“In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” Ephesians 6:16 NLT
Keep in mind that as the apostle Paul was writing his letter to the Christians at Ephesus, he was chained to a Roman guard. He had plenty of time to observe Roman armor, including the shield. The Roman shield was made of wood—rectangular in shape and about four feet high and two feet wide. The shield was especially useful in long-range warfare. Prior to an actual hand-to-hand engagement with the enemy, a Roman soldier often would encounter a barrage of flaming arrows coming from all directions. The primary purpose of this barrage was to demoralize and confuse the soldier. To protect themselves from the onslaught of fiery arrows, Roman soldiers would put their shields together, creating a protective barrier for all of them. Their shields provided protection above and beyond what their breastplates could provide.
The shield of faith provides similar protection in our spiritual battles. The devil will direct his flaming arrows toward Christians. They could be arrows of immorality, hatred, pride, envy, covetousness, doubt, worry, or any other kind of sin. They will be delivered primarily in the realm of our thoughts. He will barrage us with his flaming arrows at strategic times, like when we decide to read the Bible or go to church. Flaming arrows will come our way during times of trial and hardship. It is during these times that you hold up the shield of faith—not the shield of feelings, not the shield of emotions, but the shield of faith.
What allows you to ‘stand against the wiles of the devil’?
