The Shield of Faith

If you are just joining us, we are studying the Armor of God in our Sunday Adult Bible Fellowships and in the Youth Group. Previously, we took more of an overview of the armor, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and having “your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.” This month, we are going to be looking at the shield of faith.

Eph 6:10-

Ephesians 6:10–18 CSB

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

This morning, we are going to be focusing on verse 16.

<show picture of Roman shield>

The Roman shield, of which Paul would have been familiar, was very large. It would have been about 4 feet long and about two and half feet wide. The shields were made so they could interlock with other shield to provide, not only for personal defense, but defense for the whole unit.

In some translations, the words “above all”, “over all”, or “in addition to all”. In the CSB, it translated the words, “in every situation”. The concept is this, there should never be a time where you are without your shield. Never be without your shield of faith.

Never be without your shield of faith.

It was the solider’s primary defense it battle. It protected, not only the individual, but also was part of the group’s defense. A solider without his shield was extremely vulnerable to the assaults of the enemy. He would have been the weakest link. He would be easily cut down in battle. The shield was vital to the common defense.

Likewise, faith is our primary defense.

Faith is our primary defense.

Without faith, you are vulnerable. Without faith, you make the whole church vulnerable. Without faith, you are easily overcome by the assaults of the enemy.

What is faith?

Hebrews 11:1 CSB

1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

Faith is trusting that everything God has said and promised is true and will come to pass.

Faith is having complete trust in Christ. Faith is confidence, nothing wavering. No shadow of a doubt. If you look at the Bible’s definition of faith from , you will find that faith has two aspects. First, there is the intellectual side of faith; a mental assent to the reliability of facts, even when you can’t connect all the dots. It is a choice. Faith is a choice to believe regardless of what you see.

Indiana Jones and the leap of faith.

Likewise, we have to make the intellectual choice to trust in God.

Faith also is involves an investment. Faith must be placed in someone or something. Faith is not real without action. You say you believe in the validity of something, but unless you act accordingly, your faith is worthless. More could be said about the nature and essence of faith, but this is just the introduction. :)

Ephesians 6:16 CSB

16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Our faith defends us against the attacks of the evil one.

<show picture of Roman shield>

This was not the small shield of a gladiator. This was a full-length shield issued by the Roman army. They protected the soldier’s whole body. They were linked together for the common defense. They could drive forward to drive wedges into the enemy lines. They were a wall of defense. They were covered with animal hides, which before going into battle, the Roman soldiers would soak with water. As the Roman soldiers approached the enemy lines, the enemy would reign arrow dipped in blazing tar upon the Roman soldiers. The arrows would sink into the shield, but be unable to penetrate or set ablaze the Roman shield walls. What types of attacks does the evil one reign down on us which the shield of faith protect us?

There are probably several, but I want to give you two specifics ones, I think relate to the shield of faith.

The evil one attacks with doubt. ()

This was the original temptation in the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:1 CSB

1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”

Genesis

Notice, the tempter said, “Did God really say...” Did God really say an affair will hurt anyone? No one has to know. Did God really say you have to come to worship and Bible study? Did God really mean what he said? Doubt is one of the key attacks and flaming arrows or dart of the evil one. It is faith and trust in God’s word and promises which extinguish the attack of doubt.

The evil one attacks by twisting God’s Word. ()

Summarize the temptation of Christ.

The evil one knew God’s word and attempted to twist it for his own use. We must know what God’s word says and means, so they we do not fall to this fiery dart of the wicked one.

The evil one attacks with self-confidence. ()

Summarize the parable of the rich fool.

These are just some of the attacks the evil one will level against us. There are many others. He will tempts us with anger, wrath, lust, revenge, despair, among other things. These attacks must be extinguished and cannot take hold in our lives or they will bring harm to us. It is our faith, which must be strong and well-founded, which protects us from the attacks of the evil one.

Ephesians 6:16 CSB

16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Introduce Pastor Felipe