Many of the pictures that we have seen used to illustrate what the sword of the Spirit looks like have been subtle untruths. Those untruths have caused us to misunderstand and therefore misapply or misuse our weapon of warfare.

Not knowing what the sword of the Spirit is, or looks like, can effectually hinder us on the battlefield; even to the point of causing one to enter into the wrong battlefield.

Imagine this: An evil day arises when there is a conflict that leads to high emotions. Suddenly, one might find themself on the battlefield, either as a participant or as an observer.

When one finds themself on the battlefield, where the sword of the Spirit is removed from its sheave and ready to be used, that one might experience the following:

1. The statement might be heard, “don’t make the old me come out.” This is evidence that the one making the statement is not dressed for battle and therefore has failed on the battlefield.
2. or, One might experience an atmospheric change where emotions have been allowed to lead one to a place where some choice words are exchanged and one is ready to go to blows. This is evidence of one’s not being dressed for battle and therefore that one has failed on the battlefield.

Those who have served in any form of military service understand the seriousness of failing/falling on the battlefield. There is an entire day that has been reserved to remember and acknowledge those who have fallen on the battlefield. Failing/falling on the battlefield can have detrimental effects on oneself and others. Not everyone who fails/falls on a battlefield gets back up. The graveyard is proof of this.

But remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood. This is a spiritual battle that we are all in. Our armor of God is not physical, but spiritual. It is more powerful than the garments of war that one wears in service of their country.

Also, keep in mind that God’s Word says that the righteous fall seven times but they get back up.

What causes the righteous to fall is not being dressed for battle.

Catch this now: the Apostle Paul told us to put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes we may be able to stand our ground. (Ephesians 6:13) We cannot stand if we are not dressed for battle with the full armor of God on.

So to fall on the battleground is evidence that the full armor of God was not being worn. This is why it is important that we know what our garment is and that we take it up and put it on.

Quoting the names of each piece is not the same as taking it up and putting it on. We must understand what our armor of God is so that we can take it up, put it on, and use it effectively to stand against the adversary.

So let’s start with the sword of the Spirit.

The attached image shows both the untruth and the truth regarding the sword of the Spirit.

Many times when we are shown the sword of the Spirit, the untruth is presented to us.

Can you identify which pictures portray the truth about the sword of the Spirit? (from left to right)
1-2-3-4
5-6-7-8

It is important that you know how to handle the sword of the Spirit because it is sharper than a two-edged Sword so mishandling it might cause injury to you.

More can be learned about this piece of our armor in the Dressed for Battle Course of the I Am A Giant Slayer Spiritual Warfare Training Workshop found on the Teachable platform. You are even taken on a simulated battlefield for practice in using your sword.

I am a Giant Slayer – Spiritual Warfare Workshop, Course One: Dressed for Battle