I love those old swashbuckling movies, especially the black and white ones. Old movie heroes fighting for the honor of the fair maiden, or for “king and country” – what fun! In more recent years, Braveheart and the Lord of the Rings trilogy are favorites.
The skill of the swordsmen is amazing! How did they avoid lopping off the wrong head? How did they not trip over their own weapons?
All right, I can hear some of you cynics saying, “It was in the script, dummy!” Well, of course it was. But just suspend that disbelief for a moment and look at the techniques they used. That battle choreography had to come from somewhere. In the world of cinema, they’re called technical advisors.
Jab, thrust, parry, swish and swing. The sword strike met the need of the moment. A defensive parry wouldn’t stab anyone. A quick jab wouldn’t disable an enemy. Technique had to be appropriate.
When we are in a spiritual battle, our technique has to match the current need. It won’t help as much if, for example, we quote a scripture having to do with God’s provision (like Matthew 5:25-26 NASB: “do not be worried about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink . . . look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap . . yet your Heavenly Father feeds them”) if we are battling self-condemnation. Of course, all scripture “is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16 NASB), but wouldn’t it be better to follow Jesus’ example and wield that sword to great effect?
We have to allow Holy Spirit to bring to mind the appropriate technique (scripture) for the battle. He acts as our technical advisor.
A problem arises when we have no idea what weapon might be available because we haven’t studied God’s Word enough to be familiar with it. I’m not even talking about memorizing scripture, though that’s a great idea. I’m referring more to “knowing what’s in there.”
I love to quote some applicable scripture – aloud, of course – when I am praying for someone. For example, when I pray for wisdom, I declare that, according to James 1:5, God gives wisdom freely and without scolding us for our lack of it. I usually use my own language style, but the meaning is there. Hearing a promise straight from the Word lends power to my words. It also stimulates faith, both in me and in the person I’m praying for. And then if and when God also gives a rhema (personalized) word, that just cinches the deal. Logos (written word) plus rhema plus faith equals powerful and effective prayer.
The battle is engaged. The fight is taken to the enemy. We go on the offense with the appropriate weapon and technique.
The Sword of the Spirit sings out and we are victorious through Him.
this is part four of a series on spiritual warfare
part 1| This Means War!
part 2| The Big “D” of Warfare
part 3| Charge!
all illustrations courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net