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You have probably heard the saying that “the best defense is a strong offense.” Whether playing chess or football, taking the battle to the opponent keeps them on the defensive. It is also the only way to score points. Baseball teams may have a defense filled with Gold Glove winners. They can have the best defense in the league, but if they can’t hit the ball, they can’t win the championship. 

This week we’ve looked at the armor of God. Paul described the Christian life as a soldier, donning equipment for the battle. Many of the items Paul listed were defensive, protective. Such as the belt of truth, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. But how do we win the struggle? What is our offensive strategy? He turns from defense to offence in Ephesians 6:17-18, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (NIV)

The way to fight the spiritual battle of life is through prayer and God’s word. Prayer is our offense. And did you notice God’s Spirit is involved in the word of God and our prayers. We are to pray in the Spirit with all kinds of prayer on all occasions for all the saints. So, be a prayer warrior.

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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.7MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

A couple of years ago, we moved from a state that required motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear helmets to one that does not. Seeing people riding cycles with bare heads caught my attention. Riding a motorcycle without a helmet has higher risks of death and serious injury in an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 25,000 lives have been saved over a 15-year period because people wore helmets on motorcycles.*

Helmets are also worn in many risky sports, including auto racing and American-style football. Some occupations, such as construction, also require people on a job site to wear a protective hardhat. Perhaps the riskiest activity where helmets are used is warfare. You just don’t see soldiers in battle without a helmet.

You know what? Life also has a tremendous amount of spiritual risk. The apostle Paul likens the Christian life to warfare. In Ephesians 6:17 he encourages us to “take the helmet of salvation.” (NIV) The word take implies reaching out to receive something. God offers salvation and we receive it by faith. Like a helmet, it protects us in the spiritual struggle of life. The word take also carries the force of a command. We urgently need God’s salvation. When the bombs fall, soldiers grab their helmets. As you face the spiritual struggle of life, be sure you reach out and take the salvation God offers to you.

*”Motorcycle Helmets,” NSC Injury Facts, https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/occupant-protection/motorcycle-helmets/.

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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.