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Helmet of Salvation

We’ve been discussing Spiritual Warfare and before we begin this session I want to go back and review a portion from Session 2.

Every demonic force has the same mission, to destroy. But the strategies and tactics used to accomplish this mission will be different based on the person being attacked.

  • A spirit of infirmity will attack your health (mental, emotional, and physical).
  • A spirit of lying will attack your perception.
  • A spirit of perversion will attack your intended purpose.
  • A spirit of error will attack your belief of truth.
  • A spirit of pride will attack your heart.
  • A spirit of fear will attack your faith.
  • A spirit of heaviness will attack your joy.
  • A spirit of bondage will attack your freedom.
  • A spirit of rejection will attack your identity.
  • A spirit of jealousy will attack your relationships.

It matters that we identify what demonic forces are attacking us. Whether it be an individual stronghold, a generational stronghold, or a community stronghold, this is of utmost importance, because you cannot fight an enemy you do not identify.

2 Corinthians 2:11
11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

God has given us the charge to fight [1 Timothy 6:12], God has given us the authority to fight [Luke 10:19], and God has given us the weapons to fight with [Ephesians 6:13-18]. We just need to make sure we are fighting the right thing, not flesh and blood, but the enemy of our souls.

The Helmet of Salvation

Ephesians 6:17
17 And take the helmet of salvation […]

In my opinion, I am going to say that the helmet was the most protective and most indestructible piece of armor the soldier was issued. It covered the entire head of the soldier. It was very strong, and designed so that once in place, it could withstand the blow of an enemy’s sword or battle axe. We said last session that the shield was the only weapon that could quinch the fiery darts of the enemy. These are attacks from afar, or things “hurled” at you. A force designed to knock you down. But the helmet is to protect the soldier from attacks that are close, or that are “swung” at you. A force designed to change your direction. Faith protects you from things designed to knock you down. Salvation protects you from things designed to change your direction.

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

In today’s culture, we typically think of the heart as the center of emotion, but in the Bible the heart was more closely related to the mind. Early in Scripture we read, “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” [Genesis 6:5], and Solomon prayed, “give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people” [1 Kings 3:9].

Whether we read the word heart or mind, we need to comprehend that the Bible is making a reference to where our understanding resides.

The enemy knows that the mind (understanding) is the weak link.

Psalm 66:18
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear me:

This is why Satan is constantly bombarding your thoughts. If he can manipulate how you think, he can manipulate how you act, he can manipulate how you respond, and he can control what you question. If he can control what you treasure, he can dictate what you accept as truth. If he can penetrate your mind, he can control your direction. This is why you need the Helmet of Salvation.

Hebrews 2:3
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; […]

In both Ephesians 6:17 and here in Hebrews 2:3 the word salvation is derived from either the Greek noun σωτηρία (so-tay-REE-ah) or the adjective σωτήριος (so-tay'-ree-os) which can be translated as defender, defense, rescue, or safety. The helmet is our defense and provides a place of safety. I get excited when I think of it this way.

Proverbs 18:10
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Acts 4:12
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Again, this is why we need to understand exactly what strongholds are. Strongholds are not demons. Strongholds are established patterns of thought or behavior contrary to Biblical truth, that originate from our carnal nature and exploited by demonic forces.

Think of it like this, a stronghold will either be used as a fortress to keep things out, or a prison to keep things in. Strongholds will isolate you from receiving help and incarcerate you in a spiritual prison. All within the imaginations of your thoughts (or your mind). They will impede you from believing the truth of God’s Word and if he can do this, then he can, and will, change your direction away from God.

But we are here to shine a spotlight on the devil’s tactics, and I am here to proclaim that we have been given weapons that are “mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” [2 Corinthians 10:4]!

  • He is a Liar [John 8:44].
  • He is an accuser [Revelation 12:10].
  • He is a tempter [Matthew 4:1].
  • He is a deceiver [2 Corinthians 11:3].
  • He is a murderer [John 8:44].
  • He is your adversary [1 Peter 5:8].

But when I take the helmet of salvation, and when it is in its rightful place, then I have a defensive weapon that is going to keep my mind “in perfect peace” [Isaiah 26:3]. I will not be moved from the fact that the Name of Jesus is my Salvation!

  • Jesus is the way, the truth, the life [John 14:6].
  • Jesus is our advocate [1 John 1:2].
  • Jesus is my deliverer [2 Samuel 22:2].
  • Jesus is the true light [John 1:9]
  • Jesus is the resurrection and the life [John 11:25].
  • Jesus is our salvation [Acts 4:12].

We do not have to be exiled because of our past. We do not have to be held captive by our thoughts. We do not have to stay slaves to addictions. We can be set free from strongholds!

We have the helmet of salvation, and my Bible tells me, “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.” [Psalm 62:6].