In similar fashion to the breastplate of righteousness, I’ve been confused by this piece of armor in the past as well. If I’m already saved through faith in Jesus, then why would I need to daily put on the helmet of salvation? Wouldn’t it always just be on my head? Perhaps you have pondered that very same question!

And the answer is also similar to what we learned in the lesson about the breastplate of righteousness. Salvation encompasses not only justification (which is immediate upon faith) but also sanctification (which is an ongoing process). While we await our redemption for eternity, we should intentionally pursue righteousness through sanctification. As Paul instructs in Philippians 2:12-13, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

What does that mean? How can you “work out your salvation” — and why should it be done with fear and trembling? First, note that it does NOT say “work FOR your salvation” — this is not about doing deeds in order to attain salvation. Rather, it’s about exercising the salvation we already have attained by faith in Christ. Recall from our lesson on the breastplate of righteousness that sanctification means putting into practice what we have already attained in position. As we “work out” our salvation, we become more and more like Jesus. And this most often takes place in the heart and in the mind.

So putting on the helmet of salvation is not about putting on salvation — it’s about protecting our mind because we are saved. Our salvation gives us the helmet to guard our minds, and one way we guard our minds is to intentionally and carefully filter what we allow in them. There are times when we input something accidentally, but generally speaking, we have the responsibility to choose what we put into our minds.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What books are you reading? And I’m not just saying avoid the “bad” stuff — language, sex, violence, etc. But I’m also saying, what self-help books are you reading? Are they giving Biblical principles or just things that make you feel good or create idols in your life? What business and marketing books are you reading that are feeding selfishness and independence apart from God?
• Are there any subtle new age messages in the podcasts you’re listening to?
• What movies are you choosing to watch? What song lyrics are you listening to and how are those lyrics affecting your mood?

Don’t just ask, “is this entertaining?” — ask, “is this edifying?” In other words, is it beneficial and uplifting? Rather than wasting mental energy on the priorities of this world, invest your mental energy on things that are eternal.

Here’s a good filter based on Philippians 4:8 — are your input sources filling your mind with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy? If not, what changes do you want to make, starting today. Ask yourself, is there a better way to spend my time? Time is one resource that once it’s gone, you can never get it back…so don’t just spend it…invest it wisely.

I know I’m really stressing this point, and you may be thinking, “Ok, I got it — thanks but let’s move on!” But it’s just so critical in fighting the enemy to guard the mind, and I honestly don’t think we can over-stress it! Remember — Paul said to “work our your salvation with fear and trembling” — so take it seriously and submit to the Holy Spirit through the process because the reality is, only God can bring about the transformation needed to make us look more like His Son.

In Romans 13:11-14, Paul tells the believers to live life with the end in mind: “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Wow — he says not only, don’t do them…but don’t even think about doing them! Paul fully understood the power that the mind has over the rest of the body. So did James — he warned fellow believers in James 1:13-15 with these words: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Even just the thought of something sinful can plant a seed that grows into something destructive!

It’s interesting that the helmet is the only piece of armor that provides protection for a full 360 degrees — around the entire mind. Because as the enemy prowls around, looking for someone to devour, he’s circling. He doesn’t just come face-on — his attacks on the mind come from ALL angles…even the ones in our blind spots. So we need to be prepared and we need to take every thought captive — don’t allow the enemy to trespass into your mind by allowing your thoughts to wander in ways that are dishonoring or displeasing to the Lord.

As we’re told in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, God has given us divine power to demolish strongholds. Think about that for a minute. We all have areas in our minds where we are weaker…areas where the enemy has set up camp. We know it, but too often we surrender the territory without fighting in our full power — the power of Christ in us! This is the same power that raised Him from the grave! “Divine power to demolish strongholds”…God has given you the capability to completely destroy Satan’s stronghold in your mind.

Verse 5 continues with, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” In other words, if we’re going to fight against Satan’s lies, we need to know the truth in God’s Word (see how the armor continues to “build”?). Satan will twist the truth, and if you aren’t grounded in the knowledge of the Lord, you may fall for his lies.

This is also why we must not only be grounded in spiritual knowledge but also in spiritual wisdom. The good news on this one is that it’s one of the things in the Bible that we are encouraged to ask for — and as we’re told in James 1:5-8, when we ask God for wisdom and don’t doubt, He gives generously to all without finding fault!

Are you facing a difficult decision? Ask God for wisdom! Are you unsure how to best parent your child? Ask God for wisdom! Are you in a sensitive situation at the office that requires careful navigation? Ask God for wisdom! Got it? No matter what the circumstances are, God is able and willing to make you wise — if you’ll only ask and trust by faith that He will answer.

One last thought as we concluded today. In 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, Paul stresses the importance of believers encouraging one another to guard our minds and remain hopeful as the end draws near. I read this great illustration in the Life Application Study Bible about this passage — listen to these words and imagine yourself running your own race.

“As you near the end of a long race, your legs ache, your throat burns, and your whole body cries out for you to stop. This is when friends and fans are most valuable. Their encouragement helps you push through the pain to the finish line. In the same way, Christians are to encourage one another. A word of encouragement offered at the right moment can be the difference between finishing well and collapsing along the way. Look around you. Be sensitive to others’ need for encouragement, and offer supportive words or actions.”

So… be on guard. Be vigilant. Protect your mind by putting on the helmet of salvation each and every day so you are ready to stand firm against the enemy — and encourage other believers to do the same. Stand strong warriors!