For the past twenty seven weeks I have been taking our church family through a verse by verse study of the book of Ephesians. This has been one of the best things I could have been led to do. I have been refreshed and encouraged. I truly appreciate the encouraging and affirming words that you have shared. Apparently by the many comments you have shared, you also have been blessed by it.
This week we will be looking at the “Shield of Faith”. Two words jump out at us immediately: shield and faith. Let me share a few words with you in context to Paul’s writing.
The warrior’s shield was his first line of defense. Usually made of wood or bronze, it was often big enough to protect the whole body when the soldier crouched down under a hail of arrows.
OBSERVATION: What do I see?
“In addition to this, take up the shield of faith by which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16a)
Q- What is the most risky thing that God has called you to do by faith? Why do you think you had the faith to believe?
INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?
The Roman army used small round shields and large rectangular ones. The large curved shield which Paul refers to in the letter to the Ephesians was about four feet tall and two feet wide. It was made of layers of laminated wood, like our modern day plywood, covered by linen and leather. A brass or bronze rim covered every edge as protection against sword attack. It was generally painted with traditional Roman symbols such as eagles wings and lightning bolts.
Shields were primarily used as individual protection, but could be overlapped to form a large wall of protection. As a walled city was being attacked by the Romans, archers along the walls would rain down flaming arrows. The Roman soldiers with overlapping shields could continue advancing toward the gates of the city despite the arrows.
The only protection against the flaming arrows that rained down from the sky in ancient warfare was the shield. If used correctly it was a trustworthy piece of equipment. If dropped, it became useless and soldier’s fate rested with himself. We trust in Jesus alone as our shield. We cannot rely on our own abilities in this battle.
Q- It’s been said that worry is the opposite of faith. Make a list of the differences between the both.
APPLICATION: How does it apply to my life?
Q- Think about a situation in your life when fear or doubt harmed your relationship with God. What did that teach you?
Q- When do we most often want God to increase our faith?
SUPPLICATION: Where do I need God’s help?
Q- What are you doing that is “God - sized” the Enemy has probably take note? Write it (them) down. Now take a moment and pray over them asking God to give you the power to fulfill that calling. If nothing comes to mind, ask God to reveal to you where you need to start.
You enemy, Satan is constantly firing volley after volley of those flaming arrows of carnal desire. The purpose for this shied of faith was to defect the fiery arrows of the enemy and prevent them from ever making contact. Multitudes of Christians fall on the battlefield and fail to overcome evil because they wait until they are immersed in the fires of temptation before making any effort to resist. At that point, it is often too late. As soon as you recognize a fiery arrow shot toward you, there is no time to lose. Hold up the shield of faith and do everything in your power to keep as much distance between you and the temptation. If you give in without a fight, we are in reality inviting temptation.
The shield was not held loosely in the soldier’s hand, but was firmly strapped to his forearm so he could resist the mighty blows of an enemy’s sword without fear of dropping it. Likewise, Christians cannot afford to have a flimsy faith while in the heat of spiritual battle.
Paul says that the Christian’s shield is faith. Faith is our knowledge of and confidence in God to fulfill His word to us. It is trust that God is who He has revealed Himself to be and relying on Him to fulfill His promises in our lives.
Through faith in Christ’s name, we can resist temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:3) “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
May God give you the grace and strength to ward off the arrows Satan shoots your way intended to defeat you!
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