As we progress through the armor that Paul has laid out for us I have been intrigued by each piece, but this one, the Helmet of Salvation, I find extremely fascinating. In Greek, the word for a helmet is a compound word, perkephalia, which means, around the head. This would indicate a piece of armor that fits tightly around the head.
Ephesians 6:17a “And take the helmet of salvation”
If you look at pictures of a Roman soldier’s helmet it was flamboyant. It was decorated with all kinds of engravings and etchings. Beautiful paintings on the helmet would signify something about the soldier wearing it. To add to the beautiful outside of the helmet a huge plume of brightly colored feathers or horsehair stood straight up from the top. If it was designed to be used in a public ceremony the plumes would be very long, sometimes long enough to reach down the soldier’s back.
The materials used were formed out of brass and covered the entire head, face, and neck. Because of the weight of the helmet, it was lined with sponge material to soften the weight on the soldier’s head. The density of the helmet was so massive and strong nothing could penetrate it, not even a battle ax used by many of their enemies to cut off their heads! It was almost certain that if you went to battle without your helmet you would lose your head. Because of the beauty of these helmets, these soldiers were very noticeable.
Some scholars think Paul used this piece of armor to denote salvation because the beauty of the helmet reminded him of the beauty of salvation. Our salvation is the most beautiful gift God could ever give us.
When we are confident of our salvation and walk worthy of it, we will be noticed. I’m reminded of Paul’s letter to the Romans where he tells us to not be like this world. When you are not conformed, you are different, and different always stands out.
Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
When we allow our minds to be transformed we will walk in all that our salvation has to offer. Our thinking controls all that we do. We think and then we act. When we wear our salvation like a helmet we will be able to withstand the attacks that the enemy brings our way. When our minds are wrapped tightly with the word of God we can find great assurance in more than the fact we will spend eternity in Heaven. We will find blessings of peace, comfort, joy, and love. We will know the steadfast hope and firm foundation that is given to us by Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross.
However, if you do not strap your helmet on tightly you will leave areas vulnerable to the enemy. He will replace confidence with doubt, security with fear, joy with despair and you will feel you are living a defeated Christian life.
Put on your helmet tight! Don’t allow the enemy to slaughter you spiritually by leaving your mind unprotected. He will seek to destroy you and deceive you. If you are not soaking up the truths of God’s word you leave yourself wide open for attacks. God intended you to live victoriously. Pad your helmet with the Word and cover it with prayer. Don’t leave any holes for the enemy to slip in!
Are you studying daily in God’s word? What have you learned lately that will tighten up your helmet? Has the enemy told you lately that God doesn’t care about the things going on in your life, or that he doesn’t love you as much as he does someone else? Write down the lies from the enemy and any areas of weakness you may have. Once you’ve done that look up scripture to combat those lies or feelings. This exercise will strengthen your helmet!
