Understanding the Armor of God - Shield of Faith

February 19, 2018 at 11:13 am

Shield of Faith - Part 4

“above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16).

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 

The Roman shield was made from bonded wood strips and covered with leather. The shield was not flat but semi-circular so that any missiles thrown at the soldier would be deflected to one side. Iron or brass rims fitted along the edges of the shield, and a leather strap fastened to the back. The shield had a metal projection in the center which was used to stun or wind an opponent, easing the soldier's subsequent strike with his sword.

For this reason, the shield was both a defensive tool and an offensive weapon.

The shield of faith not only defends our whole body but also our armor. It keeps the darts of the enemy away from the head, chest, waist, arms and legs. No wonder the Bible says we should have it 'above all'.

The shield of faith has a very specific function, which the Bible makes abundantly clear: quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Not some of them but all of them.

The shield moves with the attack. A skilled soldier can use the shield to hold back the darts of the enemy no matter the direction they come from. When the shield is down the other weapons are exposed.

In the book of Psalms, David compared the protection of the Lord to a shield.

Psalm 3:3 “But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”

Psalm 18:35 “You make Your saving help my shield, and Your right hand sustains me; Your help has made me great.

Psalm 7:10 “My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.”

Psalm 28:7  “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.”

Our shield is God and faith is what the Holy Spirit dropped into our hearts when we received the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Faith is what allows us to call God our Father.

In Ephesians 6:16, Paul said that a Christian's shield was faith.  Faith is taking God at His word without having seen the visible evidence 

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Putting on the shield of faith involves holding fast to the word of the Lord and watching the Lord defend and fight for us.

Proverbs 30 “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”

II Samuel 22:31  “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.”

Each of us will face difficult situations and temptations of the enemy at one time or another. Satan can cause us to doubt God and by succeeding, gain temporary victory over our lives. Faith prompts us to believe in God.

The shield of faith is the protection that God has provided to help us during these attacks. And when we overcome the evil one’s attacks, it drives us to a greater experience with Christ. 

I John 5:4 “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”

The effectiveness of your shield of faith depends on your concept and understanding of God.
  

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Instead of allowing life’s circumstance to dictate your perception of God, allow God’s Word to tell you the truth about Him. 

Romans 10:17 “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

What does wearing the shield of faith then means?

It means to actively trust God by looking at your circumstances and at Gods’ Promises and deciding to rely on God.  It means to actively trust God, by knowing your weaknesses and God’s strength and His promises. 

Your faith will grow stronger as you read God’s Word and see how He has sustained believers in every imaginable kind of difficulty.

Actively trusting God means to obey what God has commanded. If your faith is truly in God, you will obey His commandments. Faith must often stand against our feelings.

Taking up your shield of faith implies that we are not in the fight alone.

Follow Him and not your feelings!

2 Chronicles 20:20 “Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.”

By Stella Ashworth

The Bay Friendship Club

Christian Friendship Group

Understanding the Armor of God - Shield of Faith

Shield of Faith - Part 4

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