"And take the helmet of salvation."
In the garden of Eden, speaking prophetically, God said Satan would bruise Christ's heal (temporary wound), and that Christ would bruise Satan's head (permanent wound). Because of this latter truth it is imperative as Christian soldiers we put on the helmet the Lord has provided us. A first century Roman soldier when suddenly attacked, after reaching for his sword and shield would lay hold on his helmet.
Satan's main battle is for our minds. That is our intellect, understanding, thinking, our brain if you please. Paul feared Satan would corrupt the minds of the Christians of his day, as he did Eve in the garden. The old communist manifesto said something akin to, "Wars are not won by weapons, but by ideals. Therefore get a man to think your way and you have defeated him."
The helmet the Lord has furnished us with speaks of a mind controlled by God. What a tragedy that so many Christians today have the idea the intellect is not important, when in reality it has so much to do with our growth, service, and victory. Remember, everything that is in your heart came by way of the door of your mind.
In the classic story of David and Goliath found in 1 Sam. 17, we find a great practical truth. When the giant approached the shepherd boy he had a helmet of brass upon his head (v.5). But he had evidently sat down along the way. It says in verse 48, "When the Philistine arose." Seeing such a small figure he must have become overconfident and left his helmet lying where he had been sitting, thinking it was not needed. But that was the ruin of him.
And so will it be with each of God's elect that do not take seriously the Divine protection of their minds.
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