Armor of God | Hope
The armor of God has been a topic that has been difficult to get our minds wrapped around. What it is and how we put it on, has seemed to be a bit mysterious. So maybe by looking at the effect of the armor we can get a better understanding of how to put the armor on.
We previously looked at The Shield of Faith, so let's take the next piece. We're leaving in, The Effect of Armor, section here for continuity.
The Effect of Armor
The most prominent place the armor of God is listed is in Ephesians 6:14-18 NKJV. Each piece of armor has an effect. Since it is spiritual armor, and we are physically oriented, it can be difficult to understand what is happening when we have it on.
One of the things we know about armor is that once we are in the battle, we shouldn't have to think about the armor. It will passively protect us and we shouldn't have to give it another thought. We inspect, test and repair the armor on a regular basis and ensure it is fitted correctly on us.
Now, there are probably many effects that we can identify but this study is simply to start the process. For our purposes, we are focusing on one effect but be sure to seek out more. If you find more than what is listed here, please add them to the comment section below.
So, let's continue to look at the effect of each piece. Today we are tackling the The Helmet of Salvation.
One of the things we know about armor is that once we are in the battle, we shouldn't have to think about the armor. It will passively protect us and we shouldn't have to give it another thought. We inspect, test and repair the armor on a regular basis and ensure it is fitted correctly on us.
Now, there are probably many effects that we can identify but this study is simply to start the process. For our purposes, we are focusing on one effect but be sure to seek out more. If you find more than what is listed here, please add them to the comment section below.
So, let's continue to look at the effect of each piece. Today we are tackling the The Helmet of Salvation.
The Helmet of Salvation
Take the helmet of salvation... - Ephesians 6:14-18 NKJVThe Helmet of Salvation has an effect. The effect is, a joyful and confident expectation of the Lord.
But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. - 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT
The word confidence in the New Living Translation is actually a very familiar word we otherwise know as hope. The helmet is the hope of our salvation. It is an expectation that is joyful. It is an expectation that is confident. Our salvation, hope, joy, confidence and expectation are all tied together. When these concepts are valued, nurtured and inseparable from our thoughts, they become the helmet that is impenetrable.
But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. - 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NASB
Expectation, joy, confidence and hope are synonyms in many ways. They work together to fortify a Christlike mindset. Joy, confidence and a vibrant expectation of the Lord are how we know we have our helmet on.
So, let's raise our expectation that we have in our mighty God who saves, and develop a joyful and confident resolve.
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Take Action!
How do I put on the helmet of salvation?- What is important about our expectation of the Lord?
- Write them down. - from our sister site, More Life in My Day!
- How can I walk in a greater expectation of what God is doing?
- Ask the Lord to help you understand and develop your expectation.
- Find out who you are in Christ.
- Master your joy, confidence and expectation in the Lord.!
- Think through the following scriptures for a quick start.
- There is far more about our expectation of the Lord and our salvation in the scriptures.
- Discover other those scriptures that inform us as to what our expectation should be.
- Here's a great place to start...
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13 NLTFor we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News. - Colossians 1:4-5 NLTWe can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. - Romans 5:3-5 NLT
Here are additional resources to help develop your strategy:
Please, add your thoughts in the comment section.
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Concept
“The Helmet of Salvation brings joy, confidence and a vibrant expectation of the Lord.”
In The Cool Zone and More Life in My Day are sister websites dedicated to discipleship. They work in tandem, providing the teaching and coaching for growing in the Lord and becoming effective in our walk with the Lord.
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