Focus: The Shield Of Faith

Text: Eph.6:16

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

There are three things to note about faith. 

Firstly, faith is a gift measured to us by God. Paul says that "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Rom.12:3). Every believer in Christ has received a measure of faith from God. And, according to Paul, every time we hear the word of God faith comes. It is by faith that we comprehend and appreciate divine revelation. It is by faith that we understand that God's word was the mechanism by which God fabricated the universe. Also, we are informed by Paul that "therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith…" (Rom.1:17). We lead our lives, advancing from one level of faith to another. Paul tells us that the faith of Christians in Thessaloniki "your faith groweth exceedingly" (2Thes.1:3), and that means that our faith is capable of growth and expansion. Faith is a lively thing; it grows. 

Secondly, faith is a fruit of the Spirit. Faith as a gift leads to faithfulness as a fruit. Faith is more than an act; it is an attitude. It is character. It is godly living. The Holy Spirit, if or when yielded to, produces in us the fruit of faith. 

Thirdly, faith is a protective weapon. Faith is our defensive armor. We experience the protection of God by faith - trusting in God. God has given us faith to serve as our shield. We must put it on all the time. We can't afford to drop the armor of faith. Interestingly, faith and truth belong together. Faith means leaning on the bedrock of divine truth. We learn from Psalm 91:4 that truth is our shield, and from our text, we can see that faith is also a shield. 

Truth shields us. Faith shields us. In 2Sam.22:36, and Psalm 18:35, salvation is our shield. In Psalm 5:12, divine favor is our shield. Truth, faith, salvation, and grace are our shields. The believer is absolutely assured of protection. Wise king Solomon says, "Every word of God is pure: he is A SHIELD unto them that put their TRUST in him" (Prov.30:5). We need faith to experience and enjoy God as shield. The Lord says to Abraham, "Fear not, Abram: I AM THY SHIELD, and thy exceeding great reward" (Gen.15:1). Abraham's God is Abraham's shield. In Psalm 59:11, the psalmist presents God as "our shield." God is not only Abraham's shield; He is ours too! He says, "The God of my rock; in him will I trust: HE IS MY SHIELD, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence" (2Sam.22:3).

One more thing, Roman shields need to be constantly oiled. In fact, a Roman soldier would be severely punished, even to the extent of being killed if he failed to service or oil his shield on daily basis. The shield was made of iron or bronze and overlaid with leather, and the leather required daily oiling to avoid dryness and tear. It had to remain fresh and usable. It was done morning and evening. In Isaiah 21:5, the prophet declares, "Arise, ye princes, and ANOINT THE SHIELD" (Isa.21:5). 

The believer's shield of faith needs the anointing of the Spirit to remain used and effective. The oil of the Holy Spirit is essential in the believer's life.

Faith amounts to nothing without God. God as our shield makes possible in our lives other shields: the shields of truth, faith, favor, and salvation. As we practice the presence of God our faith is daily oiled to withstand the missiles of Satan - the fiery darts of the wicked. We are certain of God's protection.

I declare that your faith is capable of shielding you from all the darts of the enemy. Satan cannot win the war in your life. Enjoy the shield of divine favor! God's favor will rest on your labor and make it productive. Experience the effective weapon of faith. Let the truths of God's word that you know shield you from Satan's lies and deception. The salvation of God shields you from eternal damnation. The shield of faith will keep you safe from the fiery darts of doubt, fear, and unbelief. Most importantly, the Lord Himself is your shield. He shields us from all harm, known or unknown. In His arms we are safe, and we feel so. Amen!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter