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Hypocrites and Backsliders

Hypocrites and Backsliders. Lesson 063 & 064: The Helmet and The Sword. The Armor of God.

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Hypocrites and Backsliders

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  1. Hypocrites and Backsliders Lesson 063 & 064: The Helmet and The Sword LWBC 09-21-08

  2. The Armor of God • Eph. 6.10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. LWBC 09-21-08

  3. The Armor of God • 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE LWBC 09-21-08

  4. The Armor of God • 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the word of God…  LWBC 09-21-08

  5. The Armor of God • Ephesians 6:12 clearly indicates that the conflict with Satan is spiritual, and therefore no tangible weapons can be effectively employed against him and his minions. • There is no listing here of specific tactics he will use. • However, the passage is quite clear that when we follow all the instructions faithfully, we will be able to stand, and we will have victory regardless of his offense. LWBC 09-21-08

  6. The Belt (Baldric) • The Belt: This was a very important piece to the Roman Soldier's armor.  • The Roman soldier put around his waist a very wide belt which was the holder for a lot of equipment. • There was a loop, for example, for the different swords. • Other loops held ropes and a rations sack. When the legions conquered a city, the soldiers would empty out the ration sack to make room for gold, jewelry, and other loot they picked up. LWBC 09-21-08

  7. The Belt (Baldric) • There were loops on the belt for darts. • The belt was tied in several places to stay in place, so that no matter how the soldier moved about, fell down, climbed hills, etc., the belt was always in place with weapons at the ready.  • If the belt were not on straight, then everything would be out of place for the soldier. • This would cut down his efficiency in battle and may even cost him his life. LWBC 09-21-08

  8. The Breastplate • The Breastplate of Righteousness • Also in vs. 14 we are told to put on the breastplate of righteousness. • A breastplate would shield a warrior from a fatal blow to the heart and other critical organs. • This righteousness is not works of righteousness done by men—rather, this is the righteousness of Christ, imputed and imparted by God and received by faith, which guards our hearts against the accusations and charges of Satan, and secures our innermost being from his attacks. LWBC 09-21-08

  9. The Breastplate • One key area the Soldier's breastplate protected was the heart. • While the heart is the one key organ responsible for sending blood through our circulatory system to keep us alive, in our spiritual lives the heart is the source for living out righteousness or evil. • When we walk in the Reservoir of Righteousness of God, it is a weapon of defense against all slanderous accusations, and outrageous strategies of the devil. LWBC 09-21-08

  10. The Boots • And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15). • Because the foot soldier depends upon good footwear to take him where the action is, combat boots play an important role in his career. • The Romans were no different; they designated their infantry by the word CALIGATI after the heavy footgear they wore - the CALIGAE. • So, if we are to be known by our footwear, it is important to learn our “Identity”! LWBC 09-21-08

  11. The Boots • In Scripture, feet become synonymous with service; but there can be no effective service apart from constant training and preparation along the road to super-grace. • It was the seasoned combat veteran of the Roman army who served his country best; and it is the spiritually mature Christian Warrior who can serve the Lord to the maximum of his capability and capacity! LWBC 09-21-08

  12. The Shield of Faith • The Christian Warrior does not have to march to any geographical location to be at the front; wherever he finds himself, his soul is the arena of combat in the unseen warfare. Therefore, you must carry your doctrine with you no matter where you are. • Doctrine comprises your inner resources; doctrine shields you from confusion, from involvement in inconsequential activities, from attacks of legalism or socialism or from the influence of evil. (R.B. Thieme, Jr.) LWBC 09-21-08

  13. The Helmet of Salvation • And take the helmet of salvation ... (Eph. 6:17a). • Most secular and Bible dictionaries and reference books state that the helmet is a part of the soldier's defense equipment. • This is true only inasmuch as the helmet protects the head from injury sustained in battle. • Actually, the helmet should be listed among the offensive armor or weapons of the fighting man. • Particularly is this true of the HELMET OF SALVATION. LWBC 09-21-08

  14. The Helmet of Salvation • No member of the human race can assume the offensive against the ruler of this world, Satan, or against his mighty demon army until he joins the Royal Combat Legion through faith in Jesus Christ! • Only believers in Christ are involved in this great spiritual warfare. • We are on the Lord's side - the winning side - and it behooves us to examine each part of the Roman helmet and its significance in the spiritual life. LWBC 09-21-08

