Shield of Faith
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Illustration: Hand-to-hand combat.
Living the life of a believer in Christ—trusting in God and following His ways—both a joy and a challenge.
The challenge of temptation.
Text
13 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.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Main Idea
The demonstration and execution of faith is essential in withstanding the efforts of the enemy to destroy you!
How does the image of the “shield of faith” help us understand faith as a vital part of the believer’s life?
Reflect on God’s Love.
Reflect on God’s Love.
Faith must first be understood within the context of God’s love and grace toward us—otherwise we make it into an effort rather than a result of a relationship.
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.
You are loved—you are valued by God.
The brokenness that we see in society is rooted in the belief of many that they are not loved—that God has abandoned them—and that without an appreciation of our relationship with God makes us vulnerable to the enemies destructive ways.
Key point: Reflect on God’s love for you and for others.
Recognize the Danger of Spiritual Warfare.
Recognize the Danger of Spiritual Warfare.
Spiritual warfare is not a casual matter. It is serious and significant.
The enemy’s goal is to render you ineffective to fulfilling your purpose: making disciples.
The enemy wants to take your peace, your joy, and your confidence.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
When Paul writes: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith”—he is telling us that the battle will be intense—he will throw everything at you.
We must take this seriously.
Faith Shields You from Yielding to Temptation.
Faith Shields You from Yielding to Temptation.
One of the ways in which the enemy uses to defeat you is through temptation.
Now, temptation (by itself) is not sin—but acting on that temptation is.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Faith in and through Jesus Christ (trust, reliance, obedience) enables you to withstand temptation.
Joining Faith with Other Believers Multiplies Results.
Joining Faith with Other Believers Multiplies Results.
The Roman shield was not just for one’s personal protection.
Shields could be hinged together—providing a shelter for the whole group.
The shield of faith—connected with other shields —provides an exponential increase in effectiveness.
As followers of Jesus—connecting our faith with one another—significantly increases our ability to withstand the efforts of the enemy.
19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Conclusion
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.