The Whole Armor of God ~ Ephesians 6:13-18 V. 14, 15 – “having gird, … having put on … having shod…” V. 16, 17 – “taking … take…”

Eph 6:16 ~ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. NKJV The shielding / protecting power of faith “thureon” – a large shield (as door-shaped) The Roman shield was uniquely beneficial when the Romans were approaching the enemy’s wall. “able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one”, v. 16

The Faith that Defends Us Objective Message Jude 3; 2 Tim. 4:7; 1 Cor. 16:13; Matt. 24:35 Subjective Conviction Heb. 10:38,39 Heb. 11; Luke 8:25 “resting your full weight on God” Heb. 11:6 Rom. 10:17 (Scripture)

Heb 11:1 ~ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. NASU Describes substance (Heb. 1:3) The real content Faith is the firm ground upon which we stand. Conviction A certain persuasion; a certainty that can be acted upon Saving faith in the Bible is always responsive through obedience to God’s word.

Heb 11:1 ~ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. NASU Heb 11:7 ~ By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. NKJV Heb 11:13 ~ These all died in faith, …

Eph 6:16 ~ taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Eve failed to hide behind God’s revealed word. She sinned because she failed to put her trust in God. 1 John 2:16 Deceit, Doubt, Disobey Gen 3:1 ~ Has God indeed said, … (doubt) Gen 3:4-5 ~ You will not surely die. For God knows …

Jesus in the Wilderness Matthew 4 It is written … Disobedience; Distrust Matt 4:3 ~ "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." You do not need God to take care of you, you can do it yourself. A physical need put in question – arrow – will God provide?

Jesus in the Wilderness Matthew 4 It is written … Matt 4:6 ~ If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down… Take control now, test God’s loyalty. Jesus was completely convinced it was sinful to tempt God through disobedience.

Jesus in the Wilderness Matthew 4 It is written … Matt 4:9 ~ All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me. “I’ll give you everything you want (and deserve)…made easy” A call to change allegiances with the promise of instant reward. Jesus put his full weight / everything that was necessary, on the Father and did not give in.

The Shield of Faith If I am willing to confidently affirm my trust in what God has said, Satan has no reply. “This is what God says … this is how God helps … this is what God promises … this is what God expects of me” Darts / Arrows are deflected! Too often is found rationalization or excuses as to why God’s word does not apply to me.

The Shield of Faith Gen 15:1 ~ After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

The Shield of Faith Prov 30:5-6 ~ Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. 1 John 5:4 ~ For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.