TBP - The Shield of Faith
Battle and Build • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
We are going to look at how faith shields us, what the basis of our faith is, extinguishing the flaming arrows of the devil, and how we take up the shield of faith.
How Does Faith Shield Us? (vs 1)
How Does Faith Shield Us? (vs 1)
It is the assurance of things hoped for.
substance
That which underlies the apparent.
That which is the basis of reality.
In times of doubt and uncertainty the things that we know to be true and that we have based the reality of our lives on will sustain us.
In times of doubt and uncertainty the things that we know to be true and that we have based the reality of our lives on will sustain us.
The conviction of things not seen.
evidence that demands a verdict
the manifestation of the truth of the charge.
persuasion
In times of slander and attack by atheists and skeptics we can remind ourselves of all of the evidence that there is for our faith.
In times of slander and attack by atheists and skeptics we can remind ourselves of all of the evidence that there is for our faith.
What Is The Basis Of Our Faith? (vs. 2-6)
What Is The Basis Of Our Faith? (vs. 2-6)
vs. 2 - For by faith the people of old received their commendation.
We base our faith on His faithfulness.
God is Faithful.
He will fulfill His promises to me
Commendation - means a witness or testimony.
God did something so amazing in their life, that they have a testimony about God working in their life.
God did something so amazing in their life, that they have a testimony about God working in their life.
vs. 3 - By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God.
Understanding - to perceive with thought coming into consciousness.
We base our faith on the truth of God’s Word.
Proverbs 30:5 (NASB95)
Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
When we see God at work it gives us greater understanding of Him and how He works.
When we see God at work it gives us greater understanding of Him and how He works.
vs. 4 - By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain.
Through which he was commended as righteous.
God commending him
giving him a witness - martureo - martyr
accepting his gift.
Forerunner of Christ’s sacrifice
thought he died, he still speaks
and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.
If we have put our faith in Jesus, He is continually speaking on our behalf!
If we have put our faith in Jesus, He is continually speaking on our behalf!
vs. 5 - By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death.
God took him up.
He obtained the witness (martureo)
that before He was taken up he was pleasing to God.
Hope: There will be a resurrection. And like Enoch, you will be taken up!
Hope: There will be a resurrection. And like Enoch, you will be taken up!
Because of Christ’s gift of forgiveness you can live a life that is pleasing to God.
Because of Christ’s gift of forgiveness you can live a life that is pleasing to God.
vs. 6 - Faith is required to please God
You must believe that He exists.
You must believe that He rewards those who seek Him.
God wants to reward you! Salvation is the best and greatest reward. But, there are other things and ways He wants to reward you.
God wants to reward you! Salvation is the best and greatest reward. But, there are other things and ways He wants to reward you.
The Challenge: Are you seeking Him? Your seeking Him proves you have faith.
The Challenge: Are you seeking Him? Your seeking Him proves you have faith.
in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Extinguishing The Flaming Darts Of The Evil One (Thoughts)
Extinguishing The Flaming Darts Of The Evil One (Thoughts)
This goes back to basing our faith on the truth of God’s word.
fear
John 16:33 (NASB95)
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
unbelief
Mark 9:23–24 (NASB95)
And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”
worry
Matthew 6:31–32 (ESV)
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
More Flaming Darts
More Flaming Darts
Satan likes to Challenge Our Unity In Christ.
Go to the truth of God’s word!
being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
The Roman War Shield
2 shields - one was a small round shield for personal use.
The other was like carrying a door.
About 2 feet by 4 feet
2 sheets of wood glued together covered with linen and then leather, edged with iron, soaked in water.
The genius of this was in standing side by side and then over the top while they marched towards the city.
They marched as one unit
Satan likes to Challenge our Identity in Christ.
Go to the truth of God’s Word: Ephesians 1
In Him…Who are you in Christ?
What does God say about You?
Not how I feel about myself - depression
Not what do others say about me - shame
Not what I wish I were – insecure
Not what I think I am – pride
Satan likes to Challenge our Atonement in Christ.
Go to the truth of God’s Word!
combats false guilt
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;
When I look upon myself I see nothing but emptiness and weakness, but when I look upon Christ I see nothing but fullness and sufficiency.
When I look upon myself I see nothing but emptiness and weakness, but when I look upon Christ I see nothing but fullness and sufficiency.
How Do I Take Up The Shield Of Faith?
How Do I Take Up The Shield Of Faith?
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Apostle’s Teaching - Trusting the Gospel to shield us from Satan’s Lies.
This goes back to what we discussed 2 weeks ago. Look at the list.
Through the Gospel Satan has been disarmed and defeated.
Through the Gospel Christ has triumphed and there is nothing Satan can do to us that God does not allow.
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
Reminds us how much God loves us.
Reminds us He will take care of us.
Reminds us that He will see us through to the end.
Fellowship - getting to know others within the church.
koinonia - participation with others in the group.
there are so many ways one can fellowship.
Large groups, small groups, one on one
Worship, service work, ministry
Usually fellowshipping in this context has some element of Christian discussion or discourse in it.
Bring up Supper for six.
The Breaking of Bread - We are a community in Christ
This element shows our unity in our community
We are called a Faith Community for a reason
What Is Comm-Unity?
Com- with, together
Unity – oneness
We are a shield to one another.
The Roman war shield
Not only were they unified as one group, it was also group protection.
They marched together to also protect one another.
We are to help each other.
We can help each other extinguish the flaming arrows being fired at us.
For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.
Prayer - Accessing our help and strength
Luke 22:31–32 (NASB95)
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Prayer helps keep us alert, focused, and ready.
Prayer keeps us in tune with the battle plan.
Prayer helps us hear the directions of the General.
Prayer revitalizes and energizes us.
Worship songs are a form of prayer.
Consistently and corporately
What do I hope you take away from today’s sermon?
Faith is based on the truth of God’s word.
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Faith is based on God’s faithfulness.
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Faith gives us a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
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Faith’s reward is greater faith and stability through life’s storms.
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Our faith is exercised in community through helping others grow in their faith.
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Oftentimes God’s faithfulness is shown through the faithfulness of His saints.
Closing Song: By Faith
They’ll know we are Christians by our love.