Topics: faith, the shield of faith
I. Take up the Correct Shield
A. The War Shield is large about 4 feet high and 2 feet wide!
1. In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
2. As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the Lord is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, besides the Lord? And who is a rock, besides our God? God is my strong fortress, and He sets the blameless in His way. He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me on my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your help makes me great. (2 Samuel 22:31?36; see Psalm 3:1-3).
B. The War Shield has a clear object of its resolute living Faith!
1. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart exults and with my song I shall thank Him (Psalm 28:7).
2. 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 (Proverbs 3:5-7).
II. Take up the Victorious Shield
A. The War Shield can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one!
- In addition to all, take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16; see Isaiah 54:17).
- You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you (Psalm 91:57; see 1 John 5:18, 19).
B. The War Shield is most effective with a spiritual army of believers!
- "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31, 32).
- Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24, 25).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, March 1st, 2026.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
Take up the shield of faith
An important Guideline of Life Groups: Being dressed in our "War-drobe" attire as a community of believers demonstrates that we are in the Lord's army! Discuss in your Life Group how you can interlock your shields of faith in advancing the cause of Christ.
Getting Started:
- What is the most important issue in taking up the "correct" shield of faith?
- Why do you think that Paul introduces the shield of faith with "in addition to all" or "in all circumstances" (Hebrews 11:6)?
Discussing Truths:
- What victorious truth is John declaring in 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"?
- Where do many people place their faith for their ultimate purpose in life?
- As you read about Jesus and the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13, what caused Jesus to marvel? Does He marvel at your trust and faith?
- What are some of the devil's favorite "flaming arrows" that he shoots at Christians? Which of his flaming arrows have been most effective in your life?
- How vital does Jesus see the importance that we take up the LARGE War Shield of faith (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; 17:17, 20)?
- Do you know of spiritual deliverance in your life through faithful prayers of someone else (2 Corinthians 1:8-11; Philippians 1:19, 20)?
- When the evil one seeks to hit you with doubts about God or your salvation, stop and read Romans 8:31-39 and claim your victory as an overwhelmingly conqueror through Jesus Christ!
Now What? Application:
- Make sure you oil your shield of faith (Isaiah 21:5) with the Holy Spirit's anointing to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
- Who can you interlock shields with as an accountability partner in this spiritual battle?
