4. The shield of faith:
Roman soldiers carried shields to protect their entire body from aerial projectiles. These shields were 4 1/2 feet tall by 2 1/2 feet wide. These shields were made of wood and covered with metal or thick leather. These shields primarily protected against enemy arrows and especially those fiery arrows that had been dipped in pitch.
Ephesians 6:16 – Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
The object of the Christian faith is our Lord Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. Our faith is infinitely powerful and effective because the object of our faith is reliable, helpful, trustworthy and never fails to deliver on His promises. Without faith you cannot please God. You must first believe that God exists and that He will do what he says He will do. Without faith God will not protect you. God will not be your refuge or tall tower without faith in Him.
Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
Satan continually bombards God’s children with the flaming arrows (darts) of immorality, hatred, anger, covetousness, pride, doubt, fear, despair, distrust and other temptations. Every temptation, either directly or indirectly, tries to get us to doubt or distrust God. The purpose of Satan’s missiles is to cause believers to forsake their trust in God, to drive a wedge between the Savior and the saved. Take up the shield of faith when Satan attacks your mind and emotions and you will be able to withstand his attack.
Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 Corinthians 5:7 – We live by faith, not by sight.
James 4:7 – Resist the devil and he will flee from you.