The Helmet of Salvation

Temple Baptist Church - 11-23-2011

Ephesians 6:17

Introduction:

A. Our next piece of armor is the “helmet of salvation.” Once again, we find the emphasis of resisting Satan, withstanding our circumstances, and standing secure in the will of the Lord resting within the head. The first piece of the Christian’s armor was having our loins girt about with the truth. These two go together and yet are distinctly different.

B. Our loins girt with truth had to do with our dependence upon the scripture doctrinally. In the midst of the “falling away” of 2 Thessalonians 2, we need to know what the bible says, not what the “talking heads” of religion tell us. As there are “shade tree mechanics,” there are also “religious, liberal theologians!” These are the ones who:

2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

C. I am a Biblicist! It matters not what the Baptist say (though I am an independent, fundamental, bible believing Baptist) nor does it matter what any other denomination or movement says. If we or anyone else is defined by their “denomination or movement,” then our definition of who and what we are is constantly changing. Look at every major denomination now and remember what it stood for 20-30 years ago. If we are defined by the bible, then who and what we are remains a constant in the face of a rapidly changing world. The bible is the final authority for both faith and practice. The bible is to correct our doctrine, not our doctrine correct the bible. This is the girting of the loins with truth.

D. The “helmet of salvation” also deals with the head (or the mind) but is completely different in its relevance and importance to the believer. I believe that this “helmet” that protects our minds or thinking has to do with the assurance of just what and who we are. It does not encompass the “truth” in all of its completeness as does the girting of the loins but zeros in on one important aspect of the truth. Our salvation!

E. One of the most important aspects of eternal salvation is that of assurance. Without assurance, the child of God is rendered virtually useless in the work of the Lord. So much is preached on this subject and needs to be so.

1 John 5:10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (11) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (A wise man once said, “Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.” In times of lack of assurance, never doubt what God did for you when He gave you assurance.)

F. Let us put this “helmet” on tonight and leave it on because:

1. The Helmet of Salvation defines who we are. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (Knowing that we are saved should give us assurance in some things.)

a. We are loved. 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

b. We are protected. Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

c. We are provided for. Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
d. We are accompanied. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Knowing who we are should give us confidence in the Lord to care for us.

2. The Helmet of Salvation defines what we are.

a. Fellow Helpers With Christ - 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

b. Soldiers Of Christ - 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

c. Ambassadors For Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Knowing what we are should give us resolve for the Lord.

3. The Helmet of Salvation defines where we are going.

a. We Are Following In His Steps - Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

b. We Are Going Home - Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Knowing where we are going should give us encouragement in the Lord.