This week, as we continue our series on the “Believer’s Armor,” which is listed for us in Ephesians 6:12-18, we focus on the “Helmet of Salvation.” In verse 17 the Apostle Paul wrote — “And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Here is a truth to embrace — spiritual battles must be fought with spiritual weapons. It should seem obvious that the Roman soldier’s helmet was designed to protect his head. It was a very durable piece of equipment.
The primary target that Satan aims for is our minds. If he can corrupt our thinking, he can greatly impact our lives. We need to learn to allow the Holy Spirit to develop the mind of Christ within us. In Philippians 2:5 Paul wrote — “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” What did Jesus teach? What did He do? What did He think?
One of the attributes of our God that I really value is that He is immutable – He does not change. (Malachi 3:6) His character does change. His teachings do not change. His desires for us do not change. The Scriptures indicate that we have a responsibility to know Christ so well and love Him so deeply that we think His thoughts after Him.
Christ wants to fortify our lives with His truth, His honesty, His integrity, His thinking, His plans for our lives, and how He wants us to live.
In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, the Apostle Paul wrote, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and everything that exalts itself against God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
In every culture, God’s people will have to defend the truth against attacks, that deny or reject the knowledge of God. We are responsible for what we know and believe. There have always been false teachers who mix truth and error. Jesus said, that it is the ‘truth that makes us free.” The Bible doesn’t just contain the Word of God. It is the Word of God.
What do you spend your time thinking about? It has been said that “we are in the process of becoming what we spend our time thinking about.” The scriptures seem to support this. In Proverbs 23:7 we read “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” So again, I raise the question – what do you spend your time thinking about?
● Job ● Marriage ● Finances ● Security ● Family ● Retirement
● Repairs ● Pleasure ● Trips ● Hobbies ● Cars ● Health
How much time do you actually spend thinking about God who loves you? Christ who died for you? God’s unchanging word to fortify your life? God’s plan or will for your life?
Listen to what Paul wrote in Romans 11:33-36 “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” (Folks, take time to focus on the passage you have just read. It is huge. Really think about what Paul was saying.)
● Is God your counselor or are you His counselor?
● Would you or I ever have conceived God’s amazing plan of salvation?
In 1 Peter 3:15, the Apostle wrote – “But sanctify the LORD God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
The only way we, as Christians, can be ready to answer the legitimate questions asked or respond to the critics and mockers is if we immerse ourselves in the Word of God. We will never be ready to defend the faith by hours in front of the TV, watching the news, playing video games, etc.
The people of Corinth had multiple issues that were not of God, but listen to how Paul ministered to these people – 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 “But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is God’s power and God’s wisdom, because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.”
Folks, make it your ambition to really get to know Christ intimately. Spend time with Him every day. Make Him the compass and centerpiece of your life. Then you will be able to stand against the powers of darkness and, with confidence, shine the light of Christ into the world.
God Bless you,
Pastor Leonard
