Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

The next piece of armour is the shield of faith (v. 16). The Roman shield was shaped like a small door and protected most of the body. It was made of wood and covered with hide or metal. Soldiers would interlock their shields, making them invincible. The shield was particularly effective against darts or arrows which could disrupt and kill. 

The ‘flaming arrows’ of verse 16 symbolise the attacks of the ‘evil one’. Satan’s quiver includes temptation, condemnation, blasphemous thoughts, doubts and discouragements. God has given the devil permission to attack us; Satan has access to our minds. It is not sinful to be tempted. Yet we defeat the devil’s attacks by faith. Faith is active – we are to take up the shield. Faith is fuelled by Scripture – we look away from ourselves to God and His strength; He is our shield (Ps. 18:1–5). Faith is also strengthened by fellowship. Just as interlocked shields made soldiers nearly invincible, so we need one another. How do you grow in faith? 

Next comes the helmet of salvation (v. 17). The helmet was vital protection of the head. Enemies used axes or broad swords to disable the Roman soldier by slicing his head. Therefore, Roman helmets were made of metal or of leather with metal plates. The picture of a helmet reminds us of the importance of the Christian mind. We are to be renewed by the transforming of our minds (Rom. 12:1–2). What enters our minds will determine the kind of people we become, so we are to fill our minds with the truths about salvation. Salvation is multi-dimensional, covering the past, present and future (Rom. 8:1, 28–39). How do the blessings of salvation we have explored in Ephesians help us to overcome? 

The last piece of armour is the sword of the Spirit (v. 17). The Romans used a short stabbing sword. Our sword is of the Spirit, because He is the one who forged it, and it is the Word of God. God’s Word is authoritative and powerful, and so our principal offensive weapon. 

The Scriptures are from beginning to end the very words of God (2 Tim. 3:16–17). We can trust them because we can trust God. Jesus met temptation with the Word of God; we can do the same (Matt. 4:1–11) The Scriptures contain all that God intends us to know to be saved and to live a life that pleases Him.

Reflection

Look back over all the spiritual armour. What are our principal weapons in resisting Satan (2 Cor. 10:1–5; 1 Thes. 5:8–11)?