The Fight (Spiritual Battle) Part 17
In our discussion on spiritual battle we have been looking at the armor of God. We have talked about the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, having our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace and the shield of faith. Today we will talk about the helmet of salvation.
Ephesians 6:17a (NIV)
17 Take the helmet of salvation …
The purpose of the helmet is to protect the head. Our brain is the center of our thinking. Our mind is one of the most important things in our lives and needs to be protected. The helmet of salvation is further defined by the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:8:
1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV)
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
This verse talks about the hope of salvation. Our salvation is not only about when we were saved, or that we are now saved, but also that we are being saved. Because of the hope of salvation we have in Christ, our perspective changes. We are no longer consumed by our own small selfish viewpoint of life but we can begin to see the bigger picture. We will live with Him forever and that life begins now. Rather than be consumed by the fear being spewed by our culture, we need to focus our thoughts on the Kingdom of God and the things of the Lord.
The Renewing of our Mind
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
What’s wrong with my mind that makes it need to be renewed? Your mind has an attitude.
Ephesians 4:23 (NIV)
23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
Ephesians 4:23 (NASB77)
23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
The spirit of your mind or attitude of the mind is a “mindset”. Your mind or brain is not just a computer that processes information, it has a viewpoint, it has an attitude. Our minds are fallen and broken like everything else in this world. That is why they need to be renewed. The filters all need to be evaluated and adjusted.
If we conform to the world around us, we will not be effective in engaging in the spiritual battle. We need to be transformed. This is not about living by a bunch of rules about what “Christians” are supposed to do and not do. This transformation is about yielding to the Spirit and living for God.
Steve Lawes is a church encourager and the lead pastor of Keys Vineyard Church.
