Embracing Salvation: Our Call to Spiritual Mission
Summary
The longing to draw nearer to God is not just a song we sing, but the very heartbeat of the Christian life. In a world full of transitions—whether it’s the start of a new school year or the shifting seasons of our lives—we are reminded that we are engaged in a real spiritual battle. This battle is not against people, but against spiritual forces of evil. The call is to put on the whole armor of God, and today, the focus is on the helmet of salvation—not as a mere metaphorical helmet, but as a living reality of what God has done for us in Christ.
Salvation begins with the sobering truth: we were dead in our trespasses and sins. This spiritual deadness is not always visible; people may look alive, successful, and even moral, but apart from Christ, they are “dead men walking”—following the ways of the world, the desires of the flesh, and the deceptions of Satan. The world’s wisdom often sounds appealing, but it is fundamentally opposed to the self-denying, Christ-centered life to which we are called.
But then comes the turning point: “But God.” In His rich mercy and great love, God intervenes. He makes us alive with Christ, raises us up, and seats us with Him in the heavenly places. This is not something we achieve by our own effort or goodness; it is entirely a gift of grace. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He has prepared in advance for us to do. Our salvation is not just a rescue from death, but a commissioning into a life of purpose and mission.
As we step into new seasons—whether it’s a new school year, a new job, or simply a new day—God has already prepared opportunities for us to walk in. Every encounter, every appointment, every “random” meeting is a divine appointment. Our calling is to be faithful, to put on the helmet of salvation, and to go out among the “dead men walking” with humility and hope, knowing that God is still handing out “but God” moments, bringing the dead to life through the gospel.
Key Takeaways
- Spiritual deadness is the default human condition, even when outward appearances suggest otherwise. People may seem alive, moral, or successful, but apart from Christ, they are spiritually dead—unable to discern the things of God or respond to His Word. Recognizing this reality should fill us with compassion and urgency as we interact with those around us. [20:16]
- The world, the flesh, and the devil are not just abstract enemies; they are active influences shaping the desires, values, and decisions of those apart from Christ. The world’s wisdom often masquerades as truth, but it subtly opposes the self-denial and humility of the gospel. As believers, we must be vigilant, discerning, and intentional about guarding our minds and hearts with the helmet of salvation. [24:11]
- The “but God” moment is the hinge of every true conversion. Salvation is not a gradual moral improvement or a self-help project; it is a resurrection from death to life, accomplished solely by God’s mercy and love. This radical intervention gives us new desires, new identity, and new purpose, all rooted in Christ’s finished work. [31:38]
- Being made alive in Christ is not the end, but the beginning of a new life marked by transformation and mission. God not only raises us up but seats us with Him, giving us dignity, belonging, and a share in His purposes. Our lives become living testimonies of His grace, and our transformation is meant to be visible to those around us. [38:43]
- Every day is filled with divine appointments—good works that God has prepared in advance for us. Our task is not to manufacture opportunities, but to walk faithfully into the ones God has already set before us. Whether it’s a conversation at the grocery store, a new friendship at school, or a moment of service, God is orchestrating these encounters for His glory and the advance of the gospel. [44:37]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:14] - Nearer My God to Thee (Opening Song)
[08:00] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
[09:30] - Preparing for Battle: The Armor of God
[11:59] - Paul’s Context and the Source of Strength
[13:54] - Our True Enemy: Not Flesh and Blood
[15:10] - The Helmet of Salvation
[16:25] - What Is Salvation? (Ephesians 2)
[20:16] - Dead Men Walking: The Human Condition
[24:11] - The World’s Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom
[26:40] - Following Satan and the Deception of Goodness
[31:38] - The “But God” Moment
[34:50] - Raised Up and Given New Desires
[38:43] - Seated with Christ: Our New Identity
[41:20] - Saved for Good Works
[44:37] - Divine Appointments and Everyday Mission
[50:31] - Response Song: Oh Great God
[54:02] - Missions Focus: Reaching the Deaf Community
[57:49] - Announcements and Next Steps
[01:02:31] - Closing Song: May the People Praise You
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Helmet of Salvation & Our New Life in Christ
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV)
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,
5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:1-3, what is the spiritual condition of people before they come to Christ? What are the three influences that shape their lives?
