Taking Up the Armor: Assurance of Salvation and the Word of God

August 7, 2022 Pastor: Jared Cornutt Series: Ephesus: A Study from Life to Death

Passage: Ephesians 6:17

Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, August 7, 2022 Ephesians 6:17

Taking Up the Pieces of Armor: Assurance of Salvation and the Word of God

Introduction: In this present world, every Christian is a warrior, fighting in spiritual battle; we need to be on guard, ready to fight, and never putting down the armor. We have talked about the belt of truth, which holds everything together, and about the breastplate of righteousness, God’s righteousness given to us by Christ at our conversion, which protects our hearts so that we can live holy lives with confidence. Last week we talked about the boots of the soldier – the gospel of peace that enables us to stand our ground, and about the shield of faith, which is trust in God, by which we unite ourselves to God.

So far, then, we have considered God’s provision of truth, righteousness, peace, and faith – what a powerful suit of armor! Today, we examine how we take up the final two pieces of armor:

  1. The Helmet of Salvation (6:17a)

    ...and take the helmet of salvation...

    Our minds must be protected because they determine the way that we see the world, and the way that we live. We live as pilgrims in this present evil world that is under Satan’s domination, and we reject the cultural mindset which denies all moral absolutes; instead, we live under the authority of our Savior Jesus Christ. We view everything from the perspective of God saving us. Salvation is the foundational doctrine that protects us.

    The helmet of salvation is the assurance of salvation. It puts our confidence in the One who already won the ultimate battle and who put the helmet of salvation on our head. The helmet assures us that whatever happens, we will be saved and experience victory in Jesus.

    Father, please enable every one of us to view everything from the perspective of our salvation – including the way we view our values, money, politics, entertainment, and arts. Please cause each one of us to be able to say with assurance, “I am redeemed by believing in Jesus -- I am saved from sin’s penalty, I am saved from sin’s power, I will one day be saved from sin’s presence entirely!” Help us to have confidence in Your Word, Your faithfulness, and Your grace.

  2. The Sword of the Spirit (6:17b)

    ...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...

    What weapon did Jesus, the divine Son of God, use to defeat Satan in the wilderness? The Word of God! How much more do weak men and women like us need to use the Word in spiritual battle?

    A great way to thwart the enemy’s attacks is to know what God’s Word says about what God has done and what He has promised to do. If Satan questions whether God loves you, answer with Romans 8:37- 39, that nothing can separate you from God’s love. When the enemy tells you that you are weak, answer with 2 Corinthians 12:9-11, that His power is perfected in weakness. When the devil tempts you to doubt God because He is silent, you can stand on Romans 8:28-30, that He is causing everything to work together for your good to be conformed to Christ’s image. Whenever the enemy tempts you, you can remember your destiny, which is to dwell with God in glory, and his destiny, which is to be subject to the wrath of God in hell.

    Father, thank You for the great power of Your Word! Please help us all to read it, meditate on it, and memorize it. Help us to take up the sword of the Spirit by knowing You and obeying You through Your Word.

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