Armor of God (Part 8)

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

Before we can get any piece of the armor, we need to be secure in our Salvation. We need to know and accept Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, for without Him we will not get the armor, nor will we be able to stand up to Satan. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, I highly encourage you to talk with someone, be it to a pastor, a Christian friend, or parent (or you can leave me a comment). Jesus Christ is our only hope for salvation and eternal life!

Here is what the Believer's Bible Commentary by William MacDonald (pg. 1952) has to say about the helmet of salvation: "No matter how hot the battle, the Christian is not daunted, since he knows that ultimate victory is sure. Assurance of eventual deliverance preserves him from retreat or surrender. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)."

Matthew Henry's online commentary states: "Salvation must be our helmet; that is, hope, which has salvation for its object. The helmet secures the head. A good hope of salvation, well founded and well built, will both purify the soul and keep it from being defiled by Satan, and it will comfort the soul and keep it from being defiled by Satan, and it will comfort the soul and keep it from being troubled and tormented by Satan. He would tempt us to despair; but good hope keeps us trusting in God, and rejoicing in him."

The sword of the spirit refers to the Word, that is the Holy Bible. I encourage everyone to read their bibles on a daily basis, and become familiar with the passages. Scripture memorization is also a great way to use the sword against Satan and his minions. When Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days and nights being tempted by Satan, He used the scriptures to do battle. He was able to quote the Word in the three instances that are mentioned. If we do not know any scripture, we will not be able to use it against the enemy to help defeat him in the battles in which we find ourselves involved. Part of the armour is the sword, and in order to use this item we need to do our part by becoming very familiar with Scripture. The Believer's Bible Commentary (pg. 1953) says that: "The word of God here does not mean the whole Bible, but the particular portion of the Bible which best suits the occasion."

We need to become familiar with the Bible; that is a fact.If we don't have a verse memorized that could fit to a particular temptation, sometimes just knowing where to look helps. If we recall a certain story that dealt with that particular temptation, we can at least turn to it and read it for comfort and reassurance. However, I strongly recommend memorization of "key" verses to be able to use them such as the way that Jesus used them.

Matthew Henry's online commentary states: "The sword is a very necessary and useful part of a soldier's furniture. The word of God is very necessary, and of great use to the Christian, in order to his maintaining the spiritual warfare and succeeding in it. It is called the sword of the Spirit, because it is of the Spirit's inditing and he renders it efficacious and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword...with this we assault the assailants. Scripture arguments are the most powerful arguments to repel temptation with. This, being hid in the heart, will preserve from sin, and will mortify and kill those lusts and corruptions that are latent there."

My brothers and sisters in Christ, I encourage you to become familiar with the scriptures and to be secure in your salvation in Jesus Christ. We are fighting an ongoing spiritual battle, and although Satan has indeed been defeated already with Christ's death on the cross, we still need to be prepared at all times for the onslaught of temptations and battles Satan has in store for us as God's children. However, keep in mind, that Satan too knows scripture, for he quoted it to Jesus when he was tempting Him. This knowing of scripture I am speaking of is more than just being able to spout off verses. It is knowing what verses to use and when to use them.

So now go with God, rest in His love and know that He will be with you in the battle, equipping you and giving you the strength you need. God bless one and all.