QT 24 Apr 2020, Eph 6:17-18, The helmet and the sword protect our mind

Ephesians 6:17–18 (ESV) — 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

NOTE: We've discussed four pieces of the armor. The last two items, we are told to 'take.' The Greek word for "take" is dechomai and means to physically take with the hand or take hold of. In this case, this is not something we work up to or develop like the belt or breastplate or shoes. If we are in Christ, we have salvation, we can't do better than what God has done for us already.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul writes:

1 Thessalonians 5:8 (ESV) — But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

In 5:8, the helmet is the hope of salvation, which is a very secure hope. It is not a "wish," but an assurance of what is already accomplished.

The location is important as well. The helmet covers the head, the mind. This is the place where the enemy wants to attack us. He wants us to doubt, to question, and to lose our hope. But we must protect our mind. I think that is why one verb is used, 'take,' to refer to two items, the helmet and the sword, because they go together. The word of God in combination with the assurance of our salvation protects our minds from the enemy and allows us to pray. Our shield, our faith and trust in God protects the entire body.

I wonder if the helmet and the sword were really meant to go together in the passage. And that the next few verses then describe the battle, which is prayer. We battle our enemy in prayer. We protect our mind through truth and the knowledge that our salvation has already been secured by Jesus Christ. We certainly need to work on truth, our righteousness (character), and our mission, but God's truth and God's salvation is already provided and only needs to be taken up.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the insight on the armor of God. May I work on the first four pieces, and may I secure the last two items firmly, the helmet and the sword. I need to rely upon your word and your salvation as I battle the enemy in prayer.