DRESSED TO KILL

Week 5 - The Helmet of Salvation

Ephesians 6:1-18

Be made new in the attitude of your mind;… put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph. 4:17-24

Why is the mind so important to protect? YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK.

If the helmet is so effective, why do I still find myself at war?

· Futility of our thinking vs.17

· Darkened understanding vs.18

· Separated from God vs.18

· Hardening of our hearts vs.18

· Indulging in impurity vs.19
 

What is the result?

· Doubtful Mind

Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all. James 1:7-8

· Blinded Mind

If there is anything hidden about our message, it is hidden only to someone who is lost. The god who rules this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers. They cannot see the light, which is the good news about our glorious Christ, who shows what God is like. 2 Cor. 4:3-4

· Closed Mind
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim. 3:7

· Proud Mind
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil. Prov. 3:5-7

· Useless Mind
Since these people refused even to think about God, he let their useless minds rule over them. That’s why they do all sorts of indecent things. Rom. 1:28
 

So what should we do?

· We need to renew our minds.
Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. Rom. 12:2

· We need to prepare our minds.
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. Rom. 8:5-6

· We need to control our minds.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 10:3-6

· We need surrender our minds.
Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. Phil. 4:4-7