Core scripture: “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

Message: We only have a single verse yet to cover, yet this one is so vital that it needs to be set apart.  A Christian teacher’s head must be covered with the helmet of salvation, and we must unsheathe a double-edged lethal weapon, the sword of the spirit, to forge our way into battle.

• The helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17a): The helmet’s sole purpose is to protect your head. Your mind.  Your thought process.  Our salvation is rooted in Jesus Christ, and if we believe we are saved by His sacrifice, there is no way Satan can get into our heads.  He might tell us we cannot be forgiven for our downfalls or whisper that we can get through the day on our own without God’s help.  The helmet is a force field against all of Satan’s lies.

• The sword of the spirit (Ephesians 6:17b): The sword is our lone offensive weapon, but its power is unfathomable. Consider these promises about our sword, God’s Word:

• “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Jesus used the sword of the spirit to fight off temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11).  We can do the same.  Consider the power of memorized scripture in the following situations.  You pass through the teacher’s lounge and get stuck in conversation complaining about the latest technology glitch that needs fixing, yet with Philippians 2:14 in your heart, you resist complaining and respond back by staying positive.  It sweetens the mood.  It provides hope to the hopeless. And you move on through your day, knowing God’s good will prevail.

Or how about this one … That one problem child—the one that rarely tries at all while making a conscious effort to disrupt others—is in rare form.  Redirect after redirect, nothing changes.  You take a deep breath and remember the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  Patience floods your soul.  Anger is disintegrated by self-control.  You crouch next to the kid’s desk and plead with him quietly, earnestly, sincerely.  And guess what?  He abides!  Right back on track.  The entire mood of the room changes because you lived out God’s Word.

The Christian teacher is a soldier.  Defend yourself today.  Stand firm on your foundation and protect yourself against Satan’s evil schemes.  Every piece of armor is in place.  Your sword, lethal and ready for combat, is unsheathed.  Fight the good fight on behalf of the One who sacrificed everything for you.

(Spoiler alert … It is only a matter of time.  The battle has already been won through Christ according to Revelation.  Just sayin’ … )

Challenge: Where are your weak areas?  If you don’t know them, ask a trusted friend that you know will speak the truth.  It might be a lack of patience or discipline issues or even negativity.  Find a scripture that will aide you in that area and memorize it.  Tape it to your desk if need be.  Meditate on it, pray for it, and pull it out when you need it most in the heat of battle.

Song application: “Good Fight” by Unspoken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0M3X3_pFD4

Keep fighting the good fight (Never give up, never give up)
Keep letting your light shine (Holding it high as long as you live)
‘Cause I’m never gonna leave you
Always gonna see you through to the other side
Keep fighting the good fight, fighting the good
fighting the good fight, good fight

Other scripture: “But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.” (Psalm 94:22)

Prayer: Lord, be my defense.  You are my rock, my salvation, my everything.  Help me fight for You today.  Amen.