Armor of God: Shield of Faith by Sara Beth and Cynthia Greene
As we continue our series on the Armor of God, we have been looking at the spiritual armor Paul describes in Ephesians 6. So far, we have explored:
- The Armor of God in the Old Testament
- Called to be Soldiers
- Sword of the Spirit
- Helmet of Salvation
- Shoes of Peace
- Breastplate of Righteousness
- Belt of Truth
Now let’s look at the Shield of Faith.
“…above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16, NKJV)
In this analogy Paul is using the equipment of the Roman Soldier of his day to further illustrate his point. The Greek word used for shield is “thyreon,” from “thyreos,” which refers to a large shield shaped somewhat like a door. This seems like an odd definition to us. We are used to seeing images of ancient armies using shields in war that were small, round and decorative. Paul specifically uses a word that describes a large rectangular or semi rectangular or semi rectangular shield. It was designed to provide substantial protection for the soldier’s body, extending from approximately the shoulders to the knees. It was an essential part of a soldier’s defensive equipment. The shield was meant to protect the solider from incoming arrows and other projectiles. Without this protection, a soldier could suffer serious wounds and potentially die from them.
Often the shields they carried were curved, which allowed the solider to hold the shield in front of his body and have some additional protection along the sides.
Ancient armies sometimes used arrows and darts that could be set on fire and aimed at the opposing army. Archeological evidence indicates that Roman shields were constructed from layers of wood covered with leather or other materials. Some sources suggest that shields could be dampened before battle, which would have helped protect them from burning projectiles. This lends more meaning to Paul writing, “with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
How Do We Put on the Shield of Faith?
Faith grows when we hear, believe, read, remember, and speak about the Word of God. We build our faith as we come to know His Word, His character, His promises, and His plan of salvation.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17)
When the enemy sends fiery darts of fear, depression, guilt, insecurity, loneliness, or doubt, we can raise up our Shield of Faith, and stand firm on God’s Word, choosing to believe His truth rather than the lies of the enemy.
We put on the shield of faith when we trust God for outcomes that we cannot see. We pray in belief that God will answer according to His timing and in His way. We will not always understand what is happening around us, but by our faith we choose to trust Him anyway.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
In Ephesians 6:12 we read, “taking the shield of faith…” Paul tells us that there is action involved on our part. We make a choice every day to take up the shield of faith trust in God in all circumstances even when we don’t understand.
We Do Not Stand Alone
Another interesting feature of Roman military strategy is that the ancient armies would sometimes have the troops line up close together to form a wall with their shields. Since each was carrying a large shield, when they stood close together, their shields could overlap and create a protective formation. This is a wonderful illustration giving us a picture of how, as followers of Christ, we do not have to stand alone. God is with us, the Holy Spirit helps us, and other believers stand beside us.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NKJV)
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, NKJV)
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)
“Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NKJV
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” (Hebrews 10:24- 25, NKJV)
In our life we can expect the fiery darts to come (1 Peter 4:12). However, we can raise up our Shield of Faith. Faith allows us to place our trust and reliance in God, even when we cannot see what He is doing in our lives. We can call on the Holy Spirit to remind us of the promises and truths in God’s Word. We can also join with other believers in prayer, worship, and sharing of God’s word to strengthen and encourage each other.
Raise up your Shield of Faith, stand on His Word, and trust in the One that is always with us.
“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” (Psalm 18:30)
Song: Psalm 46 – Lord of Hosts
