The WHOLE ARMOR of GOD: SHIELD of FAITH

The Whole Armor of God: Shield of Faith

I. Intro. A short reminder:

Belt of Truth

Breastplate of Righteousness

Shoes of readiness of the Gospel of Peace

Now a “special” piece of armor. Why special? Because St. Paul preceded with a caution or a warning, then provided with a description of purpose. Eph. 6:16: In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.  

 

II.A. Warning – the most important warning before sending his brothers into the battle.

Example: Lt. Dan instructing Forrest Gump and Bubba. What did he tell them? 

 

II.B. The Shield of Faith – Eph. 4:4-6

Trinitarian faith – basis for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3)

Spirit – builds up the Body (the Church) – one hope, one call.   Lord/Son – faith, comes in one baptism.   Jesus discusses the basics with the crowd after the feeding of 5000. John 6:28-29: they: what shall we do?                              Jesus: believe! Have faith! In Him whom He (Father) has sent.   God and Father – over all, through all, and in all.   See Small Catechism, part II

 

III. Take away:

Three types of darts/arrows of the evil one:

a.      I’m not good enough

b.      They are not good enough

c.      God is not good enough

 

Shield of Baptismal faith [in God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit], nurtured by the Word and Sacraments, extinguishes ALL these arrows! 

YouTube service.