Stand Firm: Shield of Faith

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” (Eph. 6:16) This Sunday we consider the function of faith in spiritual warfare. The last three pieces of the armor (shield, helmet, and sword) are linked by the phrase, “in all circumstances.” The emphasis of the shield is not your faith but “the faith” or the teaching of the Scripture that we believe. Our faith in “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) is a defense against Satan’s attacks. When Paul writes Timothy, pastoring in Ephesus, he challenges him to hold to the faith expressed in the doctrine of Scripture.

Paul adds the comment about Satan’s flaming darts, which is interesting because it helps us understand that he doesn’t always do full assaults but often lobs arrows our way. The large shield used for phalanx fighting was covered with leather often soaked in water so that the flaming arrows would be extinguished upon striking. Our faith in the teaching of Scripture absorbs the blow and extinguishes the attack.

So join us Sunday as we consider the shield of faith!