“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).”
– Ephesians 6:17
Welcome to another week of our study! This week, we will be focusing on the Helmet of Salvation.
I love how today’s SOAP verse, Ephesians 6:17, doesn’t ask whether we’d like the helmet of salvation, or to take it if we feel like it… it commands and offers it to us!
Friends, Satan will try anything to get into our heads. The war in our mind is real, and it is invisible to everyone else. This is how the devil tries to isolate us – by bringing up lies, accusations, and fears in the hope that we will not share them with anyone, and instead let them overwhelm us. This is how he steals from our lives, like Jesus talks about in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”
What Is a Helmet?
According to a quick search on the internet, “A helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect the head”. A helmet, whether one for cycling, police officers, or soldiers, is worn to protect our heads against injuries, blows, or combat.
What Is Salvation?
Salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, which is death. Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is a free gift of grace received when you confess your sin, believe in who Jesus is, and accept Him as the Lord and Savior of your life.
The Helmet of Salvation
The Helmet of Salvation is the protection we need for the spiritual war we find ourselves in every single day, whether we like it or not. Like the helmet described above protects us from physical injuries, this helmet provides protection from the world rulers of this darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens (Ephesians 6:12).
So What?
“Great,” you say. Sounds wonderful. But what now? How does this apply to my everyday life with all its ups and downs, worries and fears, and perhaps attacks on my mental health?
Sweet friend, you have already been saved! Your salvation is secure in the power of the Lord. Simply take the helmet of salvation offered to you, and stand firm on the promises of God. Take His Word seriously. Trust Him when He says He will come through. Trust Him for eternity!
Take your thoughts captive to make them obedient to Christ (Romans 12:2).
When you notice an attack on your mind, perhaps a strange thought bringing you down “out of nowhere,” or when you recognize your thoughts are focusing on lies rather than God’s Truth, remind yourself (and Satan, too) that you are standing firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
Claim God’s Word for yourself, and trust in His promises!
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Week 5 Challenge:
This week, focus on putting on the helmet of salvation by taking your thoughts captive. List some of the thoughts you have on a daily basis, and list if you think those thoughts are from God or if they are lies from the enemy. This week, replace any hurtful thoughts with God’s Word. Focus your mind on the hope that your salvation provides by listing out all that God has saved you from and all that you have to look forward to because of Christ.
Week 5 Reading Plan:
Week 5 Memory Verse:
