Above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Ephesians 6:16
Apostle Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 "the shield of faith." We know that he used the roman soldier has an example to explain God's spiritual armour. How did Roman soldiers use their shields? What purpose does a spiritual shield serve for us?
A shield deflects. Our shield of faith, in the omnipotence of God, shields us from the attacks of Satan. Satan is always hurling his fiery darts of fear, doubt, worry, resignation and rebellion in our direction, but the only time they can hit us is when we let our shield of faith down—when we stop believing that God is in control; that He is working everything out for our good; that whatever happens is for the ultimate best of everyone involved; however little it seems to be that way.
When our faith in God's omnipotence and care is strong, it is impossible for Satan to break through our shield and land an attack. But when we allow doubt to creep in, as Peter did, for example, when distracted by the waves, we will start to sink. The rest of our armor will be battered, and so will we. But an actively raised shield of faith prevents this otherwise inhibiting battering that will indeed wear us down.
When Christ was being tempted by Satan, His faith in the Word and commands of God repelled Satan for a time. The word tells us that Christ was tempted in all things, so this was certainly not the only encounter Christ had with the devil.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
Our faith in God, as demonstrated by Christ, can also give Satan a good shove backwards and give us a chance to fight back by doing God's will and work. Because God tells us that faith cannot just be in our minds, it must produce actions—works of obedience and service.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? James 2:20
Up until now, Apostle Paul's description of the armor of God has been limited to items we wear. We put on the belt, the breastplate, the helmet and the shoes, and they essentially hold themselves up. The shield is different. Paul tells us that the shield is something we must take up, something we are required to raise. Just strapping it to our arm won't do us any good at all if we don't make the effort to hold it up and use it.
It is said that the Roman shield was a very large, slightly curved rectangular shield featuring at its center a large metal knob (called a boss).
The shield was an impressive line of defense for the roman soldiers. Because of its sheer size (some were three and a half feet tall and almost three feet wide), soldiers were afforded a great deal of protection from enemies. Because of its slight curve, it was able to deflect attacks without transferring the full force of the assault to the one holding the shield. Because of its boss, it was able to deflect even the most vicious blows and function in a limited offensive capacity as a means of knocking an opponent backwards.
What does all of this have to do with our faith? Let’s take a look at scripture in order to obtain a clear description of faith.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Here is the biblical definition of faith that clears up some common misconceptions. If faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," then this has far-reaching implications. Substance is tangible, and evidence is solid proof. Faith is, by definition, not some hazy emotion without any grounding in reality. It is the irrefutable truth. It is real.
We must examine the evidence and see that God has proved Himself to be unchanging and consistent, and then we must firmly believe; (be fully persuaded) that He will fulfill His promises to us.
Another use of the shield is to create unity. The Roman military had an inventive and very effective tactic that made use of their large shields. When enemies would begin firing arrows and other projectiles at the army, the soldiers would close ranks into a rectangular array and those on the outside would use their shields to create a wall around the perimeter. Then those in the middle would raise their shields over their heads to protect everyone from airborne missiles. The result was a formidable human tank that could be stopped only through a tremendous effort. 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.
When the Roman army joined its shields together, it became an almost unstoppable force. And if we in God's Church join our shields—that is, strengthen each other with our faith, building up and serving within the Body as we are able—we will become an unstoppable force able to take on any challenge.
We must remember as we fight that this is not simply our battle. This is the battle of all our brethren, both near and around the world. And if we are to win, it will only be once we put our faith in God and stand side by side, contending earnestly and as one for "our common salvation
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
Some receive even a larger portion through special gifts given by the Holy Spirit:
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 1 Corinthians 12:9
For the believer, Jesus is the focus of our faith. 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 the soldier’s fate rested with himself. We trust in Jesus alone as our shield. We cannot rely on our own abilities in this battle.
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. Daniel 3:17-18
Their faith was intact because they believed in the omnipotence of God no matter what!
(Biblical Studies)
10/04/13
04/17/15
Up until now, Apostle Paul's description of the armor of God has been limited to items we wear. We put on the belt, the breastplate, the helmet and the shoes, and they essentially hold themselves up. The shield is different. Paul tells us that the shield is something we must take up, something we are required to raise. Just strapping it to our arm won't do us any good at all if we don't make the effort to hold it up and use it.
It is said that the Roman shield was a very large, slightly curved rectangular shield featuring at its center a large metal knob (called a boss).
The shield was an impressive line of defense for the roman soldiers. Because of its sheer size (some were three and a half feet tall and almost three feet wide), soldiers were afforded a great deal of protection from enemies. Because of its slight curve, it was able to deflect attacks without transferring the full force of the assault to the one holding the shield. Because of its boss, it was able to deflect even the most vicious blows and function in a limited offensive capacity as a means of knocking an opponent backwards.
What does all of this have to do with our faith? Let’s take a look at scripture in order to obtain a clear description of faith.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Here is the biblical definition of faith that clears up some common misconceptions. If faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," then this has far-reaching implications. Substance is tangible, and evidence is solid proof. Faith is, by definition, not some hazy emotion without any grounding in reality. It is the irrefutable truth. It is real.
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Romans 8:24-25
Though it is based on solid evidence, that doesn't mean faith comes naturally or easily. Apostle Paul makes the obvious but necessary point: You don't hope for what you already have.
Faith involves a huge element of trust.
We must examine the evidence and see that God has proved Himself to be unchanging and consistent, and then we must firmly believe; (be fully persuaded) that He will fulfill His promises to us.
Another use of the shield is to create unity. The Roman military had an inventive and very effective tactic that made use of their large shields. When enemies would begin firing arrows and other projectiles at the army, the soldiers would close ranks into a rectangular array and those on the outside would use their shields to create a wall around the perimeter. Then those in the middle would raise their shields over their heads to protect everyone from airborne missiles. The result was a formidable human tank that could be stopped only through a tremendous effort. 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.
When the Roman army joined its shields together, it became an almost unstoppable force. And if we in God's Church join our shields—that is, strengthen each other with our faith, building up and serving within the Body as we are able—we will become an unstoppable force able to take on any challenge.
We must remember as we fight that this is not simply our battle. This is the battle of all our brethren, both near and around the world. And if we are to win, it will only be once we put our faith in God and stand side by side, contending earnestly and as one for "our common salvation
. . . the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints Jude 1:3
While we must believe God to even begin our walk with Him, after repentance and baptism He gives us a deeper, living, growing faith through His Holy Spirit.
While we must believe God to even begin our walk with Him, after repentance and baptism He gives us a deeper, living, growing faith through His Holy Spirit.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
Some receive even a larger portion through special gifts given by the Holy Spirit:
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 1 Corinthians 12:9
For the believer, Jesus is the focus of our faith. 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 the soldier’s fate rested with himself. We trust in Jesus alone as our shield. We cannot rely on our own abilities in this battle.
The Bible, in Daniel 3, records the account of the burning fiery furnace. How can we have that faith? A faith that has been tried by the fire. What a wonderful show of faith demonstrated by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego against the fiery flames prepared to destroy them:
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. Daniel 3:17-18
Their faith was intact because they believed in the omnipotence of God no matter what!
(Biblical Studies)
10/04/13
04/17/15
10/17/16
04/24/20
04/24/20
01/04/22
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