Shield of Faith

A. FAITH:
1. Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
2. It is a Shield of Faith
i. What is Faith:
1. Faith: The Greek word is: pistis
a. To believe with the predominate idea of trust or confidence
b. Assurance,
c. Fidelity
d. a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is Messiah
ii. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
1. Faith is our hope and trust in our God
2. It is our strength in hardship and weakness
3. Faith in God is what makes us righteous
a. Atonement
3. Why was faith looked at or described as a Shield:
i. What does a shield do?
ii. It is a blocking tool so that the solider would not be pierced by the enemy
1. Have you ever watched Brave Heart?
a. There is a scene in which the English Army brings out the archers…
b. At once they all shoot there arrows in to the air?
i. There are so many arrows that it darkens the sky like night.
ii. Let me tell you at this moment all those who did not have a shield had a bad day.
2. But this is what Paul was thinking when he was writing this part of Ephesians
a. This was a war for him
b. It would be easier to quit and renounce his belief in God then to be in prison
c. I‘m sure temptations came but he stood his ground
d. It was by his faith that he kept the faith and finished strong
4. Fiery Arrows:
i. Every day we are being shot at by fiery arrows
1. Some we deflect and others hit us square on our back
2. Arrows can be:
a. Temptations, Trials, Hardships
b. But also Sexual thoughts, Anger, Jealousy, Gossip Depression and Hopelessness.
c. Anything to throw us off the road to God at the destination and purpose He has planned for us.
5. Then what are we supposed to do?
i. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along
with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1. We run from sin….
a. Some of us need to run out of our girlfriends house
b. Run from the bar
c. Run from the Computer
d. Run from condemnation
e. We need to grow up, Mature up in our faith…
i. When will we stop falling for the same tricks
ii. It is time to use our faith….Put up your Shield
2. Run into or Pursue: Righteousness, Faith, Love
a. Run to those who can support you
b. Run to the house of God
c. LIFE GROUPS
d. Run to those who can help you stay the course