a gazelle—so fast, so determined, and filled with excitement. The only funny thing? He was running the wrong way! He scored points, but not for his team—the scoreboard lit up, but it was showing the other side’s score. 

That moment comes back to me when I observe Christianity today. Many believers, full of excitement or good intentions, are moving forward, but often in the wrong direction. They’re scoring points—yet not for God’s Kingdom. They might quote Scripture, post Bible verses on social media, or even argue passionately about truth, but instead of advancing God’s reality, they’re unintentionally assisting the defense—the enemy. This is not what Jesus meant when he said, “Love your enemy.”

That’s why the Sword of the Spirit is so critical. It’s not just about swinging Scripture—it’s about knowing how to hold and use it rightly: with reason, grace, truth, and revelation. These are the plays that advance God’s Kingdom, keep us running in the right direction, and ensure the scoreboard reflects the glory of God.

So how do we make sure we’re pressing toward the mark, not running the wrong way? Let’s look at the four aspects of God’s whole language that equip us to advance His goodness and Kingdom.

First, reason. We must know the playbook. No team wins without studying the playbook. In the same way, Christians can’t advance the Kingdom without understanding Scripture in its context or setting. Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Without reason, we might run with passion but head the wrong direction. Jesus Himself reasoned with the Word in the wilderness, applying it rightly to silence the enemy. This intellectual engagement with Scripture empowers us to run in the right direction.

Second, Grace. If reason is about logically putting things in place, then grace is about connections, and playing as a team is all about relationships. Offense isn’t a one-man show; it’s about the team working together. Grace allows us to strengthen, correct, and encourage one another so no one gets left behind. Paul reminds us, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Grace keeps the team united and tempers the sharpness of the sword so truth never becomes a weapon of pride.

Third, truth, Scoring in God’s reality. Truth is the ball in play. Without it, you can run hard, but you’ll never put points on the board in God’s existence. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Advancing with the Sword means carrying truth into our conversations, workplaces, and homes. Like the prophet Micaiah (1 Kings 22), sometimes truth makes you unpopular, but it always keeps the score in God’s favor. This truth is not just a tool, it's a source of inspiration and motivation.

Finally, revelation. Revelation is seeing the entire field from a divine perspective. It is God giving us a higher view—like a coach in the press box who sees the whole field. Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), was revealed by the Father and became the key play on which Jesus said, “I will build my church.” With revelation, we look beyond the line of scrimmage to the larger picture of what God is doing.

Church, don’t be the player running in the wrong direction. Don’t give points to the enemy because of playing in minor leagues or misunderstandings. God has given us the Sword of the Spirit not only to defend but to advance with His authority, where we “get to” use divine power, expertise, position, influence, and submission to gain ground in God’s reality in the big leagues of maturity.   

So, let’s press toward the mark. Let’s reason through Scripture, speak with grace, carry truth, and live by revelation. When we do, the scoreboard lights up—not for the other side, but for the Kingdom of God.

So… Stay Strong. Shine Bright. Suit up.

Next, understanding how to use the Sword defensively.

Pastor Drake