Armour of God: The Shield of Faith

It’s Been a Little While

Before jumping into the next piece of the armour, I want to acknowledge that it has been a little while since my last post. I had hoped to keep a steady cadence with this series, but life has a way of filling up. Between video editing, getting our YouTube channel and podcasts running, learning more about audio production, a demanding stretch at my day job, and the usual rhythm of family, kids, and a sprinkling of unplanned appointments, the last couple of weeks have been fuller than expected. Even so, I have been looking forward to getting back into this study, and today we continue.

The Next Piece

After looking at the shoes of the gospel of peace, the next piece in our study of the Whole Armour of God is the shield of faith. Unlike the helmet, breastplate, belt, or footwear, the shield is the first piece of armor that must be actively held. A soldier does not simply put on a shield. He picks it up, grips it, and uses it with purpose. It requires intention and strength. In the same way, faith is not passive. It is something the believer must lift, hold, and apply in real time.

Roman soldiers carried a large, rectangular shield called a scutum, often about four feet tall and curved slightly to wrap around the soldier’s body. This shield was designed to stop arrows, spears, and heavy strikes. A soldier could crouch behind it for protection, lock it together with other shields for group defense, or push forward with it while advancing. It was more than another piece of armor. It was the first line of defense, and it only worked when the soldier chose to use it. A shield leaning against a wall protected no one. A shield held loosely offered little safety. It had to be raised at the right moment, angled properly, and gripped firmly. Faith works the same way. It must be taken up and used, not admired from a distance.

Paul teaches this spiritual truth in Ephesians 6:16:

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Why Faith is Pictured as a Shield

Faith protects the believer by placing confidence in God’s character rather than in circumstances, emotions, or human reasoning. When Scripture speaks of faith, it is not referring to vague optimism or positive thinking. Faith is trust in who God is, what He has promised, and what He has already done. But for that protection to be felt, the believer must take hold of faith and lift it. Many parts of the Christian life are received passively, but faith is something exercised. Choosing to trust God, choosing to believe His promises, and choosing to rest in His strength are all actions. Faith engages the battle instead of shrinking from it.

Scripture gives several ways faith works as a shield:

• Faith believes God’s promises. Hebrews 11:1 says:

  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith rests on God’s Word even when circumstances seem uncertain.

• Faith relies on God’s strength, not our own. Psalm 18:2 says:

  “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.”

When our strength feels small, faith lifts our eyes to God’s strength.

• Faith resists fear. Isaiah 41:10 says:

  “Fear thou not; for I am with thee.”

Fear and faith cannot rule the heart at the same time.

The Danger of Fighting Without a Shield

A soldier entering battle without a shield would be exposed, vulnerable, and easily overwhelmed. Even a soldier who owned a shield but failed to raise it would face the same danger. Spiritually, a believer who does not actively use their faith, especially in moments of pressure, finds themselves open to doubt, fear, and temptation. The shield only works when it is lifted.

• Doubt gains ground

• Fear becomes louder than truth

• Temptation strikes harder

• Accusations feel heavier

• Circumstances seem bigger than God

Faith is what stands between the believer and the enemy’s attacks.

A Practical Way to Picture This Today

We understand the importance of a protective barrier:

• A police officer uses a ballistic shield for safety

• A welder uses a face shield to guard against sparks

• A hockey goalie uses pads to deflect incoming shots

In every case, something strong stands between danger and the person. Faith serves that role in the believer’s life. It deflects what would otherwise overwhelm.

What This Means For The Believer

Taking up the shield of faith means:

• Trusting God’s Word more than changing feelings

• Holding on to God’s promises when doubt creeps in

• Responding to fear with truth instead of emotion

• Choosing to believe that God is working even when you cannot see how

• Lifting the shield daily, not occasionally

• Using faith intentionally, because protection comes through applied trust

Faith is not worn. It is wielded. And the believer who lifts it consistently finds that it extinguishes attacks the moment they arrive.

For Those Who Aren’t Christians Yet

Faith begins with trusting Christ. A person cannot take up the shield of faith until they first place their faith in the One who saves. Until then, they face spiritual attacks unprotected and unshielded. When a person turns to Jesus, their faith is anchored in Someone strong enough to protect, guide, and save.

If you continue through this series, consider what it would mean to have God Himself as your shield. The peace, protection, and confidence described here are available to those who trust in Him.