TRANSCRIPT:Good morning, Five Minute Families. The COVID-19 virus continues to wreak havoc around the globe and has struck us at church and at home. We are in the recovery phase and are thankful that no one in our family needed to be hospitalized. We are praying for those whose lives have been affected by this crazy virus. One thing that cannot be changed about me by any virus or other catastrophe? My salvation. That is one thing that Christ-followers can be sure of and know — in Christ we are saved. Let us further explore this topic today as we pick back up our series Key Truths for Families as seen through the lens of Ephesians chapter 6 and the whole armor of God.

Please check out our website – clearviewretreat.org – or your favorite podcast app for past Five Minute Family episodes to see the progression of this series through discussing Christ esteem, knowing the battle, standing firm, being held together in truth, having put on righteousness as a breastplate, being prepared with the gospel of peace, and putting faith before you as a shield. And, remember, all those pieces of the armor we are told to “Put on.”

Ephesians 6:17 tells us to “take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Let’s break the first part of the verse down – take the helmet of salvation:

1. First, we must remember that verse 17 has its own verb… Take. Not the same as so many other pieces when we were told to ‘put on’ the armor. I picture this ‘take’ the same as one taking a gift. That gift is not simply fire insurance and our tickets to heaven, but it is also a revelation of new life, even on this side of eternity.
2. Second, once we have accepted the gift of the helmet, we are offered protection. The helmet protects our head. Ever had your bell rung? Or, had some sort of hit on the head? Without head protection, we are disoriented and can literally see shooting lights further rendering us unable to participate in the battle. Yet, with head protection, blows that could take us out become simply mild distractions easily overcome.
3. Third, the helmet of salvation provides us confidence in Christ. The helmet of salvation is not a normal helmet. We do not put on and remove the helmet at will. Although we can feel like we have failed and the helmet has been removed, in Christ and with the sealing of the Holy Spirit our salvation is steadfast and true. His grace abounds as we are held in His mighty hand.
4. Fourth, we see the benefits that a helmet provides. Helmets do not only provide immediate protection. Just as concussions can have lasting effects that distort our perspectives and normal functioning, the helmet of salvation enhances our new understanding of life and helps us understand that we are a new creature and new creation. There are long-term benefits to wearing a helmet, now and forever.
5. And, finally, the helmet is the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 says, “But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.” Biblical hope is not some wishy-washy desire that something will happen. Biblical hope is the assurance of the work that Jesus completed on the cross. There is nothing we can do or will do to mess up the hope of the helmet of salvation.

The helmet of salvation illustrates the blessings that Jesus bestowed upon. Do you and your family reflect often enough on what the true blessings of Jesus are? Ephesians 1 tells us that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ; we are adopted and redeemed, holy and blameless. He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Jesus, regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ. How can we can consider ourselves anything less than fully blessed knowing that truth?

Grace becomes glorious. With gleaming armor protecting us and keeping us safe in this life, we can march into the everyday norms and storms of life confident and assured of the ultimate outcome.

Thank you for joining us this morning. Again, we apologize for having to duck out for the last few weeks, but God has preserved us, and we hope to be with you again next week. Be blessed!