Topical Bible: Faith: Protection of, Illustrated: A Shield

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In the biblical context, faith is often depicted as a protective shield, a metaphor that underscores its role in safeguarding believers from spiritual harm and adversity. This imagery is vividly presented in the Scriptures, where faith is portrayed as a vital component of the believer's spiritual armor.

Biblical References:

1. Ephesians 6:16 : "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's exhortation to the Ephesians to put on the full armor of God. The shield of faith is described as a defensive tool that can quench the fiery darts of the devil, symbolizing the protection faith provides against spiritual attacks and temptations.

2. Psalm 91:4 : "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." Here, the psalmist uses the imagery of a shield to describe God's faithfulness, which is intrinsically linked to the believer's faith. This passage highlights the protective nature of faith, as it aligns with God's unwavering faithfulness.

3. Proverbs 30:5 : "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." This proverb emphasizes the reliability of God's word and the protection it offers to those who trust in Him. Faith in God's promises acts as a shield, providing security and refuge.

Theological Insights:

The metaphor of faith as a shield is deeply rooted in the understanding of faith as an active trust in God. In the ancient world, a shield was an essential part of a soldier's armor, providing defense against enemy attacks. Similarly, faith serves as a spiritual defense mechanism, enabling believers to withstand trials and challenges.

Faith, as a shield, is not passive but requires active engagement. Believers are called to "take up" the shield of faith, indicating a conscious decision to trust in God's power and promises. This act of faith involves reliance on God's strength rather than one's own abilities, acknowledging that true protection comes from Him.

The shield of faith also signifies the communal aspect of the Christian life. In ancient warfare, soldiers would often align their shields to form a protective barrier. Likewise, the collective faith of the Christian community provides mutual support and protection, reinforcing the believer's individual faith.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, the shield of faith encourages believers to immerse themselves in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians. By doing so, they strengthen their faith and enhance their ability to resist spiritual attacks. The shield of faith is a reminder that, while challenges and temptations are inevitable, believers have a powerful means of protection through their faith in God.

In summary, the illustration of faith as a shield serves as a powerful reminder of the protective and sustaining power of faith in the life of a believer. Through faith, Christians are equipped to face the spiritual battles of life, confident in the protection and promises of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... The doctrine resulting from this petition, illustrated by an example ... are united with
us in one faith, who has ... for husbands and live under their protection (Isa.4 ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

The Songs of the Fugitive.
... pining after the ark is illustrated by those ... The expression of unwavering faith and
unbroken peace ... triumphant reiteration of God's all-sufficient protection. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xv the songs of the.htm

Adoption --The Spirit and the Cry
... This according to the apostle is further illustrated by our ... God, we are under his
special protection as to life ... and to the confirmation of your faith in Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 24 1878/adoptionthe spirit and the cry.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... the great commendation of her faith and good ... every individual person under his
protection; though he ... of the Hebrews, is greatly illustrated by Sanchoniatho's ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... terms of the figure, but simply illustrated from it ... are, it requires only candor
and faith to receive ... main incident, the withdrawal of God's protection from his ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

Of the Last Resurrection.
... of Stephen, to commit ourselves to the protection of Christ ... the obscurity of the
doctrine was illustrated in the ... pious worshipers of God receive by faith only? ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 25 of the last.htm

Chapter xxxii
... gracious gifts at God's hands is best illustrated by the ... God's Rich Assurances, or
The Strong Protection of God's ... as The Crowning Victory of Jacob's Faith-Life ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm

Book iii.
... of our victory is gained by His protection and through ... His position was thus illustrated:
[5302] "Thou grievest over ... that those who with a full faith have been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... yet, a few years ago, The Illustrated London News ... witness is a confirmation of the
faith of God's ... there was an Episode relating the protection and deliverance ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

Homiletical.
... Beware lest in self protection thou prove ... gospel of the kingdom, he received the
faith in his ... righteousness, is conduct which seems to me illustrated by actors ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm