The Shield Of Faith: Our Defense Against Evil

The shield of faith is a metaphor for the power of God and the different supernatural resources available to Christians in their struggle against evil. It is part of the 'armor of God' described in Ephesians 6:10–17. The shield of faith is a defensive weapon that helps Christians stand their ground against Satan and extinguish 'fiery darts' or 'arrows' of doubt, discouragement, delay, disappointment, distraction, and deception. The Roman scutum shield, which was large enough to cover the body entirely, is often used as an analogy for the shield of faith.

The shield of faith is a metaphor for protection against Satan's attacks

The shield of faith is a metaphorical weapon in the armour of God, designed to protect against Satan's schemes and help Christians stand firm in their faith. The shield of faith is often compared to the scutum, a large Roman shield that could cover a soldier's entire body and was used to extinguish flaming arrows. Similarly, the shield of faith protects Christians from Satan's attacks, which can take the form of doubts, accusations, temptations, and lies. By holding on to their faith, Christians can extinguish these "flaming arrows" and remain strong in their belief.

The shield of faith is also associated with the idea of collective protection. In Roman times, soldiers would use their shields together to form a testudo ("tortoise") formation, creating a protective enclosure. Similarly, Christians are encouraged to unite with other believers to strengthen their faith and protect each other from Satan's attacks.

The shield of faith is more than just a metaphor for protection; it is also a tool for offence. Just as the scutum could be used to push back opponents, the shield of faith enables Christians to stand their ground and push back against Satan. By choosing to have faith in God's promises, Christians can deflect Satan's "flaming arrows" and resist his attempts to derail their spiritual growth.

Ultimately, the shield of faith is a powerful metaphor for the role of faith in protecting Christians from Satan's attacks and helping them stand firm in their belief. It encourages Christians to actively hold on to their faith and unite with other believers to form an even stronger defence against the enemy.

The Roman scutum shield inspired the shield of faith

The shield of faith is a metaphorical concept in Christianity, referring to a spiritual defence against the blows of the devil. It is described in Ephesians 6:10–18 as part of the 'armor of God'.

The Roman scutum shield, which inspired the shield of faith, was a large, oblong, door-shaped shield used by soldiers in Roman times. It was made of wood, covered with animal hide, and reinforced with metal trim. The scutum was heavy, weighing over 20 pounds, and was large enough to cover a soldier's entire body. This shield was not used in close combat but in a group formation called the testudo or "tortoise". In this formation, the soldiers would group together, with the outer soldiers using their shields to form a wall around the unit, and the inner soldiers raising their shields overhead for protection from attacks from above.

The scutum shield served as a protective barrier, deflecting attacks and providing a means to push back opponents. Similarly, the shield of faith is described in Ephesians as a way to "extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one". The shield of faith is a metaphor for how faith in God can protect us from the lies, doubts, and temptations of the devil. It is a reminder to put our trust in God and His promises, rather than giving in to the enemy's attacks on our faith.

The Roman scutum shield, with its size, strength, and strategic use in formation, inspired the concept of the shield of faith as a powerful defence and a means to stand firm against spiritual attacks.

Faith is not blind belief but an informed decision

The phrase "blind faith" is often used as a negative term to describe belief in God. It is defined as "belief without true understanding, perception, or discrimination". However, this is not the kind of faith that God desires or gives us.

The Bible provides examples of faith that are not blind, but rather, informed and reasoned. Abraham, for instance, was asked by God to kill his son Isaac. Abraham did not blindly follow this command but used his knowledge of God's nature and character, as well as His promises in Scripture, to reason and think it through. He knew that God was faithful and that He could bring Isaac back from the dead if He so desired. Abraham's faith was not blind but based on his understanding of God.

Another example is found in the book of Hebrews, where Abraham is listed as one of the greatest people of faith in the Bible. It mentions that Abraham "reasoned" that God had promised him a great nation through Isaac and that even if Isaac were killed, God could fulfill His promise. This reasoning, not blind faith, led Abraham to obey God's command.

In Scripture, reason, wisdom, and logic are uplifted as virtues. Proverbs 3:13, for instance, says that we are blessed when we find knowledge and understanding. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, which He gives generously. God created humans with the ability to think and reason, and He expects us to use these gifts to seek truth and understanding.

