2. The Good Fight Part 4 The Shield of Faith

3. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes…

4. In addition to all this, (Above all) take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Eph 6:10-11,16

5. “They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?” Judges 5:8

6. I. Types of arrows: 1. Arrows designed to wound you Things people say to us

7. “They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear.” Psalm 64:3-4

8. 2. Arrows designed to help you Arrows from God “For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me… because of my sin.” Psalm 38:2-3

9. II. How to take up the Shield of Faith We take up the shield of faith by using the ABC’s: Acknowledge Believe Confess

10. 1. God, you are who you say you are. “As for God… He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” 2 Samuel 22:31 Put your faith in God and not in your “shield”.

11. 2. God, you can do what you say you can do “For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12

12. 3. God, I am who you say I am “You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” Pr 18:35

13. “But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” Psalm 3:3

14. 4. God, I can do all things through Christ “He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword.” Deuteronomy 33:29

15. “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalm 84:11

16. 5. God, Your word is alive and active in me. “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114

17. “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5

18. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4