The “shield of faith” is mentioned in Ephesians 6:16 as part of the armor of God that believers are instructed to put on for spiritual protection. In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul urges Christians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” by putting on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11). The various pieces of spiritual armor include the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).
Specifically, verse 16 states: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” Here, Paul describes faith as a shield that protects believers against attacks from Satan. What are some key things the Bible teaches about the shield of faith?
1. The shield of faith protects us from Satan’s attacks
The imagery of the “flaming darts of the evil one” in Ephesians 6:16 depicts the spiritual attacks believers face from demonic forces. Satan uses temptations, deception, accusations, and afflictions as “flaming darts” to instill fear, doubt, confusion, and discouragement in believers. But when we take up the shield of faith, we can “extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). Just as an ancient Roman shield protected soldiers from arrows, spears, and other weapons, our faith in God protects us from the spiritual assaults of the devil when we rely on God’s strength.
2. The shield of faith is our defense, not our offense
It’s important to note that the shield of faith is a defensive weapon, not an offensive one. Some other pieces of the armor of God are offensive weapons, such as the sword of the Spirit which represents the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). But the shield of faith functions as a barrier between us and the attacks of the enemy. We do not wield faith to attack, but rather lift it up as a barrier of God’s protection. Faith shields us from doubts, lies, temptations, and afflictions hurled our way.
3. The shield of faith requires us to trust God fully
For the shield of faith to be effective, we must lift it up in complete trust in God. This means believing in His promises, relying on His strength, appropriating the salvation and spiritual blessings He has given us in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), and asking Him to protect and deliver us. It also involves obeying God’s commands and walking in holiness by His grace. As 1 John 5:18 states, if we are born again through faith in Christ, the evil one cannot touch us. Lifting up the shield of faith means accessing this position of protection through complete dependence on God.
4. The shield of faith gives us confidence in spiritual warfare
Knowing that God is our rock, refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1) gives us great confidence on the spiritual battlefield. We do not fight in our own strength, but in the power of the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47). Faith takes our eyes off our weaknesses and limitations and fixes them firmly on God’s limitless power and sovereign control over all things. Though the war is fierce, we have an impenetrable shield who will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
5. The shield of faith is effective regardless of circumstances
Paul says to take up the shield of faith “in all circumstances” (Ephesians 6:16). This tells us that no matter what we face – trials, hardships, persecution, threats, or fear – we can lift up the shield of faith for protection. There is no arrow that can penetrate this shield when it is firmly in place through our faith in Jesus Christ. Even when we don’t understand our circumstances or feel weak in ourselves, God remains strong and faithful. Fixing our faith on Him will deflect any dart the enemy hurls at us.
6. The shield of faith is taken up through prayer
Prayer and faith are closely linked, for it is through prayer that we express faith and trust in God. Communion with God aligns our hearts with His truth and draws us nearer to Him as our protector. Scripture exhorts us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18), so that we may gain readiness and strength to lift up our shield of faith against the enemy’s schemes. Prayer activates our faith and wields it in the power of the Spirit.
7. The shield of faith enables us to follow Christ amidst opposition
As believers, we know that following Christ guarantees we will face opposition from spiritual forces that hate the light (John 3:20). But holding fast to faith ensures we will not shrink back from Jesus, even when persecuted or threatened. Hebrews 10:39 says “we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” The shield of faith secures our courage to cling wholeheartedly to Christ in the midst of hardship, knowing He will preserve us.
8. The shield of faith is part of the full armor of God
It is vital we put on the full armor of God by living prayerfully in each part – the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace shoes, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:14-17). The armor works together seamlessly to protect us. The shield of faith does not stand alone. It links together with the other pieces of armor that strengthen us in godly living and equip us powerfully to withstand evil.
9. God’s faithfulness is our shield
While the shield of faith represents our trust in God, even more fundamental is the fact that God Himself is faithful and will never let us down. His covenant promises and eternal love for us never fail. God assures us “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). His supreme faithfulness is the bedrock on which our flickering faith can find sure footing. We are shielded by the unwavering constancy of God’s character.
10. True faith comes from hearing the word of God
If faith is our shield, then it is vital we build up faith. Romans 10:17 explains faith comes from hearing the word of Christ. The more we saturate our minds with God’s truth, soak in His promises, and fill our hearts with the assurance of Scripture, the more sturdy our shield of faith becomes. Immersing ourselves in God’s word ignites faith in us by the power of the Spirit.
In summary, the shield of faith is an essential component of the armor of God that protects us against the spiritual forces of evil. As believers, we must stay rooted in Scripture, prayer, and obedience to Christ, trusting completely in God’s sovereignty, power, and constant presence with us. Faith links us securely to Jesus so that no arrow from the enemy can wound us eternally or Separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). Lifting high the shield of faith enables us to stand unwavering against Satan’s schemes. God promises to protect all who put their hope and trust in Him.
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