Take Up The Shield of FaithEphesians 6:16

Ephesians 6:10–16 (ESV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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;

Truth

Righteousness

Gospel of Peace

Faith

Salvation

Word of God

Christian ArmorRoman Armor

Ephesians 6:16

16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

God Was the Shield of the Old Testament Saints

Genesis 15:1

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”

Psalm 5:12

 For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 18:1–2

1  I love you, O LORD, my strength.

2  The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults,

and with my song I give thanks to him.

Faith In Ephesians

We Are Save Through Faith

Ephesians 2:8–9

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Faith is Our Access To God

Ephesians 3:12

in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

Faith is necessary to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge

Ephesians 3:17–19

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Faith Is Our Shield against Satan’s Attacks

Luke 22:31–32

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

1 Peter 5:8–9

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

What Are Satan’s Fiery Darts?

They are as wide-ranging as the ‘insidious wiles’ (v. 11) that promote them, and include not only every kind of temptation to ungodly behavior (cf. 4:26–27), doubt, and despair, but also external assaults, such as persecution or false teaching.

Satan’s darts are directed at:

• Truth – He throw deceptions at you about God, Christ, doctrine.

• Righteousness – He will throw temptations at you to move away from the path biblical righteousness.

• Gospel of Peace – He will throw doubts about the good news of peace. He will resist it’s advance. He will attack your peace.

• Faith – If he can get through the shield of faith he will attempt to destroy the faith that builds the shield.

What Are the darts?

• Slanders and accusations• Twisted half truths• Lies, false doctrine• Temptations• He will throw anything to attack your

character, your reputation, your emotions, your health, but most of all your confidence and faith in God and Jesus Christ.

Remember the Enemy

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

He’ll use our family, church, work, community, religion, etc., but these aren’t

the enemy.

What’s Satan’s Purpose?

Satan’s Purpose is to cause you to loose faith in God and His Son Jesus

Christ.

Take Up the Shield of Faith to protect from loosing faith.