Spiritual Armor: Salvation & the Scriptures

This morning we come to the 5th piece of spiritual armor. The Helmet of Salvation. We have already covered the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace and the shield of faith. Each and every piece is important in our warfare against the spiritual forces of wickedness that surround us. While the battle is all around us and is at times very severe, we have nothing to fear as long as we use the provisions God has made for us. Make sure your armor is on!

 

 

Pastor Scott L. Harris

Grace Bible Church, NY

December 3, 2000

 

Spiritual Armor: Salvation & the Scriptures

 

Ephesians 6:17

THE HELMET OF SALVATION

This morning we come to the 5th piece of spiritual armor. The Helmet of Salvation. We have already covered the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace and the shield of faith. Each and every piece is important in our warfare against the spiritual forces of wickedness that surround us. While the battle is all around us and is at times very severe, we have nothing to fear as long as we use the provisions God has made for us. Make sure your armor is on!

THE NATURE OF THE HELMET: The importance of the helmet is obvious to anyone who has ever seen film of soldiers in battle. The helmet protects your head. It keeps you from being knocked senseless when the enemy gets by your other defenses and lands a blow.

Military: In the ancient world of the Romans the helmet was generally made of leather to which plates of metal were attached. It was extremely important as defense against the large broadswords used by the enemy. When someone is out to crush your skull or take your head off, you definitely want something that will at least cause the blow to deflect and leave you alive to continue fighting. And don’t think for a moment that Satan’s efforts against you are any less than that. He and his cohorts hate those who love and follow God and would like to destroy you. Is your armor on?

Spiritual: What is the helmet of salvation and what does it protect? This is not salvation itself because this is something that someone who is already saved puts on. Paul is addressing Christians here, and the equipment of God cannot be used by those who do not belong to Him. Paul himself gives a greater clarification in what he says in 1 Thessalonians 5:8.

In this passage Paul is talking about the coming of the day of the Lord and what it would be like (vs. 1-3). In verses 4-11 Paul seeks to assure the Thessalonians that they do not need to be afraid of the day of the Lord because it would not be coming against those who are sons of light, but rather against those who were of darkness – evil. Yet, in verse 8 he also warns them that they too need to be prepared. Paul says, But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. 11 Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Now notice in verse 8 that he calls the helmet “the hope of salvation.” This is speaking of what is yet to come in terms of our salvation. And let me quickly remind you that Biblical hope is not a wish, but a confident assurance of what the future holds. We have a confident assurance that our positional salvation in Christ, i.e. that we currently stand justified before God because Jesus Christ has paid the penalty of our sin in our place, will also be an actual reality in practice and placement in the future, i.e. there will be a day that I will no longer struggle against a sin nature and that I will be with God in heaven for eternity. That hope is not only a great motivator, but also a rock on which I can stand firm in the midst of a very unstable world.

It is this hope for the future, this assurance of what I can expect to come, that keeps me from losing my bearing. It is the shield that protects my mind from losing a grasp on reality when Satan’s broadsword breaks through my other defenses and hits me upside the head. Let me give you an illustration of this from the Scriptures.

SATAN’S SCHEME: One of Satan’s great weapons against us is discouragement. If he can make us discouraged and despondent then we will live in self pity and despair and become worthless for the cause of Christ. There are lots things that can discourage us, and Satan knows how to use them all. He did so in the life of Job.

THE HELMET’S PROTECTION: Lets consider Job for a few moments. Job was extremely rich. He had a very large family. He was greatly respected by everyone. He was also very spiritual and made great effort to keep his relationship with God right. Now if any of us were attacked in any of one these areas, we could, and probably would, struggle with discouragement if not depression. Job was struck in all these areas and his health. How would you have responded?

First, Job’s wealth was destroyed in just a few moments. The Sabeans attacked and Job lost all of his oxen along with all his donkeys and all the servants watching them except the one that escaped to tell Job the bad news. That ended Job’s farming enterprise. Before the surviving servant finishes this story, another servant comes who has escaped another great tragedy. All of Job’s sheep and the shepherds have been killed by fire that falls from heaven. Job’s wool and mutton business has been completely destroyed in a moment. While that servant is still telling the tale, here comes another servant, the lone bearer of more bad tidings. Job’s trade and transportation organization is taken away when all of his camels are stolen by the Chaldeans. In the course of just a few minutes, all of Job’s wealth is either destroyed or stolen with no way for him to get any of it back.

