[Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7]

In Ephesians 6:13-18, Apostle Paul encouraged us to put on the full armor of God. He said that if Christians put on God’s armor, they may be able to stand firm on the ground when the day of trouble comes.

There are two biblical images of the perfect life that God always want us to live that is what I always dreamed. The first one is Psalm 1: “Blessed one is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither and whatever they do prospers. Prosperity means promoting your life to the next level and enjoying many blessings of God in our daily lives. It is God’s plan for us to prosper.

The second is the life of King David. 1 Samuel 18:14 says, “In everything he did, he had great success because the Lord was with him.” He prospered with many spiritual blessings. If he asked God and God answered him, and he also received material blessings along with many great and right people. They were around him and support him. If you put on the full armor of God, you can enjoy all the benefits of God like David.

God’s blessings and prosperity are God’s providence, which includes enjoying a healthy life. 3 John 1:2 says, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” If you put on the full armor, no one would be able to take your blessing and your joy of God.

The meaning of the helmet of salvation

Today, I will talk about the helmet of salvation. It is the fifth armor of God. The helmet of salvation has two spiritual meanings. Those are safety and identity. “Take the helmet of salvation” is not talking about to put a helmet to protect your brain, but it is talking to protect your Christian identity. Christian identity means knowing that you are beloved children of God, God’s precious possession and you belong to the Christ and the Church to worship God. If you proclaim that you are God’s possession, no one touch you without God’s permission.

Practically to take the helmet of salvation is to protect your thoughts and mind when you face temptations and trials. If you protect your thoughts and mind on the day of trouble, you can experience of the joy of salvation from above.

Paul said in Ephesians 2:13 that the natural thoughts of people tend to follow the way of the world. Natural thought means the uncontrolled mind. For example, our natural thinking is like a kayak on a river. If the owner of the kayak does not tie it on the solid anchor or tree, the currency of the river will take the kayak away then they will lose it.  

The Biblical Solution

Philippians 4:4-9 is the biblical solution that tells us how to bind our thoughts and mind to the joy and hope of salvation. In these sentences, I can see several imperative words. The imperative is a command that requires immediate action without detailed explanation.

For example, it looks like an army sergeant’s command at the military boot camp. When I was in army boot camp, I wanted to throw a grenade, but the sergeant said, “you could not do it.” So I could not throw it. However, when another recruit was throwing a grenade, and suddenly the sergeant said, “Get on the ground”. We had to follow the command quickly without detailed explanation. Then, later, the sergeant explained why he shouted. A recruit might throw a grenade at the wrong place. A recruit did not realize where he threw a grenade, but the sergeant saw it and shouted it. It is how the words of command worked in the Bible.

Spiritual Benefit of obedience

Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!, The word Rejoice is not suggestion but it is command. “Rejoice in the Lord always” is a way of binding our thoughts and mind to joy so that you and I will not lose it in any situation. I am the type of person who gets frustrated and easily lost my joy when things happen that I don’t want. For instance, If I got lost my direction while I was driving, I got frustrated easily and blame myself harshly. Then, Lisa always said, “it’s okey” you can find another way. It helps me calm down the frustration. If something goes wrong and you feel like you’re in trouble, say to yourself, “It’s okay.” Because God will open another new and better way for you.”

Are you having problems with your pension or the stock market? Have hope and enjoy what you have now because it will be a backup! Are you worried about your health and your relationship? Do not be discouraged because God will restore it and show you a better way.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” When you have some situation, sit down and present your problem to God with thanksgiving of your heart because God already knows your situation and will fix the problem.

When I play golf at Sandy Creek and the ball goes into the woods, I get really frustrated and try to blame my swing pattern. At that time, my golf buddy, Marvin always said, “Praise God. You can find more balls than you lost.” “That’s right! When I get in the woods, I can find more balls than I lost. So, I can enjoy my game without worry of lost balls. It seems like a small episode, but we need to practice for small things first. After that, we have the confidence to ask God for great things and experience the great things of God.

Result of the following Command

Verse 7 said if you do practice what I ask you to do, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” “Transcends all understanding” means the power of God from above will come down and do the work for us. It is the power the Spirit of God.

Conclusion

It is my conclusion “Whatever you have learned or heard the words of God, put it in your practice.” “Put it into practice” is also a command. The Bible says just do it, and then you can see how God completes His plan for you. God said, “my plan will prosper you and give you hope and a future.”

Again, the helmet of salvation is God’s armor that protect your Christian identity when trials and temptations come to you. The helmet of salvation means to put your trust to God and to hold your thoughts and mind to the promises of God because God will do the great things for you.  these are practical applications. Practice singing songs for joy and praising God and praying to God with thanksgiving of your heart—then waiting for what God will do for you.

Our Church is here to help you to be radiant people, pray for your brilliant life, and stand with you to support your bright future.  

2022.08.07.Pastor Cloud Poy

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