1. Sermon THE ARMOR OF GOD- HELMET AND SWORD Eph 6:10-17 Introduction

2. Wisdom of my father – “Only two things are certain in life: death and taxes”

3. Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrews 2:14-15 ESV)

4. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

5. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.

6. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph 6:13-17

7. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

9. This helmet speaks to the issue of our assurance in Christ and our hope of salvation.

10. Those who are NOT saved and know it. Those who are saved, but don’t have a real sense of assurance. Those who are saved and they do have assurance. Those who are NOT saved, but who think they are.

11. 1 John5:12-13 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.

12. The benefits of the helmet of salvation – Assurance- are …That the Christians heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience.

13. These are the true products of assurance, which is never conducive to an undisciplined life.

14. THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD The STABILITY of your Hope and Assurance depends on your intake of the Word.

15. How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:9-11)

16. Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

17. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:97-104)

18. If Jesus relied on specific scripture to face the enemy, how much more should we?

19. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. (Psalm 119:36-37 ESV)