The Weapons Of Our Warfare. Shield Of Faith & The Helmet Of Salvation.

TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:12 – 18

INTRODUCTION:

Continuing in the series of “The Weapons Of Our Warfare”. As highlighted in the Book of Ephesians 6:12, the six fold weapons are:

1). The helmet of salvation,

2). Breast plate of righteousness,

3). The belt of truth,

4). The feet shod with preparation of the gospel of peace,

5). The shield of faith,

6). The sword of the spirit – which is the word of God.

In our text, it would seem that Apostle Paul was both defining and defending his ministry, he highlighted 3 key elements about his ministry that holds true for all ministry:

1) As believers in this world, we are at war living in a fallen world. We are in danger of sin in ourselves, in others and in the world systems. There is the constant prowl of the devil over the earth looking for whom to devour – 1 Peter 5:8

2) We must adopt the use of the right weapons, which must be adequate for the battle. Paul in his analogy here reveal that our fleshly weapons will not work; that the weapon we need must have divine power in order to be effective – these are the full armours.

3) The divinely empowered weapons are designed to accomplish specific purpose; to destroy the strongholds. – in war, battles are won when strongholds are conquered. What are these strongholds? 2 Cor 10:5

a. Human wisdom

b. Every knowledge that attempts to usurp the place of God

c. Lofty opinions raised again the knowledge of God

d. Every false teachings, lies and counterfeit truth

e. Etc

Today, we will examine two more components of the weapons of warfare:

1). The Shield of Faith

2). And The Helmet of Salvation.

Our battles are more spiritual than physical hence we cannot deploy carnal weapons to combat them.

According to our text “…The weapons of our warfare are not carnal…”this means our own strength offers us very little help in this war in which we are daily engaged.

Often people make the mistake of fighting spiritual battles with carnal (physical) weapons.

A. THE SHIELD OF FAITH –

– Shield is a defensive weapon; it protects a warrior from enemy’s blows and also serve to deflect thrown arrows, spears and missiles.

– Faith is full trust – being sure of God, that He is not just capable but will keep all of His promises. Faith is what guards us when we come face to face with temptations and trials. For instance when doubts, discouragement and fears creeps in and our beliefs are questioned (which is usually satan’s strategy), it is our faith in Christ Jesus that kicks in to protect us. We are able to stand firm in the word that we believe.

– Our faith can guard us during trials in the same way a shield would during battles.

How Do We Pick Up The Shield of Faith?

– Believe God will do as He said and will

– Be Confident in the Word:

– Apply The Word – Eph 6:16:

B. THE HELMET OF SALVATION –

– Helmet is a protective gear worn over the head to protect it against damaging blows or shots from the enemies.

Helmet compliments the skull in protecting the human brain. So, Salvation therefore acts like helmet in the way it protects our minds from the corruption of the world. As born again Christians we are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world – Romans 12:2

– Spiritually speaking, the helmet of salvation provides hope and protects the mind against anything that would disorient or destroy the Christian such as discouragement or deceit of the devil

– When we put on the helmet of salvation, we put on Christ Jesus Himself.

– Jesus protects not just our heads but our entire beings from spiritual death.

– To wear the helmet of salvation means to live everyday focused on eternity and the promised future we have in Christ Jesus.

HOW DO WE KEEP THE HELMET SALVATION FASTENED AND FUNCTIONING?

– Daily Renewal of our Minds

– Reject Doubts That Arises From Circumstances

– Keep An Eternal Perspective

– Remember The Battle Is Already Won

– Find All Our Hope in Christ Jesus

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, The shield and helmet are both defensive and protective weapons that is required by every believer.

1. Wishful thinking doesn’t shield us, but the word of God does – He is a shield to those who takes refuge in Him – Proverbs 30:5

2. The assurance of salvation is our impenetrable defence against anything the enemy may throw at us. Jesus said “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both the soul and body in hell. Matthew 10: 28

3. We must therefore keep them securely fastened on, for by them we not only guard our hearts and mind in Christ Jesus, we protect ourselves against the fiery arrows of the enemy and we are able to destroy every arguments as well as lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God. 1Peter 1:5, Philippians 4:7, Isaiah 26:3

4. The weapons are mark of identity for every believer just as in every national troupe.-

PRAYERS.

Father, thank you that today we can put on the weapons of warfare because you gave us Jesus to pay for them. Help us Lord to daily renew our minds, purge us of any thoughts of doubt, discouragement, fear, anger so that will not conform to the patterns of this world. Equip us Lord for the battlefield and help us to keep our focus on You and eternity with You in Jesus name, amen.

THANK YOU

Thank You Jesus,

Salvation Prayers

If you don’t Know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and would like to accept him into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, Please say this prayer:

Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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