Faith, therefore, is not blind belief but an informed decision based on knowledge of God's nature and character, His promises in Scripture, and our personal experiences with Him. It is a choice to trust in God and His promises, even when we don't have the whole picture. This trust is not blind but is grounded in our understanding of who God is and what He has done.

The shield of faith, as described in Ephesians 6:16, illustrates how our trust in God's character protects us from the lies and attacks of the evil one. It is a defensive weapon, like the Roman scutum shield, that provides a blanket of protection against the enemy's schemes. By taking up the shield of faith, we can extinguish the flaming arrows or darts of doubt, accusations, and temptations that Satan throws our way.

The Roman scutum shield was large enough to cover a soldier entirely and was often made of wood and covered in hide. When wet, it could be used to extinguish flaming arrows. Similarly, our shield of faith, when soaked in the Word of God, can extinguish the lies and assaults of the enemy. It is a protective barrier that guards our minds and souls, deflecting Satan's attacks and incapacitating him.

The shield of faith is not just an individual defense but also a collective one. Just as Roman soldiers would position their shields together to form an enclosure, we too can stand together with other believers, forming a fortress of protection. We need the support and prayers of fellow Christians to strengthen our faith and shield us from the enemy's attacks.

In conclusion, faith is not blind belief but an informed decision based on our knowledge of God and His character. It is a shield that protects us from the enemy's schemes and gives us the power to stand firm against temptation and doubt. By soaking our lives in the Word of God and standing together with other believers, we can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one and experience the victory that comes through faith.

Faith is a gift from God

The shield of faith is part of the armour of God, described in Ephesians 6:10–17. In this passage, Paul encourages Christians to "take up the shield of faith" to protect themselves from the "flaming arrows of the evil one". Faith is a gift from God, and it is one of the greatest gifts (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Ephesians 2:8–9 says:

> "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."

This means that our response to salvation is faith, but even that faith is not something we generate ourselves. It is a gift from God. It is not a result of human effort or resources but is given to us by God's grace. As Martin Luther said, "If this article [of justification] stands, the church stands; if this article collapses, the church collapses".

The Bible consistently teaches that faith is given by God. Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44). Acts 3:16 speaks of "the faith which comes through Him". Philippians 1:29 says, "To you it has been granted for Christ’s sake... to believe in Him".

Faith is not something we conjure up or muster within ourselves. It is a gift from God, and it is integral to our salvation. Without faith, we cannot understand or approach the Saviour. Faith is a protective barrier that guards us from Satan's schemes and helps us to stand firm against temptation.

The Roman shield, or "scutum", was a large, door-sized shield that could cover a warrior entirely. It was used both defensively and offensively and could be used to extinguish flaming arrows. In the same way, our faith in God is a shield that protects us from Satan's attacks and helps us stand firm in our belief.

Faith is a protective barrier between us and Satan's schemes

The shield of faith is a metaphor for the defensive power of faith in God. It is described in Ephesians 6:10–17 as part of the "armor of God". In this passage, Paul encourages Christians to "take up the shield of faith" to protect themselves from the flaming arrows of the evil one.

The shield of faith is a protective barrier against Satan's schemes. Satan, also known as the devil or the evil one, is described as a personal, intelligent, and powerful being who seeks to destroy God's children. He is said to attack humans with "fiery darts", "fiery arrows", or "flaming arrows", which represent doubts, accusations, temptations, and lies. These attacks aim to lower faith and cause spiritual injury or decimation.

Faith acts as a shield, providing a protective barrier that can withstand the impact of Satan's attacks. It is described as a heavy shield, similar in size and shape to a door, that can cover the full length of the body. This shield is not just defensive but can also be used to push back against the enemy. It is also a community shield, where Christians can band together in a "phalanx formation" to strengthen their collective faith and form a stronger barrier.

The shield of faith is based on indisputable truth and is described as a gift from God. It is not blind belief but is rooted in evidence and God's proven consistency in fulfilling His promises. By choosing to believe in God and take Him at His word, Christians can remain grounded in truth, rendering the lies of the enemy powerless. This act of faith is a choice that must be made deliberately, especially in difficult circumstances.

In summary, faith is a protective barrier that shields Christians from Satan's schemes. It is a gift from God that provides defense, enables offense, and strengthens community. By choosing to put their faith in God, Christians can withstand attacks, push back against the enemy, and form a collective barrier that is stronger than any individual shield.

Frequently asked questions