"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” ~Ephesians 6:14-17

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” ~Ephesians 6:14-17

Paul, and every other person at that time, was very familiar with the uniform of the Roman soldiers who patrolled the streets and were present at every event. Every item was important, necessary for the protection and saving of life. I’ve been told that if a soldier misplaced their shield, it was automatic execution.

How important was that shield? They were made of leather. Common warfare tactics included shooting flaming arrows over walls, so the soldiers would soak their shields in water so if a fiery arrow made contact, it would be extinguished with a hiss. Look at how Paul connected that in this verse: “take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Paul calls it the shield of faith - what makes it extra? I believe it’s because it is referring to the faith of Jesus. His faithfulness to give Himself over to the cross. He covers us in our battles and without Him, we are as good as dead. Automatic execution. The battle belongs to the Lord. He gives us protection against temptation so that we can walk in victory. His victory. We stand firm because of Him.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:11

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:2