When in (spiritual) combat against the forces of darkness: the spirits and principalities, etc., having a proper grip on the “Sword” is a matter of life and death. The following are a few principles to get you started in your training.
19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
-2 Peter 1:19-21 (NKJV)–bold and italics mine for emphasis.
We must acknowledge that the “Sword” is (present tense) divinely inspired. It does not need to be updated or perverted in any other way by hyper-intellectualized imbecilic pseudo-intellectuals who mistakenly believe their judgment of the Word of God to be outdated, or no longer culturally relevant, is somehow valid. Remember, the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (accusing the Spirit of doing wrong) will not be forgiven in this life or the one to come. This is not a game.
I am the Lord…(all quotes from the NKJV)
Leviticus 11:34
Leviticus 11:44
Leviticus 11:45
+ 29 others…just in the book of Leviticus
The point…the need to acknowledge that, when God commands something, it should be done for no other reason than he says so. The authority for the command (not suggestion) begins and ends with God. Period.
37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
-2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)–bold and italics mine for emphasis.
We’re admonished to keep things simple by working with a black and white paradigm. “Gray areas” are a creation of Satan (and his minions) to artificially manufacture confusion, double standards, uncertainty etc. where none exists in reality.
1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
-Matthew 7:1-6 (NKJV)–bold and italics mine for emphasis.
To properly use the “Sword”, we must apply it first to ourselves, then assist others with their issues (which we ourselves can relate to) because, only after we remove the obstacle from our own vision, we are able to see clearly to help them.
Improper use of the “Sword” (which will result in a poor cut and be ineffective) is to compel others to change whatever issue they face while remaining blind to it ourselves. What does it say? If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the pit. (Matthew 15:14)
A proper grip is critical for attaining a proper cut in order to cut sin out of the body: https://youtu.be/lddhRjqmcSg?si=XPBzXg-sbnq_YKXe
These are a few ideas mentioned briefly to get you started in understanding how to “cut” properly with the “Sword”. For a more detailed discussion, please read our study entitled: “Biblical Interpretation-Foundation of our Faith Pt. 2” in the library by clicking the following link: https://simplifiedtheology.org/print/
Disclaimer:
Masayuki Shimabukuro, Carl Long, et al do not endorse and are in no way affiliated with www.simplifiedtheology.org. Likewise, www.simplifiedtheology.org does not necessarily endorse the aforementioned parties and has no affiliation with them of any kind. The linked video is being utilized simply as a visual reference. All rights are retained by the respective parties.