Verse of the Day Devotion: Ephesians 6:17a
“And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION.” – Ephesians 6:17a
I want to start again with the several verses that introduce this idea Paul is putting forth. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13. He is telling us to put on the full armor of God for the following reason, that we can stand firmly against the powers of the enemy, namely the sly schemes of the devil.
The next part of our armor is the helmet of salvation, or as it is expressed by Paul to the Thessalonians, the hope of salvation. This is the assurance of our salvation. It is the impenetrable defense against anything the enemy can throw at us. When a soldier suited up for battle, the helmet was the last piece of armor to go on. It was the final act of readiness in preparation for combat. A helmet was vital for survival, protecting the brain, the command station for the rest of the body. If the head were badly damaged, the rest of the armor would be of little use.
In Matthew, we read the following, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28. The idea in this verse is that, as we prepare for Satan’s attacks, we must grab that helmet and buckle it on tightly. Salvation is not limited to a one-time act of the past or even a future hope. God’s salvation is an ongoing, eternal state that His children enjoy in the present. It is daily protection and deliverance from our sin nature and Satan’s schemes. We must understand the importance of protecting ourselves with the helmet of salvation so we can counter and reject the lies of the enemy.
There are several things a believer can do that can keep his helmet fastened and functional. First, we must renew our minds for our mind is a great battlefield. “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2. We must allow the truth of God to wipe out anything contrary to the Word. This includes old ideas, opinions and worldviews. These must be replaced by the truth of God, knowing that His word is truth.
We must also reject any doubts that come from bad circumstances. If we allow them to, these circumstances can convince us that God does not really love us as we thought or that His Word is not true. We must also keep an eternal perspective, knowing that this life will end and a better life is coming. Also, we can call to Him and He can bring us safely through anything that comes our way. And lastly, we must find all our hope in Him. We must be assured that what He has promised will come about, even though we may not see it now. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. And, our focus needs to be on Him. “Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.” Psalm 73:25. Our helmet is most effective when we treasure what it represents. The salvation Jesus purchased for us cannot share the place of importance in our hearts with earthly things. When pleasing the Lord is our supreme delight, we eliminate many of Satan’s lures and render his evil suggestions powerless.
Therefore, always put on the helmet of salvation every day, and wear it all day. Our minds will become insolated against the suggestions, desires and traps the enemy lays out there for us. We must choose to guard our minds from excessive worldly influence and rather think on things that honor God. In doing so, we wear our salvation as a protective helmet which will guard our hearts and minds in Christ. In this we will have the peace of God in us, and as Paul said, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.
William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.