SUNDAY LESSON, 7/24/22
PREPARE FOR WAR: THE SHIELD OF FAITH
Ephesians 6:16
The Apostle Paul shifts gear with the fourth piece of God’s Armor. The other pieces of armor that we studied: “belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and footwear of the gospel of peace” were armor that we are to “put on”, but now Paul wants us to “take up” the remaining pieces of armor as we face Satan and his dark forces.
Our “FAITH” is what will ensure our victory in this spiritual war that we are fighting (1 John 5:4). We can know the truth, strive to live righteous lives, and have obeyed the gospel, but without “FAITH” that leads to action upon our belief in God and His promises . . . WE LOSE.
EPHESIANS 6:10-16
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
