The Armor of God: Shield of Faith

The Armor of God: Shield of Faith

 

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 

 

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. Ephesians 6:10-15 (NLT)

 

We have learned:

 

1. The belt of truth must be wrapped around our core, allowing our experiences to engage the truth of God’s word.
2. The breastplate or body armor of righteousness allows us to direct our decisions and emotions through God’s righteousness and our pursuit of righteousness.
3. The shoes of peace that comes from the Gospel of Jesus grant us peace with God so we can walk in the peace of God, crushing Satan/sinful living under our feet.

 

What’s next for us?

 

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Ephesians‬ 6‬:16‬ (NLT)‬‬

 

Wait a minute, did you notice the change in verbs by the author?

He changed it from putting on to holding up/taking up.

 

There’s a shift here in Paul’s teaching:

Verse 14 – having fastened on or the belt of truth 

Verse 14 – having the breastplate of righteousness 

Verse 15 – having the shoes of peace

 

While all the pieces of the body armor are essential, Paul clearly distinguishes between the first 3 pieces of armor and the last 3. 

The first 3 are translated with the verb to have which indicates permanency: to put on / to have them / to wear them all the time. (we are to wear them permanently as long-term protection) 

 

The latter 3 however, are translated with the verb to take which indicates they are close at hand for whenever the battle ensues.

 

Verse 16 hold up the shield of faith
Verse 17 take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit 

 

We are to always wear our armor. However, the shield, sword, and helmet are removed at times and carried with the soldier. At the appropriate time, they are taken up/held up/worn!

 

Don’t miss the point: we don’t set these weapons aside; we wield them differently!

 

This shield is a much larger shield / the Greek word is

 

was an oval or rectangular shield made of wood, covered with leather, and often reinforced with metal around the edges. It provided extensive protection for the soldiers, allowing them to fight effectively in both close and ranged combat.

 

Different Darts to Drop You into Depair:

 

: Does God really care? Am I going to make it through this? Is God real?

 

: You need to quit! No one appreciates you! You’re doing everything!

 

: Why is this taking so long? Where is my miracle? I’m soo tired…

 

: Why is this soo hard? I can’t believe that happened! 1 in a million, here I am!

 

: I almost didn’t use this one, because there is a difference between an unnatural sorrow and a physical infirmity/mental health condition of depression. I give up! I can’t do it anymore! I quit this relationship, and surrender to depair.

 

In the many uncertainties of our world, we need a solid barrier for our lives: !

 

1. Trust in the Promises of God

 

In Romans 4, Paul reminds us how faith manifests in the life of a believer: Abaraham

• God told him to move to a land he’d never seen
• God declared he’d father nations

 

God introduces Himself to Abram as El Shaddai (Genesis 17) 

 

El Shaddai: God almighty, God of the mountain/desert, God who nourishes.

 

The enemy wants you to doubt the promises of God. He wants you to give up long before you make it to your breakthrough. Please remember, God would never attach Himself to you if He wanted you to be destroyed. He wants to produce great things in and through your life!

 

2. Believe in the Power of God

 

So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. Romans‬ 4‬:16‬-17‬ (NLT)‬‬

 

Elohim: In Hebrew, “Elohim” is one of the names for God and is often associated with His creative power. It is used in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.” “Elohim” is a plural form, reflecting majesty and fullness, and underscores God’s omnipotence in the act of creation.

 

3. Lift up a Praise to God

 

Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this, he brought glory to God. Romans‬ 4‬:18‬-20‬ (NLT)‬‬

 

There’s singing and rejoicing and then there is glory and honor and praise! 

 

El Gadol (Great God): The term Gadol means “great” in Hebrew, and when combined with “El” (God), it conveys the idea of God being supremely great, beyond all comparison.

 

4. Obey the Principles of God

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this, he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.” Romans‬ 4‬:20-22‬ (NLT)

 

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. Romans‬ 10‬:17‬ (NLT)‬‬

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The emergence of Abraham’s faith is in the words of God…how can we hear the words of God today? The Word of God (Bible) and Prayer (Listening)

 

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. James‬ 2‬:14‬, 17‬ (NLT)‬‬

 

El Emunah (The Faithful God): The term “Emunah” (אֱמוּנָה) means “faithfulness” or “steadfastness” in Hebrew. When combined with “El” (God), it reflects God’s unwavering reliability and covenant faithfulness.

 

Faith believes and then does the right thing:

• Keep
• Keep
• Keep
• Keep
• Keep
• Keep !

 

Hebrews 11 reminds us what is possible when we live BY FAITH (Homework)

 

5. Take Refuge in the Protection of God

 

And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Romans‬ 4‬:23‬-25‬ (NLT)‬‬

 

God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. Psalms‬ 18‬:30‬ (NLT)‬‬

 

So the fiery arrows that come to challenge you…God will remain true! The best life to live is according to His words, not ours or anyone else…

 

He is Jehovah Machseh:(The Lord Our Refuge) Machseh (מַחְסֶה) means “refuge” or “shelter” in Hebrew. Combined with “Jehovah” (YHWH), it signifies God as the one who provides safety and protection.

 

When you and I find ourselves facing fiery arrows, we must reach out to the Lord in faith. He reveals his character to us and we are thrust into victory!

 

Have you met my Jesus?

 

He is _______________!

 

He is_______________!

 

He is________________!