When War Comes (Part 2)
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— ~Ephesians 6:17-18
Long before war erupts, soldiers prepare and get ready. The last thing they do is put on their helmet just before they go out for battle.
The "helmet" that the Bible refers to is defined in Strong's as "The protection of soul which consists in (the hope of) salvation."
God's salvation is ongoing. It protects and delivers us from our sin nature and nullifies the plots and schemes of the enemy. The cross set us free and sin can no longer master us.
Sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. ~Romans 6:14
Under grace, wearing the helmet, we have the mind of Christ. (Phil. 2:5) We belong to Christ Jesus and we have crucified the flesh with it's passions and desires. (2 Timothy 2:22)
We must continually renew our minds to keep our helmet securely in place.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind… ~Romans 12:1-2
In renewing our mind, day by day with the Word of God, we become transformed!
Jesus purchased our salvation and paid the ultimate price. As we treasure that in our heart, earthly things lose their luster. With our eyes squarely fixed on Him and all that He has done to set us free, Satan's evil suggestions become weak and ineffective.
The final piece of armor is the sword of the Spirit. Interestingly, if you take the letter S off the word sword, you have "word." And the Bible tells us that the sword is the Word of God.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ~Heb. 4:12
God's Word is powerful and it keeps us from sin.
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ~Psalm 119:11
God's word teaches, corrects and trains us.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. ~2 Timothy 3:16-17
God's word is like bread and we need to eat of it daily.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ~Matthew 4:4
After we have securely put all of the armor in place, the final instruction is this...
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Ephesians 6:18
Pray with me...
Heavenly Father,
Holy is Your name. You are high and lifted up. Stoop low and hear our hearts cry out to You. We need You. Protect us. As we put on the armor today, fill our hearts with strength and courage to fight the battles all around us. Remind us that the best way to fight is on our knees.
Fill our hearts with hope for Your kingdom to come. Walk with us and help us to hear Your voice more and more. Reveal Your purpose and plan for each of us and help us to serve You faithfully each day. In Jesus Name.
