Faith flows from the Word of God and feeds upon it, Rom 10:17. The faith spoken of in our text is justifying faith. It is this faith by which we overcome the devil and the world, I John 2:13, 5:4. This faith is likened unto a shield because, unlike other graces, it protects all parts of the Christian. The various items of armour that we have looked at are fitted for one part of the body only. The shield protects all parts. The Greek word for shield (Thoo-reh-os) comes from the word for door. That gives you some idea of the size of the implement and the protection it provided, Psalm 5:12.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked,” Ephesians 6:16.
Faith flows from the Word of God and feeds upon it, Rom 10:17. The faith spoken of in our text is justifying faith. It is this faith by which we overcome the devil and the world, I John 2:13, 5:4. This faith is likened unto a shield because, unlike other graces, it protects all parts of the Christian. The various items of armour that we have looked at are fitted for one part of the body only. The shield protects all parts. The Greek word for shield (Thoo-reh-os) comes from the word for door. That gives you some idea of the size of the implement and the protection it provided, Psalm 5:12.
I. THE GENERAL USEFULNESS OF THE SHIELD
The opening words of our text set forth the great importance of the shield of faith. It was the chief means of defence. It was the outer line of defence. The other items were but reserve protections. Our armour would be incomplete if we did not have the shield. As it is impossible to please God without faith so it is impossible to repel the devil without faith. It days of old, soldiers honoured their shield. They were most reluctant to give it up since to do so was a great dishonour. The wounded or dead warrior was carried home upon his shield. Shields play a large part in the designs of the various coats of arms displayed by knights of old and continued to this day in heraldry. Here is a shield that will carrying you home in triumph!
1. It can protect the head from error.
Faith in God’s word repels the inroads of the devil’s lies.To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them, Isaiah 8:20. We reject all things contrary to God’s word.
2. It can protect the heart from sin.
If we have faith in God and His word then we will not be deceived by the allurements of the devil regarding the sins of the world and the flesh. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world, 1 John 2:16. The Bible warns us of the bogus claims of the world and sin.
3. It can preserve the feet from harm.
We stand and walk by faith, II Cor 1:24, 5:7. The Bible will pick a path for us that shall be easy on our feet. Psalm 17:5; 18:33, 36; 25:15; 56:13; 66:9; 116:8; 119:101. Christ, when He stood in the sinner’s place was hurt in His feet, Psalm 22:16. “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard,” Proverbs 13:15.