February 11, 2022
Shield of Faith
Lord’s Prayer Focus: The Father’s Protection – “...but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13b).
Ephesians 6:16 (ESV) — In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
As Paul continues the Christian warfare analogy, he moves to the shield of faith. The imagery he draws is that faith is like the Roman shields. The shields would lock together so that each soldier was strengthened and protected by his comrades. Just as Roman soldiers relied not just on their own shields, but also on the shields of those around them, so too our faith is interwoven with other believers.
When we think of faith, we often think of our individual faith in Jesus. That isn’t a wrong view of faith, but it is incomplete. Our faith is tied to our community. The communal nature of faith provides protection through accountability. As sin attempts to isolate us (James 1:14) our friends in the faith call us to repentance. Our faith community also brings an added deterrent to falling to Satan’s schemes. When we understand that our failings affect the Christians around us and our sin affects weakens the body, we are more likely to resist. As Satan attacks us with temptations and trials, we must lean on our faith in God’s promises and our community to have victory over sin.
As we evangelize, we need to be clear about what the call to faith and repentance includes. Salvation brings us to new life and a new family.
Consider:
Prayer Points:
Pray that you and your community would stand together against the attacks of Satan.
Lord’s Prayer Focus: The Father’s Protection – “...but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13b).
Ephesians 6:16 (ESV) — In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
As Paul continues the Christian warfare analogy, he moves to the shield of faith. The imagery he draws is that faith is like the Roman shields. The shields would lock together so that each soldier was strengthened and protected by his comrades. Just as Roman soldiers relied not just on their own shields, but also on the shields of those around them, so too our faith is interwoven with other believers.
When we think of faith, we often think of our individual faith in Jesus. That isn’t a wrong view of faith, but it is incomplete. Our faith is tied to our community. The communal nature of faith provides protection through accountability. As sin attempts to isolate us (James 1:14) our friends in the faith call us to repentance. Our faith community also brings an added deterrent to falling to Satan’s schemes. When we understand that our failings affect the Christians around us and our sin affects weakens the body, we are more likely to resist. As Satan attacks us with temptations and trials, we must lean on our faith in God’s promises and our community to have victory over sin.
As we evangelize, we need to be clear about what the call to faith and repentance includes. Salvation brings us to new life and a new family.
Consider:
- Are you taking part of your community (church, small groups, bands) to strengthen your faith and resist the attacks of Satan?
Prayer Points:
Pray that you and your community would stand together against the attacks of Satan.
Posted in 2022 Prayer and Fasting