Swordsmanship

many of you know that i've devoted a physical time to studymg physical swordamship.

this is a thread for applying the principles of wisely wielding a physical sword to the wise handling of our physical sword

et alia

Psst... methinks you meant to say, "to the wise handling of our spiritual sword"? With that in mind...

The primary difference is that we use the physical sword against a physical opponent, and a spiritual sword against a spiritual opponent (Eph. 6:12). Too often we attempt to use the spiritual sword against physical "opponents" when we should stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them against our common spiritual enemies.

In swordsmanship, you anticipate your adversary's next three moves. Parry, feint, thrust, distract, and watch for an opening for the coup de grace (sorry, no proper French accents). Know that he is doing the same towards you, so remain alert and vigilant, as he will attack your weaknesses.

There are as many styles of physical swordsmanship as there are styles of swords, and techniques which are brutally effective with one style are useless if not dangerous to self with another style of weapon. This doesn't translate directly, but there is one parallel: the shield. It's not used in European fencing or Japanese kendo, but it is integral to the ancient Roman, the medieval knight, and the Christian believer.

According to Paul's analogy, the shield is faith, and it is employed correctly when, in response to criticism or accusation, we declare that we are saved and our sins are forgiven, that we are children of God and our inheritance is certain. We can then apply the sword with the same idea: the enemy's inheritance is also certain.

I could go on... but I will step aside and let the next soldier take a stab.

A sword is the only piece of equipment that is for striking a blow against the enemy helmets and shields and boots are for defense and protection but a sword is offensive though also can be used as defense in a pinch it seems to be the only piece of equipment that is for going on offense of course the footwork is always important

I find it interesting that the instruction is to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might ... then clothe ourselves with the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil ... then pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

We must be strong in the Lord, clothing ourselves with those things He provides ... loins girt about with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God ... these are the things God provides for us and we are instructed to put them on.

The instruction is not "go out looking for the battle". The instruction is to stand against the methods of the devil and withstand in the evil day. The battle takes place in our every day life and we are to stand and withstand against the onslaught of the adversary.

And I believe prayer is just as much an effective implement against the methods of our adversary as the sword ... in fact, prayer could be considered the most underutilized tool in our arsenal.

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
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