How to Be Victorious in Spiritual Warfare – Part Four

Ephesians 6: 10 – 17

        “The helmet of salvation”(Vs. 17) is a must in spiritual warfare.

        Certain characteristics of salvation are depicted by the Roman helmet. I saw one of these exquisitely crafted helmets in a Roman museum. Some characteristics associated with salvation:

        It was lined with leather. The first reference to animal skins being used as clothing related to Adam and Eve immediately  after their sin. The lamb was slain, pictorial of the ultimate slaying of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

        The helmet was made of brass, a strong metal affording protection. Jesus secures and protects our salvation.

        On top of the helmet was a small crown emblematic of the authority of Rome. The Christian is crowned with the crown of righteousness provided by Jesus.

        The helmet had a chin strap to hold it secure. Jesus is our security.

        “The sword of the Spirit” is  indispensable  (Vs. 17). When Rome set out on world conquests they used long awkward swords and lost most battles. They then changed to a short two-edged sword called a “machaira.” By engaging in close-up hand to hand combat they conquered vast regions.

        “The sword of the spirit” is in the genitive case meaning “the sword from the Spirit.”  “The Word of God” is the sword.

        “Prayer” is not to be minimized (VS. 18).

        No believer is ever successful in spiritual warfare who does not have a vibrant prayer life. It is our means of reporting to our Commander and receiving orders from Him.

        In Papua New Guinea they have a uniformed patrol. They wear badges stating: “Prayer and Peace.”  Whenever a community is having trouble, instead of sending in the police, they send in the “Prayer and Peace Patrol” to pray for the troubled area. It’s working.

        Let’s not fail to utilize the resource of prayer.

        For years we lived on the West Bank of the Mississippi River at the site of the battle of New Orleans.

        The battle of New Orleans pitted the rag tag forces of Andrew Jackson coupled with the pirates of Jean Lafitte against the mighty British army that had defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. Both forces fought valiantly. However, what happened on the Chalmette Battlefield that day would not have changed the course of the war. The war ended before the battle was fought. Word of the British surrender had not reached the battlefield. Victory was assured by the American forces because they had won the war. They fought valiantly because to them their battle was of importance. 

        Jesus has won the victory for us. We can engage in our mopping up action one battle at the time with confidence.  Don’t worry about it.

        He, the ultimate overcomer, is the overseer of the overcomers.

        Faith in Jesus and compliance with His encouragement can prevent worry and empower any person of faith to find peace that passes understanding.