#1502. Put On The Helmet And Use The Sword (24/4/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

To stand firm in the spiritual battle, we must take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

This week, we have been looking at the different parts of the armour of God that we must put on and actively use if we are to stand firm and remain victorious in this spiritual war. We’ve seen:

i. The belt of truth – Believing the truth of Scripture and living truthfully with others.

ii. The breastplate of righteousness – Trusting that we are made righteous by grace, and living righteously.

iii. The gospel shoes – Being ready to share the gospel of peace, standing firm in it when accused, and applying it in our relationships.

iv. The shield of faith – Holding firmly to the truths of the faith and actively trusting God in times of attack.

Today, we come to the final two pieces of God’s armour: the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

1. Take the helmet of salvation

We are told to ‘take the helmet of salvation.’ This speaks of protecting our minds - our thinking. If the world, the flesh, and the devil shape our thoughts, we become weak and vulnerable. But when our thinking is shaped by salvation, we are guarded and strengthened.

Paul writes elsewhere:

The helmet of salvation is closely linked to hope. It protects us as we fix our minds on the full reality of what Christ has done and will do.

Salvation is not only about the past (justification), but also the present (reconciliation and peace with God), and the future (glorification in the new heavens and new earth). This living hope guards our minds.

The world, the flesh, and the devil constantly try to replace this hope with either false hopes or hopelessness. We can begin to place our hope in relationships, jobs, family, wealth, status, or wellbeing - things that are temporary and within our control.

But these are fragile hopes. Only the hope of salvation is secure, eternal, and strengthening.

2. Use the sword of the Spirit

The final piece of armour is ‘the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’ This refers to a short sword (the machaira), used in close combat. It is the only offensive weapon in the armour.

This sword is both given by the Spirit (He is its author) and empowered by the Spirit as we use it.

Hebrews reminds us:

God’s Word is living and powerful. It exposes lies, strengthens faith, and brings truth to bear in the battle. By using God’s Word, Christians and the church can ‘stand against the devil’s schemes. 

We see this clearly in Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Each time Satan attacked, Jesus responded with Scripture: “It is written.” He resisted deception and stood firm through the Word.

In the same way, we are called not just to possess the Word, but to use it - speaking truth against lies, recalling promises in discouragement, and applying Scripture in the moment of need.

Response

Have we taken up the helmet of salvation?

• How confident are we in our salvation?

• Have accusation or fear robbed us of our assurance and hope?

• Are we setting our hearts on eternal glory, or on temporary things?

Are we using the sword of the Spirit?

• Do we actively combat lies and discouragement with God’s truth?

• Are we growing in our knowledge and use of Scripture?

• Have we become passive, when God has given us a weapon to wield?

God has provided everything we need to stand. Take up the helmet. Use the sword. Stand firm.

Community Group Study

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we resumed our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

We reflected on the vital truth that we are to seek to be strong in God by using the resources that He provides - The armour of God. 

Please read Ephesians 6:10-17 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection - From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Why be strong in the Lord? - What does this passage say about the reasons we have to be strong in the Lord? 

• The armour  - The armour of God can be summarised: 

  • i. The belt of truth – Believing the truth of Scripture and living truthfully with others.

  • ii. The breastplate of righteousness – Trusting that we are made righteous by grace, and living righteously.

  • iii. The gospel shoes – Being ready to share the gospel of peace, standing firm in it when accused, and applying it in our relationships.

  • iv. The shield of faith – Holding firmly to the truths of the faith and actively trusting God in times of attack.

  • v. The helmet of salvation - Assurance of salvation - our hope.

  • vi. The sword of the Spirit - The ’Spirit-led' (prophetic) use of scripture to attack lies

What particular pieces of the armour resonate with you at this time in your life and why? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Armour for mission -  What aspects of the armour ensure that, if put on, keep us effective in reaching our community for Jesus? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?