In our journey through the armor of God, we come to a piece of equipment that protects against the enemy's most direct attacks. Today, we'll discover how faith functions as our shield against the relentless volleys of spiritual attack.
Ephesians 6:16 "In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
The Roman shield was massive - about four and a half feet long by two and a half feet wide. It wasn't some flimsy accessory; it was essentially a door that could cover the entire soldier. Before battle, these shields would be soaked in water, an ingenious preparation that could extinguish flaming arrows shot by the enemy.
Paul tells us that faith is our shield against "the flaming arrows of the evil one." These arrows come in countless forms. Satan hurls doubts about God's trustworthiness: "Can God's word really be trusted? Is God's love truly satisfying? Can God's sovereignty actually be relied upon?"
Other arrows target our emotions and desires: lust, pride, greed, bitterness, laziness, malice, gossip. The enemy launches volley after volley, hoping to find an unprotected area.
But here's what's critical to understand: faith isn't just something we exercise once at conversion. Faith is an ongoing, active dependence on God. The righteous shall "live by faith" - it's a continuous exercise, a daily reliance. It's not merely affirming that God loves us; it's living as if this is true. It's not just saying God is sovereign; it's making decisions based on that reality.
Throughout Scripture, we see God described as our shield: "You are my refuge and my shield" (Psalm 119:114). "The Lord is my strength and my shield" (Psalm 28:7). But here in Ephesians, we're commanded to "take up" this shield. There's active participation required on our part. We must deliberately position ourselves behind God's protection through faith.
This shield can't be casually set aside during peaceful moments. Those flaming arrows come without warning, which means our faith must be ready at all times. Faith isn't reserved for Sunday mornings or brief devotional times. It's fixing our gaze continually on "the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).
When we walk by faith - filtering every experience through the lens of Scripture rather than our circumstances - we stand protected against the enemy's most vicious attacks.
1. What specific "flaming arrows" do you find yourself most vulnerable to right now?
2. How might you be leaving your "shield" down in certain areas of your life?
3. What Scripture truths do you need to actively believe today to extinguish the enemy's attacks?
Stay dialed in,
Jonny Ardavanis