Equipped: Faith

Continuing this series on the armor of God is a discussion of the next piece of essential equipment: the Shield of Faith.  We've already talked about three other pieces: the cingulum militaire, the lorica segmentata, and the caligae.  Paul now says:

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."  Ephesians 6:16

The scutum was the shield used by a Roman legionnaire. The shield was made out of bonded strips of wood covered in several layers of thick leather.  It was about four feet tall and two and a half feet wide and was curved rather than flat.  When carried into battle, the scutum would extend from below the knee to just under the eyes and curve around the body of the average soldier, effectively creating a mobile wall of protection. The curvature of the shield deflected blows and caused arrows and spears to glance off to the sides.   Before battle, the shields would be drenched in water to soak the leather in order to make them resistant to incendiary weapons such as flaming arrows.  The scutum was also used in a corporate defensive formation called the testudo or "tortoise".  Soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder would raise their shields together side by side with those on the flanks and the rear facing the appropriate direction and those in the middle of the formation raising them over their heads.  This formation was a virtually impenetrable defense but required the troops to move in unison to be effective.

What is Faith?
Faith is not simply a belief that something is or exists.  Faith is one very important step further - placing your trust in that which you believe.  We learn from Hebrews 11:1 that:

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Faith gives reality to belief.  It is an active participation in a belief; the very real response to it.

Faith as a Shield
Since Paul is writing to Christians, we know that he is not talking about saving faith when he refers to the shield.  The faith that acts as our shield is a daily decision to place our trust in God.  Faith in His love.  Faith in His forgiveness.  Faith in His plan, provision, and promises.  The Shield of Faith protects us.  It takes the brunt of the enemies attacks.  While we do have our other armor on, our faith is the first line of defense.  With faith absorbing the impact of the attack, our peace is undisturbed.  When faith intercepts a flaming arrow our righteousness remains intact.  Faith is able to completely preserve us spiritually in any battle.  Paul writes that this shield is able to "extinguish ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one."  The reality is that some of these attacks do hit us.  Our peace is shaken, we forget truth, and our righteousness comes under attack.  This can only happen when we let our guard down; when we drop our shield on the ground or lower it and so leave an opening for attack.  The good news is that Satan can't force us to lay down our shield.  It can withstand every spiritual attack if we are prepared.  The effectiveness of your shield is dependent on two things.  The first is your understanding of God.  In order to have a complete faith, you must have a complete picture of God.  Strive to know Him through His Word and through prayer.  The second thing is actively "taking up your shield".  Practice faith.  Live what you say you believe.  Act on direction and wisdom sought in prayer.  Give sacrificially.  Share your faith with others.

Flaming Arrows
Satan is a liar.  And two of the primary ways that he will attack you are doubt and pride.  It could be any number of specific situations or lies, but most of it will boil down to these two.  If he can convince you to doubt God (His promises, His character, etc.) you'll drop your shield and be wide open for a full attack.  Likewise, if he can convince you that you don't need God (in a specific area - remember, Paul is talking to Christians), you'll let down your guard.  This is essentially what pride, in this sense, is.  This is especially dangerous to more mature believers who may feel that they've come far enough in their spiritual walk that they couldn't possibly fall to some sins.  As if they are somehow good enough in and of themselves.  The Roman soldiers kept the leather of their shields wet to quench the flames of the arrows.  Keep your faith growing, exercise it, keep it "battle-ready."

The Testudo Formation
Imagine a community of believers who were all striving to take up their shields of faith; standing together against the attacks of the devil.  A group of Christians doing life together, moving with unity and purpose with complete faith in God.  Here's what it looked like in terms of the Roman legions:

Is it any wonder that Satan fears the Body of Christ?  Is it a surprise that he attacks our unity? Certainly a single legionnaire, properly equipped, is a daunting opponent.  But a group in formation is a fearsome foe indeed.  The clear call seen in the tenth chapter of Hebrews is to take part in a community of believers.  The purpose of this is to help us persevere in our faith.  We are better together.

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  Hebrews 10:19-25

Take Up Your Shield
Paul's charge to take up your shield does not mean that this is always easy.  Whereas you put on the other pieces of armor, you have to hold the shield.  You have to be vigilant and remember that the attack can come at any time. The encouragement you need to hold fast to your faith and to trust in God completely is that this same faith is able to withstand ALL of the enemies attacks.  So take up your shield.  Prepare for battle.  Stand firm behind its protection.