Shield of Faith for Satan S Darts
[ ] 10/10//07 #739
SHIELD OF FAITH FOR SATAN’S DARTS
Ephesians 6:16-18
INTRODUCTION: Evil forces are at work in our world. One only has to read today’s newspaper or listen to the news on TV to realize this. Satan is working in the church as well. A quick look at churches’ membership rolls will reveal the many names of individuals who are no longer active in church. Paul wrote of the military shield used to protect the whole body from the fiery darts of the enemy. Christians are in a spiritual war. Our enemy seeks to destroy us. We must have the shield of faith to protect us from spiritual harm. There were two kinds of shields. One was small and round while the other was an oblong shield about two by four feet that protected the whole body. Paul wrote about the oblong shield.
I. DARTS OF SATAN
Satan’s darts are intended to cause us to doubt God and to desire things forbidden by God. Satan knows the weakness of our flesh and how prone we are to sin. His darts of temptation are aimed to cause us to sin against the Lord.
A. TEMPTATION FROM WITHOUT.
1. Temptation of Eve. (doubt)
2. Temptation of Achan. (covetousness)
3. Temptation of David. (lust)
4. Temptation of Judas. (betrayal of Christ)
B. TEMPTATION FROM WITHIN.
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.” James 1:14 - 16
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor. 10:12 – 14
“They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” Luke 8:13
II. DEFENSE AGAINST SATAN
In times of attack, the believer uses the shield of faith for protection from Satan’s fiery darts. Faith brings us into the reality of God’s presence. God stands between us and the enemy. Example of Moses, the Red Sea, and Pharaoh.
A. SHIELD OF FAITH. v. 16
“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Genesis 15:1
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in
him.” Proverbs 30:5
“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” Psalms 119:114
“But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” Psalms 3:3
B. SWORD OF THE SPIRIT. v. 17
When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He used the Word of God as a sword. The Word of God is the spiritual weapon we use when we wrestle against spiritual powers of darkness. The Truth of God’s Word is a sword against Satan’s lies. The weapons of this world have no effect upon the spiritual world.
C. SPIRIT OF PRAYER. v. 18
The Christian is a soldier in the army of God. Prayer is the means of communicating with the Captain of our salvation. In close communion with Jesus, He directs us in this spiritual battle.
III. DEFEAT OF SATAN
A. SATAN IS DISARMED. Heb. 2:14
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Heb. 2:14- 15
B. SATAN IS DOOMED. Rev. 20:10 “cast into the lake of fire and brimstone”
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. The shield offers protection from Satan’s attack only when the believer appropriates it by faith.
2. Demonic oppression will rob us of our joy, praise and victory we have in Jesus.
3. Satan is like a roaring lion roaming about, seeking whom he may devour.
He will cause a child of God to feel guilt, shame and despair. In times of attack, we must put up the shield of faith, and claim the promises of God.
4. Faith in God is rooted in the promises of God’s Word. We must saturate our minds with the pure Word of God. We must trust God for His grace is sufficient.
5. We must not grow weary in the battle and let down our shield. The shield protects us from the fiery darts of our adversary. Therefore, “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Eph. 6:10
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7