In The Word – The Armor of God – Part 5
“And take the helmet of salvation, and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”, Ephesians 6:17. Paul toppped the armor off with a helmet. This Helmet is Salvation. Unless a person has
been saved, the rest of the armor would not fit.
A helmet is designed to protect the
head. The spiritual helmet is likewise
designed to protect the mind. Once we
receive salvation (the helmet), we need to let God change the way we think. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”, Romans 12:2. Paul told us the
things we need to be thinking, in Philippians 4:8 he told us to think on things
that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, things that are of good report, and virtue, and if it
has any praise. What a contrast to how
those who are unsaved think. The unsaved
are fine with living self-centered, pleasure-seeking lives. Paul said in Romans 8:5, “they that are after
the flesh do mind the things of the flesh”, however, that verse ends by saying,
“but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit”. Those that are saved, who are wearing the
“helmet of salvation” should be Christ-focused in mind and actions. If we are
going to be about Christ, we have to know what Christ was about.
Peter told us to grow “in the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”, 2 Peter 3:18a. We need to have the same mindset – the same
world view that Christ has. Our desire
and our mind should be set on serving God. 1 Peter 4:1-2, “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in
the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath
ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to
the lusts of men, but to the will of God”. We get there by “Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”, 2
Corinthians 10:5. We get there by
spending time in the Word and with Him. Jesus invites us to “yoke” ourselves up
with Him and “learn” from Him, Matthew 11:29. Solomon, a man known for his
wisdom, said, “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and
understanding”. Put on the helmet of Salvation today, and let Jesus protect
your mind in this battle called life.
Elder Tim White
Ider, Alabama
