The Armor of God (pt. 5)

 

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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:13-20 ESV).

 

The next piece of armor is: “the shield of faith, with which you extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (v. 16). The Roman shield, or scutum, was a central part of the soldier’s defense. The scutum of the first century was rectangular in shape and rounded on the ends. It was typically made from two sheets of wood that were glued together, then covered with canvas and leather. The canvas and leather could be doused with water to protect against flaming arrows. The shield weighed about 22 pounds and was roughly 40 inches high and 30 inches across. A metal piece ran across the center of the shield, so it could also be used as a weapon to punch or push forward. Paul, in his analogy of the Christian armament, says that “above all” we should be taking the shield of faith!

 

To see why faith is so important, we must first understand what faith is. The author of Hebrews describes it as the realization of something we can’t see: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony” (Hebrews 11:1-2). The word faith in the New Testament is translated from the Greek word pistis, defined by Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary as “firm belief.” Faith is an unshakable belief in the promises of God.

 

When our faith in God’s power and love is strong, it is impossible for Satan to break through our shield and land a blow. Faith means more than just believing that God exists, of course. It includes a firm belief that everything God does is truly for our good. Also, faith is the absolute conviction that God will always do what He has promised (cf. Romans 4:18-21). The shield of faith is not just for personal protection. The Roman soldiers had a strategy of joining their shields together. If we join our shields—that is, strengthen each other with our faith, building up and serving as we are able—we will be able to take on any challenge.

 

Take up your faith against the insults, doubts, and lies that are so often hurled at you. It is your protection as well as those who are in your care.