The Shield of Faith - #5 of 7
Ephesians 6:13-16 Victory Fellowship
September 7, 2025 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
I. Introduction: OUICK REVIEW:
a. If we fail to put on the Belt of Truth, none of the other 5 pieces of the armor will be as effective and, in fact, will ultimately fail.
b. When we put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, which is the Righteousness of GOD, we do so by FAITH.
1. We choose not to harbor and nurture sin
2. Death loses its sting
c. Putting on the Shoes of Peace means that we trust the Gospel for our lives and we are willing to share that Gospel with others.
i. Trusting the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ gives us the stability of a sure footing of our faith. We have peace.
d. This week our focus is on putting on the Shield of Faith.
II. RELATING THE TEXT:
a. The Roman shield was made of wood and covered in hide. It would be large enough to cover the vulnerable areas of the body and deflect darts, arrows and swords. It would be soaked in water or pitch to extinguish fire
b. The Shield of Faith represents the sovereign Presence and Power of God.
Psalm 5:11-12 But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And mayest Thou shelter them, That those who love Thy name may exult in Thee. For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O LORD, Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield.
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great."
2 Samuel 22:3, 36 My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, Thou dost save me from violence. 36 "Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation, And Thy help makes me great.
c. Putting on the Shield of Faith means that we have a TRUSTFUL OBEDIENCE to God, knowing He will protect us from the fiery darts of our enemies – both seen and unseen.
d. The enemy attacks a Christian through diversion and distraction. Anything that can take our focus off of the faith – and especially off of any vulnerable area in our spiritual walk.
e. That often happens when we start “trusting in our own righteousness.” (Luke 18:9)
i. Rather than depend on God and trust His word, we depend on…
1. Our own moral strength
2. The ethical wisdom of the world / culture
3. Our high ideals and precepts (arrogance)
4. Social and personal justice
ii. We must not deceive ourselves by thinking that we know righteousness.
Proverbs 14:12 AND 16:25 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your bones.
III. APPLICATION:
a. We have an active role in the effectiveness of our Shield of Faith.
i. We have to move and manipulate it around to protect the areas where we are most vulnerable.
IV. CONCLUSION:
a. The more we are led to share our faith, to stand opposed to the distraction and diversion of worldly wisdom, the more we will fall under spiritual attack.
b. We are, in a real sense, soldiers of Christ.
i. Not that we have a battle to win (Christ is already Victor) – but that we march forward to increase God’s Kingdom.
c. When we put on the shield of faith - we are trusting God and we are Obedient to His Word.
PRAYER
SONG: Faith
Ephesians 6:13-16 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
