Faith Forward: The Shield of FAITH

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

What does it look like to “put on the whole armor of God?” How do I put this in terms I can understand and practice? I wrestled with these thoughts as I prepared to write today’s post on the “shield of faith,” and then while perusing my Facebook feed I found an answer.

Eighth grader, Bella, was bullied by a fellow student at her middle school for being different. Kaitlin, Bella’s older sister, created a way to defend and support her sister while confronting the bullying behavior with kindness and courage. Kaitlin designed a t-shirt, like a shield of faith; for Bella, herself, and a few friends to wear to school. The t-shirt promises, “You will never walk alone.”

Can you imagine how Bella felt going to school with the promise of not being alone emblazoned across her t-shirt? Even more, how loved and supported she felt to see others wearing the same message? God promises Believers that we “will never walk alone” throughout scripture. When we move forward, trusting this promise, we do so in confidence that God goes before us.

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one… (Ephesians 6:16)

Shields in New Testament Times

The Greek word for shield in Ephesians 6:16 is thyreos (scutum in Latin). Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines this type of shield as “large, oblong, and four-cornered.” This shield would nearly cover a soldier from head to toe. [See picture below.] Studying further, I found this description:

Such a shield was not just defensive but could also be used to push opponents. When fighting as a group, a phalanx of soldiers could position their shields so as to form an enclosure around themselves, called a testudo (“tortoise”). [See picture below.] This was especially helpful to protect against arrows launched from the walls of cities they were attacking. Shields, often made of wood and then covered in hide, when wet, could extinguish flaming arrows. (GotQuestions.org)

From this we can see why the apostle Paul used a shield of the thyreos / scutum style as a metaphor for faith and spiritual armor. Faith…

1. defends. (Exodus 15:2, NIV)
2. defeats the enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:24-25)
3. strengthens when joined with others. (Ephesians 4:11-15)
4. quenches the condemning fire of the enemies’ arrows. (Romans 8:1)

The Shield of Faith

For Believers, faith as discussed in Ephesians 6:16 is the belief and trust that He who purchased our pardon, conquered sin, and vanquished death is with us, defending us, and leading us. It is the confidence, whether defending against a spiritual attack or moving into enemy territory, that Christ goes before us and has already claimed the victory. Faith moves forward; it does not retreat.

Fiery Arrows

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Ever since mankind’s fall in Genesis 3, Satan flings everything he can at Believers to cause doubt and destruction. He especially loves it when his accusations lead to condemnation. Satan loves defeat. Are you facing troubling circumstances? Do you struggle with negative thoughts? Does anxiety get the best of you? Are you overwhelmed by Satan’s lies? Faith is the answer, but it is not “pixie dust.” Faith takes our eyes off the fiery arrows and focuses them on Jesus. Staying focused on Him and His promises, the searing arrows of Satan are extinguished.

Faith in Action

As I thought about the shield of faith and what it looks like to suit up and use it, I thought of three faithful sayings in scripture.

1. Obey God’s Word: “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)

2. Go when God calls: “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8)

3. Rely on Christ’s strength: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

When I yield my heart and mind to Christ in faith, I see Him work in me, and it spurs me on to the next step of faith. God is faithful to grow what I give Him in faith.

You Will Never Walk Alone

Kaitlin designed a t-shirt that she thought a few people would wear. She thought a few people would join her in supporting her sister. It turns out that 125 students, family and friends wore the t-shirt to support Bella. Faith smothered the scorching words of a bully. In this world darkness abounds, and Satan works to have his way. Keep your eyes on Jesus! Walk forward in faith. With Jesus, you will never walk alone.

‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33)