Embracing Faith: The Shield, Joy, and Love
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of faith and its pivotal role in our spiritual journey. We began by reflecting on the joy and happiness that comes from having God as our Lord. This joy is not just a superficial emotion but a deep-seated reaction that stems from our faith and relationship with God. It's a response that should naturally flow from our hearts, much like a reflex, when we are asked why we are happy. This happiness is rooted in the assurance of our salvation and the legacy of faith that we inherit through Jesus Christ.
We delved into the metaphor of the "shield of faith," emphasizing its importance in our spiritual armor. The shield of faith is not merely a decorative piece but a vital tool that protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy. It is a shield that we must actively take up and hold out in front, symbolizing our proactive stance in faith. This shield is personalized for each believer, representing the unique measure of faith that God has given to each of us.
The legacy of faith was illustrated through personal stories and symbols, such as a watch and a ring, which serve as reminders of the spiritual inheritance we have received. These legacies remind us to consciously put on the full armor of God daily, ensuring that we are aligned with His will and purpose.
We also discussed the necessity of exercising our faith, likening it to a muscle that grows stronger with use. Faith is not static; it must be actively engaged and developed through prayer, confession, and action. This growth in faith is essential for overcoming challenges and living a victorious Christian life.
Finally, we were reminded of the importance of love in our faith journey. Faith works through love, and it is through love that we can truly trust in God and experience His promises. As we continue to walk by faith and not by sight, we are encouraged to let our faith be heard and seen in our actions and words, reflecting the joy and gladness that comes from a life rooted in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Joy as a Faith Response: True happiness is a natural reaction to having God as our Lord. It is a reflection of our faith and should be evident in our lives as a testimony of our relationship with God. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of our salvation and the legacy of faith we inherit through Jesus Christ. [01:07]
- The Shield of Faith: The shield of faith is a crucial part of our spiritual armor, protecting us from the enemy's attacks. It is not just a decorative piece but a functional tool that we must actively take up and hold out in front. This shield represents the unique measure of faith given to each believer and is essential for living a victorious Christian life. [04:50]
- Legacy of Faith: Our spiritual inheritance is a legacy passed down through generations, symbolized by personal stories and objects like a watch and a ring. These legacies remind us to consciously put on the full armor of God daily, aligning ourselves with His will and purpose. [06:26]
- Exercising Faith: Faith is like a muscle that grows stronger with use. It must be actively engaged and developed through prayer, confession, and action. This growth in faith is essential for overcoming challenges and living a victorious Christian life. [15:51]
- Faith and Love: Faith works through love, and it is through love that we can truly trust in God and experience His promises. As we walk by faith and not by sight, our faith should be evident in our actions and words, reflecting the joy and gladness that comes from a life rooted in Christ. [52:51]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:07] - Joy as a Faith Response
- [02:54] - Natural vs. Supernatural Reactions
- [04:06] - The Shield of Faith
- [06:26] - Legacy of Faith
- [07:33] - Putting on the Armor of God
- [14:55] - The Good Fight of Faith
- [15:51] - Exercising Faith
- [17:07] - Taking Hold of Eternal Life
- [18:32] - Watching and Praying
- [25:58] - Above All: The Shield of Faith
- [30:55] - The Measure of Faith
- [32:09] - Posture of Faith
- [35:07] - Faith in God vs. Faith of God
- [52:51] - Faith and Love
- [01:08:54] - Taking Up the Shield of Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 6:16 - "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
2. Romans 1:17 - "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
3. Galatians 5:6 - "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the "shield of faith" as described in Ephesians 6:16, and how does it function in the life of a believer? [04:50]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of a "legacy of faith" through personal stories and symbols like a watch and a ring? [06:26]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith is like a muscle that needs to be exercised? [15:51]
4. How does the sermon connect the concepts of faith and love, particularly in the context of Galatians 5:6? [52:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the metaphor of the "shield of faith" in Ephesians 6:16 be applied to modern-day spiritual challenges? [25:58]
2. What does it mean to inherit a "legacy of faith," and how can this legacy impact one's spiritual journey? [06:26]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between faith and love, and why is this relationship crucial for a believer's life? [52:51]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that exercising faith can lead to spiritual growth and overcoming challenges? [15:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt spiritually attacked. How did you use your "shield of faith" to protect yourself, and what could you do differently next time? [25:58]
2. Consider the legacy of faith you have received from your family or spiritual mentors. How can you actively pass this legacy on to others in your life? [06:26]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel your faith muscle is weak. What practical steps can you take this week to exercise and strengthen it? [15:51]
4. Think of a relationship in your life where love is lacking. How can you let your faith work through love to improve this relationship? [52:51]
5. When was the last time you experienced joy as a natural response to your faith? How can you cultivate this joy more consistently in your daily life? [01:07]
6. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust in God's promises. What can you do to deepen your trust and reliance on Him moving forward? [52:51]
7. How can you ensure that your faith is evident in your actions and words this week, especially in challenging situations? [52:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy as a Deep Faith Response
In the journey of faith, joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound response to the presence of God in one's life. This joy is deeply rooted in the assurance of salvation and the legacy of faith inherited through Jesus Christ. It transcends circumstances, offering a steadfast sense of happiness that reflects a genuine relationship with God. When asked about the source of happiness, a believer's heart should naturally respond with the joy that comes from knowing God as Lord. This joy serves as a testimony to others, showcasing the transformative power of faith in everyday life. [01:07]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt true joy. How did your faith influence that experience, and how can you share this joy with someone else today?
