The Armor Of God: The Helmet Of Salvation And The Sword Of The Spirit Series

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

Hagerstown, MD

www.mycrossway.org

watch this message at: https://mycrossway.churchcenter.com/episodes/156328

Introduction

It comes as a shock to the new or the uninformed believer that the Christian life is a battleground and not a playground. Maturity in Christ brings battles. This is actually a good sign because, as Spurgeon used to say, “Satan never kicks a dead Horse!” If we are going to win the battle, we must know the enemy possesses the power. We must also understand that Satan is a vanquished foe and we have the equipment to fully protect ourselves. This week we will study the last two pieces of spiritual armor that God provides.

?10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil 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 firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:10–18 ESV)

This is a spiritual battle and in order to stand in the battle, believers need every piece of God's armor. The order of the pieces listed in these verses is likely the order in which a soldier would put them on. We started with the Belt of Truth that holds everything together. Then we cover the vital part of our body with the Breastplate of Righteousness and then made ourselves ready with the Shoes of the Gospel. To protect against and extinguish the fiery arrows from the enemy, we take up the shield of faith. And now, to complete our armor we put on the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit.

The final item in the Christian’s defensive armor is the Helmet of Salvation. Putting on this help could merely mean that we are putting on our salvation. But in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Paul talks about putting on “the hope of salvation as a helmet,” which is what I think he was also projecting here to the reader. Salvation isn’t something that you take on and off at your whim. It is the very identity of who you are in Christ. Rather, it is the knowledge and understanding of our Salvation - that hope - that will see us through trials, and temptations, and ground us in our faith.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul... (Hebrews 6:19a)

I think we have a pretty clear understanding that our salvation is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Any religious system that replaces faith with works is unbiblical and leads people to false, demonic teaching. Roman Catholics, for instance, believe salvation is gained by faith plus works, grace plus merit, and Christ plus our own righteousness. It is the same general pattern that every other false religion and teaching follows be it Mormonism, Islam, Word of Faith, Buddism, New Age, and so on. They all demand the person to obtain a higher spiritual realm through one’s own merit. Even to the point that they will claim that you can become a god.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, (Philippians 2:12)

he saved us, not because of works are done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:5)

And so the world system is in a constant assault with the message of God’s grace. The world says that you find true peace, true joy, and true satisfaction in something other than God. What we must first understand is this is the voice of Satan echoed from the garden. Will you believe God and trust God or will you believe the lies of the enemy and trust in something other than yourself? If you chose to trust in something other than God, you are sinning.