Defending Faith: The Shield Against Spiritual Attacks

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:16, Paul instructs us to take up the "shield of faith" to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. This passage is a crucial part of the spiritual armor that God provides to protect us against the devil's schemes. The Christian life is a constant battle against spiritual forces, and we must be vigilant and prepared. The armor of God is not just a metaphor but a practical guide for spiritual warfare. The shield of faith is particularly significant because it represents an active defense against the devil's attacks, which can come in the form of doubts, blasphemous thoughts, and fiery trials.

The shield of faith is distinct from other pieces of armor, such as the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the sandals of peace, which are fixed to the body. The shield, helmet, and sword are taken up as needed, symbolizing an active engagement in spiritual warfare. The shield is not just a passive defense but an active tool that requires us to apply our faith in real-time to counter the devil's attacks. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a practical application of what we believe, pointing us to the character and promises of God.

The devil's fiery darts are not abstract concepts but real, personal attacks that can come at any time. They are designed to confuse, discourage, and lead us into despair. However, by holding up the shield of faith, we can deflect these attacks. Faith points us to God, His promises, and His power, reminding us that He is our refuge and strength. In moments of weakness, when we feel overwhelmed, we can rely on God's presence and grace to sustain us. The shield of faith is our assurance that we are not alone in this battle; God is with us, and His power is sufficient to overcome any attack.

Key Takeaways:

- The shield of faith is an active defense against the devil's attacks, requiring us to apply our faith in real-time to counter doubts, blasphemous thoughts, and fiery trials. Faith is not just intellectual belief but involves practical application, pointing us to God's character and promises. [35:16]

- The devil's fiery darts are personal attacks designed to confuse and discourage us. They can come at any time, but by holding up the shield of faith, we can deflect these attacks. Faith points us to God, His promises, and His power, reminding us that He is our refuge and strength. [22:11]

- Faith never points to itself but always to its object, which is God. It is not about cultivating faith in ourselves but about relying on God's character and promises. Faith points us to God, His promises, and His power, reminding us that He is our refuge and strength. [37:15]

- In moments of weakness, when we feel overwhelmed, we can rely on God's presence and grace to sustain us. The shield of faith is our assurance that we are not alone in this battle; God is with us, and His power is sufficient to overcome any attack. [44:08]

- The Christian life is a constant battle against spiritual forces, and we must be vigilant and prepared. The armor of God is not just a metaphor but a practical guide for spiritual warfare. The shield of faith is particularly significant because it represents an active defense against the devil's attacks. [01:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:16
- [00:36] - The Armor of God
- [01:13] - Spiritual Warfare
- [02:05] - Detailed Attention to Armor
- [03:13] - Transition to the Shield of Faith
- [04:18] - Above All: A New Group of Armor
- [05:15] - Difference Between Having and Taking
- [06:37] - Fixed vs. Active Armor
- [08:41] - The Shield: A Tool for Battle
- [10:33] - The Roman Shield
- [12:52] - Fiery Darts of the Wicked
- [15:14] - The Wicked One
- [20:09] - Satanic Attacks and Assaults
- [32:41] - The Shield of Faith
- [35:16] - Faith in Action
- [37:15] - Faith Points to God
- [44:08] - God's Presence and Grace

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Shield of Faith

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:16

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the "shield of faith" in Ephesians 6:16, and how does it differ from other pieces of the armor of God? [05:15]

2. How does the sermon describe the nature of the devil's "fiery darts," and what are they intended to do to believers? [13:08]

3. According to the sermon, what is the role of faith in countering the devil's attacks? [35:16]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the practical application of the shield of faith in a believer's life? [21:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the difference between having and taking up the armor of God, and what does this imply about the believer's role in spiritual warfare? [06:19]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith is more than just intellectual belief? How does this understanding impact a believer's daily life? [35:16]

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and God's promises, and why is this relationship crucial for spiritual defense? [39:31]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of spiritual warfare and the believer's need for vigilance and preparation? [01:13]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt spiritually attacked. How did you respond, and how might you use the shield of faith differently in the future? [21:26]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of applying faith in real-time. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need to actively apply your faith? What steps can you take to do this? [35:16]

3. Consider a time when you experienced doubts or blasphemous thoughts. How can you prepare to use the shield of faith to counter such attacks in the future? [26:39]

4. The sermon mentions that faith points to God's character and promises. What specific promise of God can you hold onto this week to strengthen your faith? [39:31]

5. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of God's promises to better equip yourself with the shield of faith? What resources or practices might help you in this endeavor? [39:45]

6. The sermon describes the Christian life as a constant battle against spiritual forces. How can you remain vigilant and prepared for spiritual warfare in your daily routine? [01:13]

7. In moments of weakness, the sermon suggests relying on God's presence and grace. How can you remind yourself of God's presence during challenging times? [44:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as an Active Defense
The shield of faith is not a passive piece of armor but an active defense that requires believers to apply their faith in real-time. This means that faith is not just an intellectual belief but involves a practical application of what one believes, pointing to the character and promises of God. The devil's attacks can come in the form of doubts, blasphemous thoughts, and fiery trials, and it is through the active use of faith that these can be countered. By holding up the shield of faith, believers can deflect these attacks and remain steadfast in their spiritual journey. [35:16]

Ephesians 6:13-14 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness."

