Friday, June 11

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. – Ephesians 6:17

Historically, helmets used in warfare were both protective and decorative. The magnificent plumage of some Roman helmets identified the person’s rank and was an unmistakable sign of leadership in battle. Alexander the Great usually preceded his troops into battle; his distinctive twin-winged headgear ahead of them became motivation for the rank and file soldiers to press forward with him.

Paul’s use of the imagery probably stems more from the protective aspect of the helmet. Because we are saved, we have been seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2: 5-6). We have access to his power (Eph. 1: 19-20) and come under his authority, which is above every other authority. We have confidence in the face of what might at times feel like overwhelming odds.

Another reason salvation is a helmet for us is that we recognize that our salvation is by grace through faith – it is not of ourselves and it does not come by our efforts. Similarly, we are not fighting this battle in our own strength. Just as we were saved, are being saved and finally will be completely saved only by God’s grace, so we battle now and survive, by his grace. It is part and proof of our salvation. If he saved us when we were far away from him, then of course He can save us as we fight the principalities and powers alongside Him?

Next Paul gives us the only piece of our spiritual armor that is designed for attacking our enemy. Shields, helmets, belts, and breastplates are all basically designed for defense against an attack. But the Sword of the Spirit, well everybody knows what swords are for!

Jesus demonstrated the power of this weapon when he was tempted by the Devil at the very limit of his physical and emotional energy after 40 days of fasting in the desert. Three times he quoted Deuteronomy; three times he cut through the devastating challenges of the Devil and sent him on his way “until an opportune time” (Luke 4: 13). This is great incentive to memorize the Scriptures and hide it in our hearts, never leaving home without it. You might not have a photographic memory or be able to recall the exact words of every verse you have ever read, but all of us can learn to do what the Psalmist says in Psalm 119:11, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

This does not mean that God’s word works like some kind of magic spell against the devil. However, it is a vital component of what we will need if we are to “stand firm” in Christ. Sometimes the Sword of the Spirit must do it’s cutting work on our own hearts before we can use it to slash away at the evil one.

The writer of the book of Hebrews puts it this way; For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Take a moment to bring to mind a particular trial or temptation you are currently facing…Decide that you will commit to studying what God’s word has to say about that issue and ask Him to give you a passage of Scripture that will encourage and strengthen you in it.

Sovereign Lord, You have given us all that we need to stand for You in this world. Teach us to love Your Word and to hide it in our hearts that we might not stray from it when the moments of trial come – Amen.

Jeff Frazier