Introduction

I. Every Christian is a soldier of Christ.

(2 Tim 2:3-4 KJV) Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. {4} No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

A. It is our desire to enlist.

B. It is our destiny to be attacked.

C. It is our duty to fight (Jude 3).

1. We have a Captain to serve (Captain of our salvation). 2. We have an enemy to overcome. 3. We have a battle to fight (Eph. 6:10-20).

(2 Cor 10:3-5 KJV)

(2 Tim 4:6-8 KJV) For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand...

II. Every Christian can be victorious.

A. The shield of faith gives us that victory (1 John 5:4-5; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6; 11:1; Hab. 2:4).

B. The shield of faith is an unshakeable trust in God based upon undeniable facts.

1. Christianity is a system of faith. 2. Christianity is a system of discipline (Romans 1:1-6).

C. The shield of faith prepares us for battle (Eph. 6:16).

Discussion

I. THE PLACE OF FAITH -- "above all"

A. The shield of faith is an indispensable part of the Christian armor.

1. "Above all" - "Withal" - "In addition to."

B. The shield of faith protects the soldier and every other piece of armor.

1. Attacks against truth, righteousness, preparedness, salvation.

II. THE PRIORITY OF FAITH -- "taking"

A. Literally, "having taken up."

1. We cannot be saved without faith (Mark 16:16). 2. We cannot live saved without faith (2 Cor. 5:7). 3. We cannot die saved without faith (Rev. 2:10).

B. Personally, I must have faith in God (John 8:24).

(John 3:36 KJV) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

(James 2:24 KJV) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

III. THE PICTURE OF FAITH -- "the shield of faith"

A. The shield is metaphorically used in the Bible to describe:

1. God.

(Psa 28:7 KJV) The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

2. Truth.

(Psa 91:4 KJV) He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

3. Faith (Eph. 6:16).

B. The shield helps us in resisting the devil (James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8).

1. By giving us the Will to resist (Rom. 12:1-2).

2. By giving us a Confident Spirit to resist (Phil. 4:13).

3. By giving us the Scriptures to resist (Mat. 4:11).

4. By giving us Prayer to resist (Eph. 6:18-20).

5. By giving us Wisdom to resist.

(2 Cor 2:11 KJV) Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

6. By giving us Character to resist (Eph. 6:10).

7. By giving us Good Associations to resist.

(1 Cor 15:33 KJV) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

C. The shield is indispensable.

1. We need protection from the fiery darts of:

a. Humanism, Liberalism, Legalism.

IV. THE POWER OF FAITH -- "you shall be able"

(Mat 17:20 KJV) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

A. Faith empowers God's people.

1. Noah, Abraham, David, Jeremiah.

2. Evangelistic, Benevolent, Edify.

B. Faith is not some existential experience.

1. It is a life lived for Christ; directed by His Word (Gal. 2:20).

V. THE PURPOSE OF FAITH -- "to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked"

A. With faith we can face the enemy.

(Rom 16:20 KJV) And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

B. With faith we can quench ALL the fiery darts of temptation.

1. Like arrows they came suddenly (Mark 14:38).

2. Like arrows they come secretly (1 Cor. 10:13).

3. Like arrows they are numerous (1 John 2:15-17).

4. Like arrows they are dangerous.

(James 1:13-15 KJV) Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: {14} But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. {15} Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

C. With faith we are going to be victorious.

1. With the shield of faith we will gain the final victory.

a. Over the flesh. b. Over the world. c. Over the enemy. d. Over the grave and death.

(1 Cor 15:54-57 KJV) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. {55} O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? {56} The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. {57} But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

I. Let us put on and keep on the "whole armor of God."

A. And that includes the shield of faith.

II. Let us never forget:

A. The Place of Faith. B. The Priority of Faith. C. The Picture of Faith. D. The Power of Faith. E. The Purpose of Faith.

III. Let us never venture from behind this shield into the open.

A. Together, shield by shield, we can be an impassable wall defending true Christianity.

** If you have any questions or if you would like to become a Christian, please let us know.

Alan C. Cole
26th St. Church of Christ
101-26th Street Huntington, WV 25703
Phone - (304) 522-0717
E-Mail - Cole8@marshall.edu
Homepage - http://mupfc.marshall.edu/~cole8/