Bible Study: The Shield of Faith

🛡️ Continuing with Spiritual Warfare: The Defensive Weapons

Welcome back!

We’re continuing our study of spiritual warfare, looking closely at the defensive weapons that God has given us to:

• Thrive in the spiritual life

• Survive the enemy’s attacks

• Experience victory through Christ

So far, we’ve studied:

• The belt of truth

• The breastplate of righteousness

• The shoes of the gospel of peace

Today, we turn to a powerful next piece of armor: the shield of faith.

📖 Ephesians 6:16 (WEB)

"Above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one."

🛡️ What Kind of Shield?

The Greek word for "shield" (Greek: thureos) is derived from the word for door. This implies a large, door-shaped shield—much like the ones Roman infantry used, designed to cover the whole body when crouched behind.

This kind of shield protected:

• The legs

• The torso

• The heart and vital organs

It was designed not just for defense but for mobility and formation. Soldiers could link shields together, creating a wall against arrows.

🔥 Flaming Arrows of the Evil One

Paul warns of “flaming arrows” from Satan. In ancient warfare, arrows were dipped in pitch and lit on fire before being shot. These burning arrows:

• Caused panic

• Set things ablaze

• Spread destruction quickly

In the spiritual realm, flaming arrows may come in forms like:

• Temptation

• Accusation

• Fear and anxiety

• Doubt and discouragement

• Sudden tragedy or suffering

Only faith can extinguish them.

🧯 Why the Shield Matters

Without the shield:

• The armor is incomplete

• The soldier is vulnerable

• The enemy can exploit weak spots

Paul says to take up the shield. This is different than simply wearing armor. It requires active engagement. The phrase implies urgency and readiness for battle.

There are moments when we must lift up our faith in response to crisis, temptation, or spiritual attack.

🧠 What Is Faith?

“Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 WEB)

Biblical faith is not wishful thinking. It is:

• Firm persuasion in God's promises

• Total trust in His character and Word

• Obedient action in light of what we believe

📖 Hebrews 11: The Hall of Faith

This chapter lists men and women who acted boldly on their faith:

• Abraham left home to follow God's promise.

• Moses’ parents hid him, believing he had a divine purpose.

• Rahab protected the spies, risking her life.

Some saw miracles. Others endured suffering. All trusted God.

“They quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword… others were tortured… not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.” (Hebrews 11:33–35 WEB)

🏹 A Real-Life Illustration

A woman recovering from hip surgery struggles with pain. Then she catches COVID. Then she has weakness in her arm.

One thing after another. These are fiery darts.

But with the shield of faith, she turns to prayer, Scripture, and the support of believers to stand firm.

🛡️ A Missionary’s Shield: John G. Paton

John Paton was a missionary to the cannibal tribes of the New Hebrides. One night, he and his wife knew the tribesmen were coming to kill them. They spent the night in prayer and faith, hiding in their mission house.

Later, the chief who came to Christ revealed: “We didn’t attack because of all the shining men guarding your house.”

God had sent angels. But it was faith that helped them endure the night.

📖 How to Take Up the Shield

“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17 WEB)

To raise your shield:

• Hear the Word regularly

• Meditate on Scripture

• Pray with expectation

• Act on what God says, even when afraid

Faith grows through practice. Like muscles, it strengthens under resistance.

🧪 Faith Without Works Is Dead

“Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18 WEB)

True faith results in action:

• Serving others

• Enduring hardship

• Sharing the gospel

• Obeying God despite uncertainty

When we live by faith, we become living shields—examples of God’s protection and strength.

🙋‍♀️ Reflection Questions

• What fiery darts has the enemy launched at you recently?

• Are you actively lifting the shield of faith—or passively leaving it aside?

• What Scripture can you cling to today as a shield?

🙏 Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for the shield of faith. When the arrows of the enemy fly, help me to lift up Your truth. Strengthen my confidence in Your promises. Let me walk by faith, not by sight. In Jesus’ name, Amen