“The Helmet of Salvation”

Ben Johnson - August 3, 2025

Ephesians 6:12 NLT - For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies…

Ephesians 6:13-17a NLT - Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News (The Gospel) so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation…

Putting on the armor of God is an act of FAITH – confident that I am fully COVERED with EVERYTHING I need to be and do all God has for me.

Psalm 32:7 NLT - For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. 

SALVATION provides protection for my MIND

1 Peter 1:13 NLT - So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

A Protected Mind is Vital for…

-       Believe the WISDOM of God is available to me—so I can see beyond my immediate problems and recognize where Jesus wants me to go or do instead.

Proverbs 19:8 NIV - The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.

-       Believe the PEACE of God is available to me— so I can remain steady and secure, even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.

Isaiah 26:3 NLT - You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

-       Believe the POWER of God is available to me—so I can shake off negative thoughts that try to steal my joy, drain my strength, or derail my focus.

Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT - I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

Final Thought: My mind is COVERED with EVERYTHING I need, to experience the wisdom, peace and power of God.

Life Group Discussion & Questions

BREAKING THE ICE: 1 Peter 1:13 NLT - So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.

-       What does it mean to "prepare your minds" in the context of a believer's life? How can we practically do this on a daily basis? 

-       What are some specific areas where believers might need to exercise self-control in their thoughts, actions, or desires? 

-       What does it mean to "put all your hope" in salvation? How does this differ from other ways we might find hope in life? 

DIGGING IN: Read – Daniel 4:28-32

-       What does the dream's fulfillment reveal about Nebuchadnezzar's pride?

-       What was the specific nature of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience, and how did it relate to his boastful statement?

-       How can one relate to Nebuchadnezzar in this passage? Have there been times when pride has led to a difficult path?

-       What are some practical ways that you need to protect you mind and thoughts. 

BRINGING IT HOME: 

The helmet of salvation is not a literal helmet but represents the hope and assurance believers have in their salvation through Jesus Christ. This hope protects our minds from doubts, fears, and the lies of the enemy. Salvation provides a firm hope for the future, allowing us to face trials and challenges with courage and confidence, knowing that God has the ultimate victory. How can the truth of our salvation, specifically our hope of eternal life, be a practical defense against discouragement and doubt in our daily lives?