How Do We Get the Armor of

God's Shield of Faith?

The shield of faith sounds important, but does it work differently than we think?
Here's what the New Testament really tells us about the shield of faith.
 Lori Stanley RoeleveldContributing Writer
 20221 Sep

What is the shield of faith, and how do we hold it?

I’ve read the verses all my life about this shield. I’ve often
imagined it as a small, round, wooden object I would need to
constantly maneuver to deflect the incoming arrows from the evil
one.
Sounds exhausting, right? To make matters worse, I’m not very
coordinated, and sometimes there is a barrage of arrows. I was
certain my ineptitude was letting those darts past my guard, and I
felt I was letting God down.
How would I ever get the hang of wielding this shield?
Then, one day when I watched my favorite television series, Star
Trek: The Next Generation, God updated my image of the shield of
faith. During an alien attack against the starship Enterprise, the
captain called for “Shields up!”
This wasn’t some small, round shield each officer had to shift
against incoming lasers. No. This invisible force field surrounded
the entire ship to deflect all incoming projectiles. The science is
hazy, of course. It’s a fictional universe where shields have
something to do with gravitons and shield grids.
The physics isn’t my point. The show started me thinking that
God’s shield of faith would certainly be more comprehensive than
the inadequate object I’m picturing. Maybe I wasn’t having a crisis
of faith. Maybe I simply needed to expand my imagination to
include the truth that God’s protection is complete. I can believe
that He is before me, behind me, and all around me to guard
against the enemy. I am one of many believers when my faith
wavers, an army of Jesus-followers can form a shield grid in my
defense.
Is it time to upgrade your shield of faith and trust God to defend
you against all evil? Consider that as you read what God’s Word
has to tell us about this shield.

Where Does the Bible Mention the Shield of

Faith?
The Apostle Paul wrote about the shield of faith as part of the
armor of God every believer is to access daily. Here are Paul’s
words in the context of the passage in Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put
on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against
the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and
blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having
fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of
righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the
readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take
up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the
flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at
all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end,
keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the
saints.”
Paul includes the shield in a full set of spiritual armor to defend
believers against warfare that is “not of this world.” Christians
should keep their eyes on what is unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18),
including Satan’s work and attacks.
It’s important to consider that Paul was a well-educated,
sophisticated man. He didn’t frighten easily, as evidenced by his
numerous travels and the situations he’s survived (including being
shipwrecked three times). He ministered in a place and time
where Christians were arrested, imprisoned, and martyred. Despite
material threats, the enemy about which Paul spends his time
preaching is one we can’t see with our naked eye.
The shield of faith is the equipment God has provided to protect
us from Satan’s “fiery darts.” And yes, it’s unseen, but that doesn’t
make it any less real or effective.
What Kind of Shield Was Paul Talking About?
Soldiers and battles were commonplace in Paul’s day. Shields
varied depending on the people, nation, or tribe. Of course, a
shield needed to be sturdy enough to defend against arrows or
blades. However, it also needed to be light enough to be
maneuverable.
Typically, shields were fashioned of wood and even sometimes of
reeds woven into a wicker rectangle covered with animal hide.
These were lighter than metal (but when metal came along, it
obviously offered greater protection).
Romans were famous for the large rectangular metal shields they
carried. A troop of soldiers could stand together and “lock” shields
to form a greater barrier (called a “turtle formation”) for a forward
assault. The Greeks before them carried shields of bronze. Bronze
and metal were great developments against fiery arrows since
wood and wicker would have been susceptible. Paul was likely
referencing these shields in his passage. He’s suggesting we have
a shield of faith that covers us and provides complete protection.
Of course, humanity has made even greater improvements on the
shield. We can imagine force fields that rise around us on
command. Faith isn’t made of wood, wicker, bronze, or metal. It’s
a characteristic developed within us—a gift from God.

What Kind of Faith Was Paul Talking about?

Paul uses the Greek word pistis for faith here, according to
Strong’s Concordance (G4102). The essence of pistis  is a strong
assurance, conviction, or persuasion of the truth of something,
believing with confidence or trust.
Throughout the New Testament, faith is described as a quality
every believer must have (faith in Christ as Savior and Redeemer),
something required to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus chided
the disciples for having little faith (Matthew 8:26). Peter exhorts
us to increase in faith, along with other qualities (2 Peter 1:5-9).
Hence, faith seems to be like a muscle that can be strengthened
as it is exercised. Peter also encourages believers to add
knowledge to their faith. Faith isn’t about blind belief. Our faith
has historical context—written documentation for much of what
we believe occurred in both Testaments. Our faith also has
countless Christians who came before us, testifying to the truth.
Faith is also a spiritual gift that the Holy Spirit gives for building
up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:9). Some have greater
faith than others, but we aren’t to judge one another (Romans
14:1-4).
The faith Paul is talking about, a faith shielding against Satan’s
fiery darts, is available to every follower of Jesus Christ. It is about
having a strong assurance in the person and work of Jesus. This
faith is primarily informed by God’s Word (which is the sword
within our armor). So, reading, memorizing, studying, and
applying God’s Word is one way we activate this shield.
A strong defense requires having verses ready to apply to these
“fiery arrows” (lies, half-lies, and deceptive thoughts aimed at
causing us to doubt, become discouraged, or lose heart). The
words are our sword, and faith in the One who wrote them (the
Holy Spirit) is our shield. When Satan tempted Jesus in the
wilderness, He answered Satan’s temptation with God’s Word, His
ready shield and sword of defense.
Does Everyone Have a Shield of Faith?
Each of us has varying “degrees” of faith—some Christians have
greater faith than others for various reasons, so we needn’t worry.
God has placed us in a family of believers. We benefit from one
another’s faith. Groups of Christians (two or three believing
friends, a local congregation, or the global Christian community)
can form shield grids (sort of like the Enterprise) to guard
individuals or entire groups from the flaming arrows of evil.
We all experience times of faith being tested—times of fear or
doubt. In those times, we can lean on our brothers and sisters in
Christ to form a shield of faith around us. We don’t have to be
victims of evil. Jesus secured our victory on the cross and in
the resurrection. We pick up our shield or activate our “shield
grid,” and we’re covered.
From ancient times into a future we can only imagine, God has us
covered. Have faith in Him. Pick up that shield. You’re safe in Him.