Grace Community Church June 1, 2008 The Shield of Faith Part 2 Ephesians 6:16 The Whole Armor of God Series on Ephesians 6:10-20 Grace Community Church June 1, 2008

Ephesians 6:16 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; Circumstance : any event in life: good, bad, or neutral… Flaming Dart : thought, lie, or accusation fired in the midst of the circumstance designed to damage our fellowship with God and one another.

Our Circumstances Relational Trouble 36% Money 21% Job 18% Sin 11% Marriage 14% Other 22% Money 21% Job 18% Sin 11% Loneliness 7% Unanswered Prayer 5% Self Image 2%

If then statements from hell. If _______then I could ____________. Translation: When my circumstances change to my liking, then I will be able to walk by faith. Do you buy this statement?

Then you need to:

Enemy’s Flaming Darts Fear/Worry 43% Doubting God’s Goodness 22% Relational Strife 18% Negative Thoughts 13% Unworthiness 12% Materialism 9% Anger 8% Lust 8% Unbelief 7% Self Pity 5% Discontent 5% Apathy/Laziness 5% Selfishness 4% Pride 4% Bitterness3% Substance Abuse 1% Jealousy 1%

Hebrews 11:1 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Trusting God’s Character… Romans 8:32 Trusting God’s Promises… 2 Peter 1:2-4 Trusting God’s Program and Timing… Romans 8:28

Wielding the shield means: Knowing, Believing, and Applying the GOSPEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Two Arrows: Worry – Matthew 6:31-33 Doubting God’s Goodness – Rom. 8:32

Christ Is Our Shield Matthew 26:26-28 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.