Field Trip #5
Train First Before Going to Battle
I want to take this moment just to clarify, in case I didn’t earlier, that the Sword of the Spirit is not a garment, but it is a tool that can also be used offensively and defensively.
If you remember, in our discussion of the Shield of Faith we learned what it means to operate both offensively and defensively. We learned that offensive tools empower us to go boldly into action doing what the Lord commands us to do.
Read 2 Timothy 2:15
What are we to do in order to handle the word of truth right?
When operating with our tools in a defensive manner, we are covering ourselves to protect ourselves and those with us from harm.
As it applies to the Sword of the Spirit, to use the Sword offensively is to use it in judgment; whereas, to use the sword defensively is to use it to train, protect, and correct.
Click the link to view the video,
How to Use the Sword of the Spirit, Offensively or Defensively?
The War We Wage
We need to not forget that our warfare is “not against flesh and blood”. Our battle, our warfare is not with humans.
So, the minute that we use the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit, against another human being, then we have already lost the battle because we are not taking our stand on the right battlefield.
This is why the gameboard of chess is played incorrectly. Playing the chessboard, you need an opponent. When playing the physical game of chess, the fact that it is played against another human is what makes it incorrect. When we see humans as being our opponents we are learning to fight incorrectly. It is therein where the chessboard becomes a lie and an incorrect portrayal of the true battleground.
Keep in mind that hurting people hurt people.
- the minute you find yourself offended against another human being,
- the minute you find yourself holding a grudge against another human being,
- the minute you find yourself speaking disparagingly about another human being,
- the minute you separate yourself from another human being
you have lost the battle, and you are wielding the Sword in a way that will not only hurt others, but it will hurt yourself also.
Read Ephesians 6:12.
Who is it that we war against?
No matter how we try to justify our actions, being at ought with another human being means we have lost the battle. GAME OVER.
THE BATTLEFIELD
At this point, I find it necessary to gently introduce you to the actual battlefield, not taking you fully onto it, but giving you a glimpse of it. The reason is that human beings tend to fight what they can see, so it is important that you are able to discern what you cannot see first. Are you ready?
Please Proceed to Module 7 Project 1
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