  15. The Helmet of Salvation • Man has traditionally preferred the lightest type of effectual protection for the head during combat. • The helmets of most ancient warriors were made of quilted cloth or of heavy leather. • Metal helmets were considered to be too cumbersome and inconvenient in hot climates; yet they had proved to be the best guard against head injuries. • The Greeks had used metal helmets; but the Romans, finding these to be too heavy, adapted and improved them for their own needs. LWBC 09-21-08

  16. The Helmet of Salvation • The Roman helmet was generally made from bronze. It fitted over an iron skullcap, which had been lined with either leather or cloth for greater comfort. • A heavier helmet was worn by the Roman armies stationed along the hostile frontiers on the Rhine and Danube. • The helmet covered the back of the head and was reinforced by a back plate, which protected the soldier's neck. LWBC 09-21-08

  17. The Helmet of Salvation • Atop each helmet was a ring into which a crest of horsehair or feather plumes could be inserted for parades or dress occasions. • Those regimental plumes were never worn on the battlefield! • The Roman helmet had no visor. • Instead, a small metal peak jutted out in front to offer added protection against the downward cuts of the opponent. • Hinged bronze cheek pieces held the helmet securely in place. LWBC 09-21-08

  18. The Helmet of Salvation • The Roman officer wore a more ornate helmet than the enlisted man. • Made of bronze or of iron, the officer's helmet was plated with silver or gold and frequently bore his crest or decorations. • Considerably wider cheek pieces fastened his helmet, and an elongated slot extended down its center to hold the officer's scarlet plume on gala occasions. LWBC 09-21-08

  19. The Helmet of Salvation • Although all helmets were constructed after the same basic design, their shapes varied for easier recognition by the soldiers. • With the exception of the standard-bearer, who was permitted to wear a wolfshead - a singular honor bestowed upon the man who carried the colors - every man, from the highest officer down to the last buck private in the Roman Army, wore a metal helmet over an iron skullcap. LWBC 09-21-08

  20. The Helmet of Salvation • Upon completing his basic training, each Roman soldier received his mark. • At the same time, he was fitted with an iron skullcap of his own, which he was obliged to wear at all times. • Once he had become accustomed to having his head covered, he would be less conscious of the weight of the helmet. • The wearing of the helmet called for a special mental attitude: respect for authority, respect for military discipline, as well as self-discipline. LWBC 09-21-08

  21. The Helmet of Salvation • He had learned to respect the sagacity and better judgment of his superiors; he had learned to appreciate the value of the helmet in combat! • Even if it were uncomfortable, it was well worth the trouble, and he welcomed the safety it offered him! • The Roman Army was noted for rarely ever suffering head injuries. • The Roman soldier simply had no excuse for losing his helmet. LWBC 09-21-08

  22. The Helmet of Salvation • If he received a head wound in battle, it was assumed that he had become a coward, had fled and left his helmet behind. • His comrades would never let him escape such disgrace, and it was considered better to lose one's life rather than report in after battle with any kind of head injury! LWBC 09-21-08

  23. The Helmet of Salvation • As the most vulnerable part of the human anatomy, the head requires special protection. • While the dense structure of the skull provides natural armor for the central nervous system and the soul under normal conditions, added protection is needed in combat. • Had helmets been used during the War between the states instead of haphazard cloth caps, many lives could have been saved. LWBC 09-21-08

  24. The Helmet of Salvation • In later conflicts, this situation was corrected, and thousands were spared because the soldier Wore his helmet. • He may not have valued it when it was first issued, but he was grateful to possess a helmet when the hail of bullets fell or the shrapnel burst around him! • It is of even greater importance that a human being utilize the helmet of salvation! LWBC 09-21-08

  25. The Helmet of Salvation • The Greek text of Ephesians 7:17a emphasizes this principle. • "And" is the adjunctive use of KAI and means "also." • "Take," is the aorist active imperative of the verb DECHOMAI - "to receive, to welcome." • The constantive aorist contemplates the occurrence of salvation - a momentary action of believing in Jesus Christ - and gathers it into a single whole. LWBC 09-21-08

  26. The Helmet of Salvation • Thus, the verb sees in their entirety the thirty-six spiritual assets every believer receives at the point of salvation. • When we believed in the Savior, we were entered into union with Christ by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father as the King of Kings. • In union with Him, we are His Royal Family. God the Holy Spirit came to indwell our bodies and sealed us until the day of redemption. LWBC 09-21-08

  27. The Helmet of Salvation • What fantastic security we have! • God's own righteousness was imputed to us; we are positionally vindicated and sanctified by God! • We are issued divine equipment compatible with our station as royalty. • Since it is the soul that is saved (Psa. 19:7; Mark 8:36; Heb. 10:39), it must be guarded from harm after salvation. LWBC 09-21-08