How would you react in such a situation? What would you do and say if you just lost your job and found out at the same time that your bank collapsed and that your investment broker has embezzled all your savings and retirement and is now in South America? I think most of us would have a hard time with that. We would be crying out to God, “Why?” or “God, what are you doing?” That would be a strong challenge to our faith. A blow like that might get through the shield of faith put up by many people, but there are some that might still stand firm.

Job had still more to endure. Before the third servant is through talking a fourth servant rushes up and says, (vs. 18,19) “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” How would you react? You get home from work and find your house destroyed by fire and family has perished inside. Or your husband takes your kids for ice cream as a special treat. A half hour later you answer the door to find a police officer standing there. There was an accident. They all died. How would you react? Would your shield of faith hold? Would your breastplate of righteousness stay on? Were your shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace holding firm to the ground?

Job’s reaction is recorded in 1:20-22, “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

Now all these things are frightening enough by themselves, but it was still
not yet over for Job. In chapter 2 we find that Job’s health is stricken too. He is found by his friends covered with boils sitting in ashes scrapping himself with a potsherd. They could not even recognize him (2:12). Now you say to me, “Wait a minute Pastor, your scaring me.” Maybe, but this is the point. As Job says in 3:25, these were the very things he feared that had come upon him. Is your armor on well enough to withstand Satan’s onslaught against you?

Job did not understand why all this had happened. He did not have the benefit of having the scenes in heaven revealed to him at this point. From his perspective all of this had come directly from the hand of God even as he states in 2:10 when he responded to his wife’s suggestion that he “curse God and die.” “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Even this was not the end of it. He was reduced to poverty. He lost his family. His health was destroyed and he was in great pain. His wife was of no comfort, and now his three friends begin to accuse him. Each in a different way, but all with the same basic point. “Somehow Job, these tragedies that have come upon you are your fault.” These men are not trying to be cruel. They genuinely want to help Job out of his situation and solve his problem. They are also very scared that if this could happen to righteous Job, then it could happen to them. They must find something wrong about Job to blame or they are in great danger.

But with friends like that, who needs enemies? Job’s misery continues to increase. His belt of truth is slipping. He is still after the truth, but he no longer is sure in some sense what is true. His breastplate of righteousness is now battered. He longs to know himself what he may have done or failed to do. He falters in pride and wants to contend with God. His feet are bare and he has no peace. He feels that God is against him. His shield of faith is battered and he is now struggling to lift it up. Satan’s broadsword has struck hard, but there is one piece of armor Satan has not been able to penetrate – the helmet of Salvation.

In the midst of Job’s greatest despair, his helmet is still on and it controls his thinking. He does not understand. He can not explain why. What God is doing is a complete mystery to him. Yet, Job holds fast to a hope for the future. A confident assurance about what will occur. In 19:25 Job proclaims, “And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. 26 “Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God; 27 Whom I myself shall behold, And whom my eyes shall see and not another. My heart faints within me.” Job had already proclaimed earlier (13:15), “Though He slay me, yet I will hope in Him.”

The helmet of salvation, our confident assurance in our eternal future with God, is what protects us when Satan has smashed through our other lines of defense. We can stand firm against our adversary even when the circumstances of our life seem to be all against us.

Why can we do this? Because God loves us and it was proved for all time and eternity at the cross. As Paul states in Romans 5:8, 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath [of God] through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

I may not understand everything. I may not like the tribulations I face in this world, but my Jesus has overcome this world and He loves me. His promise are true. I will be saved by Him.

When I feel despondent, that things are not going the way I want, that life is cruel and unfair, then I come back to the cross and am reminded that God still loves me. Hope is born anew within me. God loved me at my worst, He still loves me now. And because of hope I will continue on and develop a proven character by persevering through the current tribulations. My helmet, my hope of salvation, has protected me though battered about by life. Is your helmet on?

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRT

The last piece of armor we are told to take up is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The meaning of “the sword of the Spirit” is in the text. It is the word of God, the Bible. But what is the nature of this sword mentioned so that we might understand the analogy Paul is making?

NATURE OF THE SWORD

The Sword mentioned here is the µ /machairan the short sword carried by the Roman foot soldier. This is not the large broad sword carried by the heavy calvary. This typical short sword would range in size from 6-18 inches. It was the principle weapon in hand to hand combat. The user had to develop skill with it or he would not survive. It is a weapon that requires precision in both its defensive and offensive uses. It is used to parry every jab and thrust of the enemy while trying to make your own thrusts and jabs.