Reflection: What specific doubts or negative thoughts have been attacking your faith recently? How can you actively use your faith to counter these today?


Day 2: Recognizing and Deflecting Fiery Darts
The devil's fiery darts are personal attacks designed to confuse and discourage believers. These attacks can come at any time, aiming to lead one into despair. However, by holding up the shield of faith, these attacks can be deflected. Faith points believers to God, His promises, and His power, reminding them that He is their refuge and strength. In moments of weakness, when one feels overwhelmed, God's presence and grace are sufficient to sustain and protect. [22:11]

Psalm 18:2-3 (ESV): "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."

Reflection: Identify a recent situation where you felt confused or discouraged. How can you remind yourself of God's promises and power in similar situations in the future?


Day 3: Faith Points to God, Not Self
Faith never points to itself but always to its object, which is God. It is not about cultivating faith in oneself but about relying on God's character and promises. Faith directs believers to God, His promises, and His power, reminding them that He is their refuge and strength. This understanding shifts the focus from self-reliance to God-reliance, which is crucial in spiritual warfare. [37:15]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of God's? How can you shift your focus to trust in God's character and promises today?


Day 4: God's Presence and Grace in Weakness
In moments of weakness, when believers feel overwhelmed, they can rely on God's presence and grace to sustain them. The shield of faith assures them that they are not alone in the battle; God is with them, and His power is sufficient to overcome any attack. This assurance provides comfort and strength, enabling believers to stand firm in their faith despite challenges. [44:08]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How can you rely on God's presence and grace to sustain you in similar situations today?


Day 5: Vigilance in Spiritual Warfare
The Christian life is a constant battle against spiritual forces, and believers must be vigilant and prepared. The armor of God is not just a metaphor but a practical guide for spiritual warfare. The shield of faith is particularly significant because it represents an active defense against the devil's attacks. By being vigilant and prepared, believers can stand firm in their faith and overcome the challenges they face. [01:13]

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

Reflection: How can you be more vigilant in your spiritual life to prepare for the battles you face? What practical steps can you take today to strengthen your spiritual defenses?

Quotes

"The shield of faith is distinct from other pieces of armor, such as the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the sandals of peace, which are fixed to the body. The shield, helmet, and sword are taken up as needed, symbolizing an active engagement in spiritual warfare." [00:07:12]

"The devil's fiery darts are not abstract concepts but real, personal attacks that can come at any time. They are designed to confuse, discourage, and lead us into despair. However, by holding up the shield of faith, we can deflect these attacks. Faith points us to God, His promises, and His power, reminding us that He is our refuge and strength." [00:15:12]

"Faith never points to itself but always to its object, which is God. It is not about cultivating faith in ourselves but about relying on God's character and promises. Faith points us to God, His promises, and His power, reminding us that He is our refuge and strength." [00:36:40]

"In moments of weakness, when we feel overwhelmed, we can rely on God's presence and grace to sustain us. The shield of faith is our assurance that we are not alone in this battle; God is with us, and His power is sufficient to overcome any attack." [00:44:08]

"The Christian life is a constant battle against spiritual forces, and we must be vigilant and prepared. The armor of God is not just a metaphor but a practical guide for spiritual warfare. The shield of faith is particularly significant because it represents an active defense against the devil's attacks." [00:01:13]

"Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a practical application of what we believe, pointing us to the character and promises of God. It is the quick application of what we believe as an answer to everything that the devil does or attempts to do to us." [00:35:16]

"The shield of faith is an active defense against the devil's attacks, requiring us to apply our faith in real-time to counter doubts, blasphemous thoughts, and fiery trials. Faith is not just intellectual belief but involves practical application, pointing us to God's character and promises." [00:22:11]

"Faith always acts; faith is always practical. Faith always applies the truth. Faith without works is dead. There is always this element of activity in faith. Let's never forget that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of Things Not Seen." [00:37:15]

"Faith points to God, the character of God. He's one on whom we can rely. It points to His promises, and all the Bible is full of them. Get to know them, my friends, then you'll be able to hold up the shield of Faith the moment the enemy comes and the darts are flying." [00:37:15]

"The shield of faith is our assurance that we are not alone in this battle; God is with us, and His power is sufficient to overcome any attack. We must always have that shield in a convenient position so that we can take it up; it's our only hope." [00:44:08]

"Faith is the only way in which you meet these particular attacks. John says exactly the same thing: this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. That's it. Faith is always the shield that you hold up to quench all these fiery darts of the wicked one." [00:35:16]

"Faith never points to itself; it always points to an object. There are people who are trying to work up Faith, the quality of faith in themselves. They might as well stop; they'll never do it. That's kism, that's purely psychological. You're not told to work up Faith." [00:37:15]

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Transcript
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