  28. The Helmet of Salvation • The active voice of DECHOMAI indicates that mankind produces the action of the verb. • Although you can neither be ordered nor compelled to believe in Jesus Christ, you may be urged to do so. • This concept is brought out by the imperative of entreaty, which expresses an appeal to the free will of Homo sapiens to accept Christ. • If you are not yet saved, the fault is entirely on your side. LWBC 09-21-08

  29. The Helmet of Salvation • God is neither slow nor lethargic; His power to save you is limited only by your refusal to be saved! • However, from the moment of your salvation, you become a member of the Royal Family of God. • You do not dedicate yourself to full-time Christian service; you are born into it by virtue of regeneration! • You were offered the helmet of salvation, and you have "welcomed" or "received it." • You have enlisted in the ranks of the Royal Combat Legion of Jehovah of the Armies! LWBC 09-21-08

  30. The Helmet of Salvation • The Greek word for helmet is PEHIKEPHALIA, a compound noun derived from the preposition PERI (around) and the noun KEPHALE (head) - that which goes around the head. • In the Latin, the exact equivalent of the Koine Greek, "helmet" is GALEA or CASSIS (casque). • Let us examine this very valuable piece of equipment. • It is called the "helmet of salvation." LWBC 09-21-08

  31. The Helmet of Salvation • "Salvation" is the genitive neuter singular from SOTERIOS and is used as a substantive rather than as an adjective. • The genitive of reference indicates the significance of the helmet. • In order to bring out the true meaning of the word, it must be translated here as a relative clause: • "Also, receive the helmet, WHICH REFERS TO BEING SAVED!" LWBC 09-21-08

  32. The Helmet of Salvation • Each part of the Roman helmet is analogous to some facet of salvation. • For example, the SKIN LINING emphasizes the work of Christ on the Cross: redemption (toward sin); reconciliation (toward man); propitiation (toward God). • The first Biblical reference to skin in connection with salvation is found in Genesis 3:21: • "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skin, and clothed them.” LWBC 09-21-08

  33. The Helmet of Salvation • Since skins are obtained by the shedding of blood, we are reminded of the blood of Christ - His efficacious spiritual death in providing salvation, which includes not only our forgiveness and cleansing from sin, but also the imputation of God's perfect righteousness to our account! LWBC 09-21-08

  34. The Helmet of Salvation • The BRONZE CASQUE is analogous to the uniqueness of the Person of the Savior - His virgin birth as the sinless Son of God; His Hypostatic Union as the God-Man; His impeccability (His faultless, perfect Person). • The GOLD CREST and PLUME identify the believer of the Church Age as royalty forever; and the CHEEK PIECE portrays the eternal security of each believer in union with Christ. LWBC 09-21-08

  35. The Helmet of Salvation • The helmet of salvation is a permanent item of equipment (Eccl. 2:14; cf. 1 Pet. 1:5). • Once you have received the helmet of salvation, you can never forfeit it (John 10:28). • You may turn traitor and deny your Lord as Peter did; you may retreat shamefully from the heat of the unseen conflict by your reversionism; you may be deprived of your decorations and citations; but you can never lose your eternal salvation! • So great is the grace of God! LWBC 09-21-08

  36. The Sword of the Spirit • The Sword of the Spirit • .. and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17b): • One of the most unusual weapons ever invented was the MACHAIRA. Swords had always been symbolic of warfare and slaughter, and many kinds of swords existed in the ancient world. Earlier swords were made of bronze; those of later periods were forged of iron. LWBC 09-21-08

  37. The Sword of the Spirit • Although other offensive weapons were in general use - the bow, the spear, the javelin, the mace and battle-ax, the sling, the battering ram and the ballista for throwing stones - it was generally conceded that the sword was the basic weapon for close combat. • As a rule, the ancients were impressed by the size and strength of a sword. LWBC 09-21-08

  38. The Sword of the Spirit • The most impressive of the five types of swords used by combatants in antiquity was the ROMPHAIA. • Invented by the Thracians, the ROMPHAIA was a broadsword of considerable length - never shorter than four feet and often up to six feet in length. • This broadsword had one sharp cutting edge and was held by a double handle. • It was the preferred weapon of the Gauls and the Barbarians, staunch enemies of Rome, and was employed in hacking blows. LWBC 09-21-08

  39. The Sword of the Spirit • Because the ROMPHAIA's unwieldy length and weight caught the Barbarian or Gaul temporarily off-balance after a stroke, precious moments were lost before he could regain combat effectiveness. • It was in these moments that the soldier was vulnerable to the danger of the swift Roman MACHAIRA. LWBC 09-21-08

