Helmet of Salvation and Sword of the Spirit

Day 5, The Armor of God

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

              Softball was life. From age nine until fifteen, I played on as many as three softball teams each year. We always had one or two girls on our team who were fantastic hitters, and no, I was never one of them. I was decent and could get on base, but these players were in a league of their own.

              Our typical line up had our best hitters placed after several decent hitters in hope of the harder hitters bringing home all the people on base. After the first or second inning, the opposing team identified our best players. They either placed their best fielders in ready-position or they purposely threw four balls and walked the batters.

              Of course we did the same thing. Every team had a strategy for offense, and they also had one for defense too. Batters and catchers also wore helmets to keep themselves safe during the game and careful attention was paid to all the changes and signals between teams. Strategy when at bat and when in the field were both crucial if teams wanted to win against their opponent.

              During a game against one of our long-time rivals, the pitcher did something we’d never seen before. Instead of walking our best players, she hit them intentionally with the pitches. While this also led to an automatic walk to first base for that player, it also caused extreme pain for our players. Our coach yelled for the referee to make a call. The batters scowled and locked eyes with the pitcher’s vengeful expression.

But finally, one of our hitters found a pattern and decided to fight pack. The pitch that was meant to hit her, she instead stepped away from home plate, swung the bat, and sent the ball sailing over the fence, bringing in two other runs. The pitcher, who up until that point, had been cocky and arrogant, was shocked as she watched the ball fly over the fence.

Just like in softball, our spiritual battles are filled with offensive and defensive tactics. So far, all the armor has been used for protection and defense against the enemy. Even the helmet of salvation, which is the security of knowing we are his, is used to protect us. But the last weapon mentioned is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.

A swordsman must be comfortable with the weight of their sword, knowledgeable of its particular strengths and sweet spots, and use it with ease and confidence in battle. Do we feel that way about God’s Word? Are we comfortable with the fact that it holds so much weight in that God uses it to change lives? D we know the Word in and out, showing knowledge of key components and sweet spots to hold onto when the arrows come flying? Do we use the Word in battle with ease and confidence, or are we fumble-fisted and unsure of how to fight the enemy with it? Just like a sword in the hands of a trained warrior, so should the Sword of the Spirit be in our hands as mighty warriors for the kingdom.

              God’s Word is powerful. Hebrews 4:13-14 (NIV) says, “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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

              God’s word is our greatest weapon next to the security of our salvation. Are you protected and ready to join the fight?

Do the Heart Work

1.      Is your salvation in Christ secure or do you wonder if you’re going to make it to heaven when you die? Explain.

2.      Are you comfortable enough with God’s word that you can stand on it in the heat of battle and use it as a weapon against the schemes and lies of the enemy? Why or why not?

3.      How would a believer use the Word of God in battle?

Digging Deeper

              Read Luke 4:1-12 (ESV)

              And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” 

And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”

And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”  And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

              Jesus wielded his sword well. For every lie, he quickly, confidently, and firmly gave the devil a perfect reply. We must spend time in the Word if we ever want to be master swordsmen and women.

If You Get Spare Time

              Make a plan for bible reading beyond a daily devotion, this Bible study, or any other Christian reference book. Read, ask God to speak to you in those moments and show you truths you’d never seen before. Write down verses that will help you stand on truth when the enemy’s darts start flying, just like Jesus did in the desert. Start memorizing a verse a month that will help you stay grounded in truth and not succumb to the brutality of the lies. See what begins to happen in your spiritual life as you wield that powerful Sword.