2. In Ephesians 2:4-6, what does God do for those who are spiritually dead? What is the turning point in these verses?
3. What does it mean that we are God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (v.10)?
4. The sermon described “dead men walking” as people who look alive on the outside but are spiritually dead. What are some outward signs that might make it hard to recognize spiritual deadness? [[20:16]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The passage says we were “dead in our trespasses and sins.” What does spiritual deadness look like in everyday life, and why is it so hard to recognize in ourselves or others? [[20:16]]
2. The sermon talked about the “world, the flesh, and the devil” as active influences. How do these three show up in the choices and values of people today? [[24:11]]
3. The phrase “But God” marks a huge shift in the passage. Why is it important to see salvation as God’s work and not our own achievement? [[31:38]]
4. Ephesians 2:10 says God has prepared good works for us to do. How does knowing this change the way we look at our daily routines and “random” encounters? [[44:37]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that spiritual deadness is the default human condition, even for people who seem moral or successful. How does this truth affect the way you view your friends, coworkers, or family members who don’t know Christ? Does it change how you pray for them or interact with them? [[20:16]]
2. The “world’s wisdom” often sounds appealing but is opposed to the gospel. Can you think of a piece of advice or a cultural value you’ve heard recently that sounds good but actually goes against what Jesus teaches? How do you guard your mind against these influences? [[24:11]]
3. The “but God” moment is when God intervenes and brings someone from death to life. Have you experienced a “but God” moment in your own life? If so, what changed for you? If not, what questions or doubts do you still have about this? [[31:38]]
4. The sermon said that being made alive in Christ is just the beginning, not the end. In what ways have you seen God give you new desires or a new sense of purpose since coming to faith? [[34:50]]
5. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s workmanship, created for good works. What is one “good work” you sense God has prepared for you in this season? How can you step into it this week? [[41:20]]
6. The pastor encouraged us to see every day as filled with “divine appointments.” Think about your schedule this week—where might God be giving you opportunities to serve, encourage, or share your faith? How can you be more aware and ready for these moments? [[44:37]]
7. The helmet of salvation is meant to guard our minds and hearts. Is there a specific area where you feel under spiritual attack or discouraged? What would it look like to “put on the helmet of salvation” in that situation? [[15:10]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see the people around you with compassion, to recognize the spiritual battle, and to walk faithfully into the good works He has prepared for you this week.
Devotional
Day 1: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God
Every believer is engaged in a spiritual battle, not against people, but against spiritual forces of evil. The call is to be prepared, not in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord, by putting on His armor. This preparation is as essential as the daily routines we use to get ready for the day, reminding us that the battle is real but the victory is sure. As you step into each day, remember that you are not fighting alone, and the armor you wear is not your own, but the Lord’s, given to you for your protection and victory. [08:00]
Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been fighting in your own strength instead of relying on God’s armor and power? How can you intentionally “put on” the armor of God as you face today’s challenges?
Day 2: From Death to Life—The Miracle of Salvation
Every person is born spiritually dead, following the ways of the world, the flesh, and the devil, unable to discern the things of God. Yet, in His mercy and love, God intervenes—He makes us alive in Christ, raising us from spiritual death to new life. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a miraculous work of God, a “but God” moment that changes everything. If you are in Christ, you have been brought from death to life, given new desires, and set free to follow Him. [32:14]
Ephesians 2:1-7 (ESV)
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Can you recall a “but God” moment in your life when God intervened and brought you from spiritual death to life? How does remembering this transformation shape your gratitude and purpose today?
Day 3: Salvation Is God’s Gift—Not Our Works
Salvation is entirely a gift from God, not something we can earn or boast about. We are saved by grace through faith, and even that faith is not from ourselves—it is God’s gift. This truth humbles us and reminds us that our standing before God is not based on our good works, but on His mercy and grace. As recipients of this gift, we are called to live with humility, gratitude, and dependence on God, knowing that all we have is from Him. [40:04]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own goodness or achievements for your sense of worth before God? How can you rest more fully in the truth that your salvation is God’s gift?
Day 4: Saved for Good Works Prepared by God
God not only saves us from sin, but He also saves us for a purpose—to walk in the good works He has prepared for us. Every encounter, every appointment, and every relationship is an opportunity to live out the gospel and serve others. God is the perfect planner, orchestrating moments for us to be His hands and feet in the world. As you look at your calendar and the people you will meet, pray for faithfulness to step into the works God has set before you, knowing He goes with you. [41:20]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: Look at your schedule for the next few days—who are the people you will encounter? How can you intentionally seek to serve or share Christ with one of them, trusting that God has prepared this opportunity?
Day 5: Living Dependent on God’s Grace in the Battle
The Christian life is a daily dependence on God’s grace to resist the world, the flesh, and the devil. Even after salvation, the battle continues, and we must continually ask God to occupy our hearts, guide our souls, and keep us from evil. True victory and fruitfulness come not from our own strength, but from a life surrendered to God, empowered by His Spirit, and lived for His glory. Let your prayer today be for God to conquer every rebel power in your heart and to glorify His name through you. [51:24]
Galatians 5:16-17, 22-25 (ESV)
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. … But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Reflection: What is one specific area where you are struggling with the desires of the flesh or the distractions of the world? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you to walk in victory and bear fruit today?
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