THE ANALOGY: The parallel between the short sword and the Bible as a spiritual weapon is striking for the Bible must also be used with precision. Those without skill and those that are not careful with it can easily find themselves out maneuvered by the enemy and stuck by his sword. Every lie, slander and deceitful effort of our enemy can be countered with the word of God if we know it. But if we do not, then we will soon be following his scheming falsehoods. This is why we must heed the warning in 2 Timothy 2:15 to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”

The importance of using the Bible accurately is brought out in the fact that the term translated here as “word” is not the usual one – (logos) – which would refer to general statements or messages. The term here is µ “rhema” which refers to individual words or particular statements. The same word is used in Romans 10:17 – faith come from hearing, and hearing comes by a word (µ) of God. As MacArthur has well pointed out, It is not from just any part of Scripture that men come to faith, but from those parts that declare the gospel. Saving faith does not come from believing just any truth of Scripture, but from believing that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world and trusting in His death to cleanse our own sins.”

You cannot just use any Scripture picked at random to parry the strikes of Satan against you, you must use the verse appropriate to the particular attack being made.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE SPIRIT & THE BIBLE: The weapon given to us here is the “sword of the Spirit.” Let me speak a moment about what this means and the relationship of the Spirit and the Bible.

The phrase “sword of the Spirit” refers to the nature or origin of the sword. This could also be correctly translated as the “sword by the Spirit” or even, “the spiritual sword.” There are two extremes that have gotten men into trouble here because they do not correctly adhere to the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Bible.

The first error is an over emphasis upon the Bible that forgets that the Bible cannot be understood except by the working of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life (1 Cor. 2:12-16). 1 John 2:27 is specific that it is the Holy Spirit that teaches us. Without the enlightening ministry of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:18; Heb. 6:4) we would be like the liberal scholars in secular universities that can categorize every phrase, noun and verb tense in the Bible, but they do not know the truth of its message. This is dead orthodoxy and intellectual academic knowledge of the Scriptures. This is the tragedy of liberalism for it leaves people still lost in their sin and bound for hell.

The other error is the opposite
extreme in which the Bible is subjugated to a mystical experience. The Bible can no longer be read and understood according to normal meanings of nouns, verbs, phrases and sentences. Instead it means whatever you feel it means at the moment. This is a general weakness in many groups. You can make the Bible say whatever you want and no one in the group can correct or criticize you for your mystical meaning is as good as theirs.

The Bible is the sword of the Spirit and you cannot separate the Bible from Him. However, we must also be diligent to do our part in careful study of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15). We work hard and yet rely on the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds that we may understand and apply it to our lives.

THE SWORD AS A DEFENSIVE WEAPON

Turn to Matthew 4. In this text we see Satan coming to tempt even the Lord Jesus Christ. We will see in His response the model of how were are to respond to our adversary.

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

The first thing we note is it is the Spirit of God that led Jesus into the wilderness for the specific purpose of being tempted by the devil. This is not something happening by chance, fate or bad luck. This not something the devil arranged. God the Spirit leads God the Son into the wilderness to face the Adversary.

The temptations Jesus will face here are real. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was “tempted in all points as we are, yet with out sin.” That means that He felt the full force of every temptation because He never gave in. By way of analogy to explain this point. A tree blown over in a hurricane only felt the force of the storm’s wind until if was blown over. Only the tree that remains standing after the hurricane has past has felt the full force of the storm.

The nature of Satan’s attack is according to the name used in this passage for him – / diabolos which means “Slanderer.” That is exactly what he does. He slanders what God has said in an effort to tempt Jesus to do things his way instead of God’s.

2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. You can call imagine that He is now extremely hungry. It is at this point the devil now comes to Him.

3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” The devil challenges Jesus to prove His claim to be the son of God and he does so by appealing to Jesus’ physical flesh to satisfy itself. “Jesus, you are hungry, so satisfy that hunger by making these stones into bread. Understand that this is slander against God the Father. In essence, the devil is saying, “God has not provided for you, Jesus, even though you are His son, so take charge and provide for yourself.” The temptation is to satisfy the desires of the body through his own means rather than relying upon God to provide (v 3).

Jesus responds in verse 4 by quoting Deutt. 8:3 But He answered and said, It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'” Jesus came to do the Father’s will even saying in John 4:34 that “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.” Jesus puts his body in subjection to God and in complete trust waits for His provision.

Next, Satan attacks in the area of pride. The tempter tells Jesus to perform a great sign and miracle. 5 Then the devil *took Him into the holy city; and he had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and *said to Him, “If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE CONCERNING YOU’; (Ps 91:11) and ‘ON THEIR HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'” (Ps 91:12) Notice the craftiness of the devil. He even quotes Ps 91:11 & 12 to prove his point. The devil is the master of Scripture twisting. God had not brought honor and glory to Jesus yet, but Jesus could satisfy the demands of the Scribes and Pharisees for a sign and prove that He was the Son of God by putting the truth of God’s Word to the test. The temptation is for Jesus to gain the following of the people by His own means and methods.

