Helmet Identity

Ephesians 6:10-18

Verse 17  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

    We have reached our fifth piece of armor, the helmet of salvation.  This piece may seem to have the most obvious job but is there more to this piece than just protecting our heads?  Of course!  It is one of the most important pieces and sadly one which we may not give as much thought as we should.  Before we go too far into our discussion we need to make sure it is understood our putting on the helmet of salvation is not saying we are the ones who make our salvation secure.  Our salvation is purely and wholly given through the sacrifice of Jesus and election from God.

    The helmet Paul was familiar with wasn’t just something which covered the head, it had hinged cheek guards and coverage down the back of the neck.  The Roman soldiers even had horse hair plumes on the top which around the time Paul wrote this letter would have started being dyed different colors for quick identification of a soldiers rank.  While our helmets don’t tell our rank of Christianity (there isn’t such a thing), we need to wear them faithfully.

    Soldiers in Paul’s time would pad the inside of their helmets with sponge or felt as the bronze rubbing on their heads wouldn’t make for comfort, it wasn’t protection from the enemy but discomfort.  Jesus didn’t promise our life as a Christian would be comfortable, quite the opposite in fact, but our salvation isn’t about this life.  When we look for comfort in the midst of battle, we are likely to be less efficient in what we are to be doing.

    We need to remember what our salvation is about and what it isn’t about.  Our salvation is not an earthly salvation, meaning about saving us from the world and the trials it has.  No, our salvation is about heavenly things, it is eternal in nature.  Our salvation is the sign we have been chosen for an eternity with God and therefore the reason we are in His army.

    As we look at the various ways the helmet of salvation is needed for the battle we must remember the importance of our identity in Him because it is only through Him and His perfect sacrifice we are able to call ourselves Christians.  Part of wearing the helmet will be learning to live that identity.

Making It Personal

    What does salvation mean to you?  What do you think your responsibility to salvation is?  Are you serious about that responsibility?

Making It Personal Kids

    What is salvation?  What did Jesus save you from?  Have you thanked Him for His saving you?

Closing Prayer

    Father, we can’t thank You enough for salvation.  Help us to understand the importance of living in the way which reflects our identity in You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.