How does Ephesians 6:16 connect with Hebrews 11:1 on faith's importance? The Shield Paul Hands Us “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16) Faith Defined by the Writer of Hebrews “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) How the Two Verses Interlock • Hebrews 11:1 answers the “what is it?” question; Ephesians 6:16 answers the “what does it do?” question. • Assurance and certainty (Hebrews 11:1) become a movable, protective shield (Ephesians 6:16) that you actively “take up.” • The moment faith is exercised, its invisible assurance performs visible work—blocking flaming arrows of doubt, temptation, accusation, fear. What Flaming Arrows Look Like • Accusation: Revelation 12:10 calls Satan “the accuser of our brothers.” Faith counters with Romans 8:1—“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” • Temptation: 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises a way of escape; faith takes that promise at face value and steps through it. • Fear and Anxiety: Philippians 4:6-7 commands trustful prayer; faith rests in the peace that “guards your hearts and minds.” • Doubt about God’s character: James 1:17 reminds us every good gift is from the Father—faith holds that gift tightly. Why the Shield Is Indispensable • Paul says “in addition to all this,” signaling that even with belt, breastplate, shoes, helmet, and sword, the shield is still essential. • Shields in Roman warfare spanned nearly the whole body; likewise, faith covers every spiritual vulnerability. • Without faith it is “impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6), so without the shield the rest of the armor loses effectiveness. Faith in Action—Examples from Hebrews 11 • Noah built an ark without ever seeing rain—his certainty birthed obedience. • Abraham left home, “not knowing where he was going”—his assurance fueled courage. • Moses “left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger”—his invisible conviction quenched visible threats. Other Verses That Echo the Connection • 1 John 5:4—“Everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.” • 2 Corinthians 5:7—“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” • John 20:29—“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” • Psalm 18:30—“He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” Practical Steps to Lift Your Shield • Memorize Scripture promises; they form the shield’s sturdy frame. • Speak those promises aloud when arrows fly; faith grows by hearing (Romans 10:17). • Keep fellowship with believers; overlapping shields made ancient armies nearly impregnable. • Obey promptly; every step of obedience laminates your shield with fresh certainty. Quick Takeaways • Hebrews 11:1 describes faith’s nature; Ephesians 6:16 describes faith’s function. • Assurance becomes armor when actively wielded. • The invisible breastplate of certainty extinguishes visible attacks. • Faith is not optional equipment; it is the front-line defense that makes the rest of the armor effective. |
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