“And take the helmet of salvation,” Ephesians 6:17.

II. THE FUNCTION OF TRUE HOPE

It acts as a helmet. We ought to wear it at all times, I Peter 1:13.

1. It secures our minds from dark and brooding thoughts. 

Psalm 42:5-6, 11. It keeps a light shining in the midst of darkness, Micah 7:8. It makes us rejoice when all around calls for weeping, Hebs 3:6, 10:34; Rom 5:2-3.It is a grace for today.

2. It maintains our souls against the allurements of this world. 

Hebs 11:9-10. The hope that Abraham had made him despise the world’s best. Likewise, Paul changed his view of the world when the hope of Christ entered his heart,  Phil 3:4-8.

3. It provides an incentive for great exploits for Christ.  

It is called a lively hope, I Peter 1:3. Carnal hope of gain in past days made adventurers brave the dangers of many unknowns. The hope that is set before us excites us to venture for Christ. Hopelessness and powerlessness go hand in hand. Paul’s motive — Acts 26:6. (Hebs 6:11-12)

4. It sustains our confidence and courage in the midst of trial. 

When God seems far off, hope sustains. Psalm 119:81, I Thess 1:3. Lam 3:26. Jer 31:16-17.The helmet is a prominent piece of armour. So ought our hope to be prominent. All should see it. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear, I Peter 3:15.  It ought to be the very basis of our Christian witness.  We ought to live in the joy of our hope, Hebs 3:6.