Again Jesus quotes from Scripture and says, 7… “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'” (Dt 6:16) Jesus subjects His pride to God and will wait for God to do things in His way and timing. He knows that to put God to the test only demonstrates a lack of trust in God and that is sin.

The third temptation against Jesus is in the area of the lust of the eyes. Seeing something that He would want for Himself. Satan, who is the “prince of this world” and the “god of this age” tries a third time. 8 Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain, and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” The devil slanders God again proposing that God has not come through, but if Jesus would do what Satan says, then Satan will give Him the Kingdoms of the world. Besides, this way is easier for all Jesus would have to do is give homage to Satan instead of enduring the pain and agony of the Cross. The temptation is for Jesus to gain the world through His own means and methods instead of enduring God’s plan for the cross.

This time Jesus not only quotes another Scripture, but rebukes Satan. 10 Then Jesus *said to him, “Begone, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'” (Dt 6:13) Jesus subjected Himself to the Father’s will, even knowing that it would take Him to the cross.

11 Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

One thing I want to make sure that you understand here is that Jesus did not defeat Satan by quoting Scriptures. Scripture cannot be used like a magical incantation. Jesus defeated Satan by knowing the Word of God and being obedient to it. A fancy sword is useless if you do not know how to use it. In the same way the memorization of Scripture will do you no good if you do not apply them to your own life. You need to both know and apply the Word of God to your life.

Do you know the Bible well enough that you can counter the deceptions that are thrust against you? Take note that this requires study because a general knowledge will not be enough. This is a short sword, not a broad sword. You have to be able to counter every jab with the precise counter movement. You will have to counter every lie, every slander, every deception with the precise Scripture that lays out the truth. Are you controlled by the truth enough that you will be obedient to the Bible even when your emotions are in confusion? Again, the Bible will not do you any good if you do not apply it.

THE SWORD AS AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON

This is the only piece of armor that has an offensive aspect to it. We are not to just passively wait for Satan’s attack. We are out busy in ministry, which by its nature is against Satan’s realm. We are in that respect on the offensive against him. It is the word of God that the Spirit uses to convict people of sin, righteousness and judgement for it goes to the heart. Hebrews 4:12-13 states For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Every ministry must have at its core the Scriptures. Nothing we do as Christians can be done effectively apart from the Bible. Even the proper use of the gift of helps or giving requires the right motives as explained by the Scriptures.
Cups of cold water are to be given in Jesus’ name. Why? Because our good works are to bring Him glory. How do I know that? The Bible tells me so (Matt. 10:42; Matt. 5:16).

The Scriptures are also offensive in nature because when we live according to them, then we are in submission to God and the devil will flee – just as James 4:7 says. Matthew 22 records a series of different groups testing Jesus and trying to entrap Him. Jesus answers each of them by bringing them back to the Scriptures themselves. When the Sadducees challenge the truth of the resurrection of the dead, Jesus quotes Exod. 3:6 to prove it and the Sadducees are silenced. The Pharisees question Jesus about the great commandment, and He answers from Deut. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18 to make them see the personal application. He then asks them a question from Psalm 110:1 which they cannot answer and so as vs. 46 says, And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.” Jesus use of the word offensively eventually silenced His critics.

The Sword of the Spirit, the word of God. How well can you handle it? If you answer anything less than “well,” then you need to get serious about studying it. There is no excuse for a believer to not know and understand the Bible. You are called to be a disciple of Jesus Christ which includes being obedient to whatsoever He has commanded (Mt. 28). Every true Christian has the Holy Spirit within them to help them understand it. No believer can plead ignorance or inability, only disinterest and neglect. If you need help getting started on a regular Bible study routine, talk with myself or any of our church leaders. Get involved in our Sunday School or a home Bible Study. Don’t neglect the Bible any longer.

 

Added to your notes is a brief presentation of the Scriptures’ claims about itself and some of the resources found in the Bible.

 

Claims Scripture makes about itself

 

and some of the resources in the Bible.

 

The Claims of Scripture About Itself

God is its author: 2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

2 Peter 1:20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

The Bible is not a collection of human wisdom or human religious thought. Evil men could not have written it because it condemns them. Good men could not have written on their own for they would not have lied about its authorship. God wrote it through men moved, (literally “carried along”), by His Spirit.

Inerrant and infallible: Psalm 19:7,8 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Prov 30:5 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. 6 Do not add to His words Lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar.

The Bible is true in all it says on any subject it speaks too, and it will not lead anyone astray.

