Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6: 17 [NIV]
It doesn’t seem right to compress these two into one day, but for the sake of fitting them into one week, please forgive me for not giving them the space they deserve.
First the helmet – it protects the head, the brain, the eyes, nose, ears and mouth. Perhaps you have seen the image from the Bayeux Tapestry of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings with an arrow in his eye? The helmet protects some our most vulnerable parts. Salvation needs to be kept at the forefront of our minds. Did Jesus doubt his salvation, when he was tempted by Satan? Should we doubt our Salvation when we are attacked? Remember the Belt of Truth from Monday. Our Salvation is fact, truth, unchangeable – if we are “in Christ Jesus”
Second the sword – this is an instrument of defence and attack. In a sword-fight or fencing bout, the sword is used to parry blows from the enemy and to strike back to inflict damage on them. The Spirit is our defender and the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God = The Bible) is what we can use to defend or attack when we are tempted.
I particularly find these verses helpful:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2 [NIV]
God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 5:9 [NIV]
For the word of God is alive 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
Lord, keep my mind clear and secure in the knowledge of my salvation. Help me to learn how to wield the sword of the Spirit which is your word. Amen.
Dave MacLellan
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