  40. The Sword of the Spirit • Furthermore, the ROMPHAIA rarely took a heavy death toll, for after three or more strikes against Roman armor, its blade became dull. • A second type of sword was the XZIPHOS. • Shaped like a rapier, this rounded sword had a sharp point and was used only for thrusting. • Since its point broke off easily, it was considered an inferior weapon in battle. • Because of its highly personal character, the sword soon became a sign of rank. LWBC 09-21-08

  41. The Sword of the Spirit • This was true of the AKINAKES, an ornate Persian sword worn by Persian generals. the AKINAKES usually had ivory handles and was studded with gems faceted in gold. • Totally useless in combat, it was suitable only as a status symbol; therefore, the AKINAKES became the choice gift of Persian monarchs to their favorite nobles. LWBC 09-21-08

  42. The Sword of the Spirit • The DOLON - the hidden sword - is still extant, encased in either a riding whip or in a cane. • Since the ancients knew little about the tempering of metals, most blades were brittle and broke on contact. • It was the Romans who introduced swords made of iron, and the Roman MACHAIRA turned out to be the most ingenious invention of warfare of its day. • The blade of this perfectly balanced weapon was usually only eighteen inches long. LWBC 09-21-08

  43. The Sword of the Spirit • It had two cutting edges instead of one, and it tapered off to a sharp point. • Extremely keen, the MACHAIRA was very maneuverable; its outstanding advantage was that the Roman soldier was never off-balance while he used his MACHAIRA. • The introduction of this new weapon constituted a remarkable innovation in the weaponry of the ancient world and demanded a complete reversal in the training of the Roman swordsman. LWBC 09-21-08

  44. The Sword of the Spirit • Thus, recruits were taught not to cut but to thrust with their swords. • A firm grip on the excellent hand-guard of the MACHAIRA, a stab to a vital part of the body, and the enemy of Rome fell mortally wounded. • Unlike his enemy, who must expose his right arm and side in order to strike a hacking blow, the legionary's body was covered while he thrust his sword at his opponent. LWBC 09-21-08

  45. The Sword of the Spirit • Since he was well protected by his shield and heavy armor, the blow could do little harm; since he exerted less force or strain, the Roman soldier's stamina in battle extended far beyond that of his enemy. • The finest of these double-edged swords were issued to the Praetorian Guard. LWBC 09-21-08

  46. The Sword of the Spirit • It is significant that the Holy Spirit has chosen the Roman MACHAIRA as the counterpart to the Christian soldier's most effective offensive weapon - the MACHAIRA OF THE SPIRIT. • This same analogy is used in Hebrews 4:12, where the Word of God is compared to and found to be even more powerful than the sharp MACHAIRA of the Romans. • In this context, Ephesians 6:17, the Bible is called the "MACHAIRA of the Spirit." LWBC 09-21-08

  47. The Sword of the Spirit • "Of the Spirit" is the ablative singular of source from PNEUMA (Spirit) and refers to God the Holy Spirit. • The genitive case - that is, the genitive of source - demands this literal translation: "from the Spirit." • The Third Person of the Trinity is the Source of our offensive weapon, "which (nominative neuter singular from the relative pronoun HOS) is (present active indicative, EIMI - 'to be') the word (predicate nominative, REMA) of God (ablative of source, THEOS, minus the definite article)." LWBC 09-21-08

  48. The Sword of the Spirit • On closer examination of the grammatical structure of this phrase, we note that the tense of the verb ElMl is the static present, which represents Bible doctrine as perpetually existing. • In spite of Satan's effort to erase every trace of the inspired Word of God from the face of the earth -- at one time, only fifty copies of the Scriptures remained in man's possession, and Rome had ordered these to be destroyed there will never be a generation destitute of Bible doctrine! LWBC 09-21-08

  49. The Sword of the Spirit • God will personally see to the preservation of the Canon and to the impact it has on humanity (Isa. 55:11). • This latter fact is brought out by the active voice; the Sword of the Spirit will invariably leave its mark! • The mood of the verb EIMI is the declarative indicative, a simple statement of fact. LWBC 09-21-08

  50. The Sword of the Spirit • When does the MACHAIRA become an offensive weapon? • When it is unsheathed? • As long as it remains in its scabbard, suspended from the left side of the BALTEUS, its power to devastate the enemy is but potential. • The MACHAIRA has to be transferred from its sheath into the hand of the combatant! LWBC 09-21-08

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