Stand and Withstand! (Part Three: Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit)

Scripture:  Ephesians 6:10-18 - Scripture:  Ephesians 6:10-18 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

The Whole Armor of God that we as Christians are called to “put on” consists of:  the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. The Armor of God reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle/warfare, and it describes the protection that is available to us to stand against (by the power of the Holy Spirit) the schemes/wiles of the devil (our enemy) – and rulers of the darkness of this age. The fifth and sixth pieces of the Armor of God are the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. Ephesians 6:16 says “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The Helmet of Salvation rests on the finished work of Jesus Christ to save us.  (John 3:16)  The battlefield of our mind is the primary place spiritual battles are fought.  The soldier’s head is one of his most vulnerable areas.  If a soldier didn’t have a helmet on his head, one blow to his head would be devastating/fatal. His helmet covered his entire head, facial area and between his eyes.  The armor would  be  useless if he wasn’t equipped with his helmet.  For Christians the helmet of salvation is imperative.  Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which believers receive at salvation, all the armor would be useless.  Without salvation, there would be no victory for believers.  We have to surrender our thoughts that don’t line up with the Word of God.  Colossians 3:2 says “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”  When we are facing trials, we have to remember the Lord’s character and faithfulness in scripture. Romans 12:2 says “And do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  

The Sword of the Spirit is the sixth piece of Armor of God.  Ephesians 6:17b says …”And the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”  It is the only piece of armor that is defensive and offensive.  When the devil tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus’ response each time was “it is written”.  He responded with the truth of  God’s word every time!  (Luke 4:1-13)  When we as Christians are tempted, the most effective weapon that God has given us is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  II Timothy 3:16 lets us know that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  We have to be intentional about reading the scriptures.  Decide on a regularly scheduled time to read/study God’s Word without distractions of others.  Spend time praying God’s word back to Him in the areas you are struggling in.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for providing what I need to have victory in this spiritual warfare.  Help me to, as it says in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”  Help me to consistently read/study God’s Word and obey it.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)