Day 2: The Shield of Faith as Spiritual Armor
The shield of faith is an essential component of a believer's spiritual armor, designed to protect against the enemy's attacks. Unlike a decorative piece, this shield is a functional tool that must be actively taken up and held out in front. It symbolizes a proactive stance in faith, representing the unique measure of faith given to each believer. This shield is personalized, reflecting the individual journey and growth in faith that each person experiences. By consciously taking up the shield of faith, believers can live a victorious Christian life, overcoming challenges and standing firm against spiritual adversities. [04:50]
Ephesians 6:16 (ESV): "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one."
Reflection: Identify a current challenge or fear in your life. How can you actively use your "shield of faith" to confront and overcome this situation today?
Day 3: Legacy of Faith as Spiritual Inheritance
The legacy of faith is a spiritual inheritance passed down through generations, often symbolized by personal stories and meaningful objects like a watch or a ring. These legacies serve as reminders of the spiritual heritage and the responsibility to consciously put on the full armor of God daily. By aligning oneself with God's will and purpose, believers honor the faith of those who came before them and continue the legacy for future generations. This conscious effort to embrace and live out one's spiritual inheritance strengthens the believer's connection to God and reinforces their commitment to a life of faith. [06:26]
2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV): "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well."
Reflection: Reflect on a spiritual legacy or lesson passed down to you. How can you actively honor and continue this legacy in your daily life?
Day 4: Exercising Faith as a Growing Muscle
Faith is dynamic, akin to a muscle that grows stronger with use. It requires active engagement and development through prayer, confession, and action. This growth in faith is crucial for overcoming life's challenges and living a victorious Christian life. By exercising faith regularly, believers can experience a deeper relationship with God and a greater capacity to trust in His promises. This active engagement in faith not only strengthens the individual but also serves as a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the transformative power of a life lived in faith. [15:51]
James 1:3-4 (ESV): "For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Consider a situation where your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what steps can you take today to actively strengthen your faith?
Day 5: Faith and Love as Interconnected Forces
Faith and love are deeply interconnected, with faith working through love to enable believers to truly trust in God and experience His promises. As believers walk by faith and not by sight, their faith should be evident in their actions and words, reflecting the joy and gladness that come from a life rooted in Christ. Love is the driving force that empowers faith, allowing believers to extend grace, forgiveness, and compassion to others. By embracing both faith and love, believers can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and a more profound impact on the world around them. [52:51]
Galatians 5:6 (ESV): "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love."
Reflection: Identify a relationship or situation where you can demonstrate faith through love. What specific action can you take today to show God's love in that context?
Quotes
Well, you know, when you got so much in you, you just and I'm really just Lord, just continue to keep me in the path of understanding. [00:00:24] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
See, you overcome by the Jesus in your testimony. See that testimony. You got to say it. It's just speak it. [00:01:07] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
See, we understand the natural. When we when we hit something, we have a reaction. It comes out. But see, we don't walk by. The natural we walk by the supernatural by faith. [00:02:57] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Jesus bought your salvation. He bore your sins. And now, you get to enjoy the inheritance, the legacy of Jesus Christ. [00:07:15] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Faith is not working unless you take a moment to sincerely pray. Seek God. Communicate. Seek God. With God. One thing to have faith and it's one thing to use it. [00:44:51] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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