Complete: This is reflective of Prov. 30:5,6 just read and Deut. 4:2 and 12:32. Revelation 22:18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

The Bible is not exhaustive, but it is complete giving us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)

Authoritative: Jeremiah 6:19 “Hear, O earth: behold, I am bringing disaster on this people, The fruit of their plans, Because they have not listened to My words, And as for My law, they have rejected it also. When God speaks, you had better listen.

 

Sufficient: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Teaching – how to get on the path of righteousness. Reproof – admonition that you are off the path of righteousness. Correction – how to get back on the path of righteousness. Training – how to stay on the path of righteousness.

Effective: Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding [in the matter] for which I sent it. It will accomplish its’ God given purposes.

Determinative: John 8:47 “He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear [them,] because you are not of God.” A person’s response to it will give determination of their relationship with God. Those who hear and heed know God, those that do not, do not.

 

The Resources & Blessings of Scripture

Source of Truth: John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. Many voices cry out that they are truth, but only the Word of God is what it claims.

 

Source of Joy Proverbs 8:33 “Heed instruction and be wise, And do not neglect [it.] 34 “Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. Jesus said in Luke 11:28 But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it.”

The world pursues after happiness which is dependent on circumstances. The word of God brings blessedness – a joy that is independent of circumstances because it is based in the unchanging nature of God and His promises.

Source of Spiritual Growth: 1 Peter 2:2 like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, One cannot grow with out it.

Source of Power: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It reveals, convicts, changes our inner being – something outside forces cannot do.

Source of Guidance: Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path. We would be left to stumble in the dark with out it.

Source of Comfort: because it demonstrates God’s love, mercy, face and faithfulness to His people. Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Source of Perfection: 2 Timothy 3:16,17 again.

It prods us on to both understand true righteousness and live in it. It moves us on to maturity.

Source of Protection: Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping [it] according to Thy word. 10 With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments. 11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee. It warns and convicts that I might avoid sin.

 

Source of Victory as a defensive and an offensive weapon – see above (Matt. 4, etc.).

Sermon Study Sheets

KIDS CORNER

Parents,
you are responsible to apply God’s Word to your children’s lives. Here is some help. Young Children – draw a picture about something you hear during the sermon. Explain your picture(s) to your parents at lunch. Older Children – Do one or more of the following: 1) Count how many times the words “Scripture” and “Bible” are used. 2) Discuss with your parents the importance of the Bible in your life and theirs.

THINK ABOUT IT!

Questions to consider in discussing the sermon with others.

What does a helmet protect on a soldier? What is the helmet of salvation? What does it protect on you? How did it protect Job? Have you ever felt life or God was unfair to you? How can you properly deal with those feelings? What was the purpose of a soldier’s sword? What is the Sword of the Spirit?

What are the two errors made in the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Bible? What is the proper relationship between the Spirit and the Bible? What part is your responsibility? What part is the Spirit’s promise? How did Satan tempt Jesus in the areas of the flesh, the eyes and pride? What were the slanders against God the Father in each temptation? How did Jesus counter each temptation? Why is it so important to know the Bible in order to battle temptation? Why is the ability to quote Scriptures not enough to defeat Satan? How can the sword of the Spirit be used as an offensive weapon? How did Jesus use it in dealing with the Pharisees and Sadducees? How well do you know the Bible? What needs to change in order for you to know it better? Are you serious enough to make those changes? When? If you need help getting started, talk with the Pastor or other mature Christian.

Sermon Notes – 12/3/2000 A.M.

 

Spiritual Armor: Salvation & Scripture : Ephesians 6:17

THE HELMET OF SALVATION

The Nature of the Helmet

Military

Spiritual (1 Thess. 5:8-11)

Satan’s Scheme

The Helmet’s Protection

The Example of Job (Job 1 & 2)

Job 1:20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

Job 19:25″And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. 26 “Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God; 27 Whom I myself shall behold, And whom my eyes shall see and not another. My heart faints within me.

Romans 5:1-10

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

The Nature of the Sword

The Analogy (2 Tim. 2:15)

The Relationship Between the Spirit and The Bible

(1 Cor. 2:12-16; 1 John 2:27; Eph. 1:18; Heb. 6:4)

The Sword as a Defensive Weapon (Matthew 4)

The Setting

Tempting the Flesh

Tempting Pride

Tempting the Eyes

How the Bible Protects:

Jesus did not defeat Satan by quoting Scriptures. Scripture cannot be used like a magical incantation. Jesus defeated Satan by knowing the Word of God and being obedient to it.

The Sword as an Offensive Weapon. (Heb. 4:12-13)