The Shield
The Shield and Sword
Keith Sharp
A SOLDIER CAN BE NO MORE EFFECTIVE than his armament. Eminent among the implements of the Christian’s panoply are “the shield of faith” and “the sword of the Spirit.” How do they pertain to our warfare?
The Shield of Faith
“… withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16, ASV). The great Roman shield to which the apostle refers was of strong iron, shaped like a curved door and large enough to protect the combatant’s entire body. It was of sufficient size and strength to withstand even the flaming projectiles hurled from city walls. It was the Roman soldier’s chief defensive armament.
“Faith” is both the assurance which supports our hope and the conviction substantiated by evidence (Hebrews 11:1). This saving faith views the unseen things of God as though they were seen by accepting credible testimony (Hebrews 11:3; 2 Corinthians 4:18).
The testimony upon which our faith rests, being of divine origin, is far stronger than that coming from merely human sources (Romans 3:3–4). Those God-given bodies of evidence which sustain our trust are the world, God’s first and general revelation of Himself to man (Romans 1:20), and the word, the Lord’s second and special revelation (Romans 10:17). Our shield is of divine strength.
To withstand the fiery temptations, trials and attacks of Satan, our faith must cover the entire life, not just one facet of it (2 Corinthians 5:7). It should be carried to business, school, market and home as well as to worship. It is our chief daily protection against the onslaughts of the wicked one.
As the mothers of Sparta exhorted their sons going to battle concerning their shields, “Bring this back or be brought back upon it,” our Commander encourages us, “Cast not away therefore your confidence” (Hebrews 10:35). For the soldier in battle to drop his shield and to turn his back to the enemy was to meet certain and dishonorable death. “Confidence,” i.e., “cheerful courage,” is tantamount to faith (Hebrews 10:38). To cast off one’s faith and to slink away as a coward from the fray is to meet sure and ignominious destruction (Hebrews 10:39).
The Sword of the Spirit
“… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). The soldier of Christ has but one offensive weapon with which he may attack the enemy. It is his sword, the word of God.
Our sword is an awesome weapon. Since it is “the sword of the Spirit,” it is of divine origin (2 Timothy 3:16–17). As such, it is living, powerful and piercing (Hebrews 4:12).
This sword is no dead word! When it pierces the heart of the enemy, it bestows upon him a new life (John 6:63; 1 Peter 1:23–25).
This sword is powerful. When used it will accomplish its Maker’s will (Isaiah 55:10–11). It has the might to overthrow all opposition to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).
This sword is sharp (Hebrews 4:12–13). It lays bare the human soul, showing us for what we are, providing the basis of divine judgment.
Conclusion
With such mighty weapons the Christian need fear no enemy. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Soldiers of Christ, put on the armor of God! With renewed courage and determination, march forth to triumph and to conquer!
8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!”