Ephesians 6:16 - "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;"

In the original post for this series, we explored why we need the Armor of God. In parts 2-4, we looked at the first three pieces of armor we wear. Now, in Ephesians 16, we find the first piece of armor we are instructed to take up — the shield of faith.

The Purpose of the Shield

We all understand the importance of a shield to a soldier. It could cover and protect him, deflecting whatever was hurled his way — including flaming arrows.

When soldiers put their shields together, they could form an enclosure around themselves. The shield could also be used to physically push back the enemy. It was an essential piece of armor!

What Is the Shield of Faith?

The Bible defines faith clearly in Hebrews 11:1 (ESV):

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

I like to put it in simple terms for me. I choose to believe God and His Word even though I may not see or understand everything perfectly.

On this side of heaven, we will never fully understand everything about God or His Word, but we can choose to trust Him.  When the enemy feeds us lies, frustrates us, or plants seeds of doubt, we can lift up the shield of faith and push back.

Extinguishing the Flaming Darts

The latter part of Ephesians 6:16 says,

“…with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”

The word extinguish literally means to put an end to, destroy, or suffocate.

Faith does exactly that — it suffocates the lies of the enemy. When we hold up our shield, his arrows lose their power and fall harmlessly away. 

Here are a few verses that stand out to me as I think about the shield of faith:

• Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

• Hebrews 11:6
  “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

• 2 Corinthians 5:7
  “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

• 1 John 5:4
  “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 

What flaming darts or arrows are flying toward you today — discouragement, deception, anxiety, temptation? How is the Holy Spirit directing you to hold up your shield of faith to extinguish them?