Key Verse: “In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16 CSB)
When you’re under attack, taking cover is almost always a good strategy. For the Roman army, one of the many dangers that they faced in battle was flaming arrows that were shot at them by opposing armies. The arrows would typically be dipped in pitch, lit on fire, and then shot in mass quantity at them. The best defensive strategy in these situations was to simply take cover under their shields in order to be protected.
A Roman soldier typically had two types of shields that were used in battle. There was a smaller one about the size of a Frisbee that was held in their hand to provide a measure of protection during hand-to-hand combat. They also had a much larger shield about the size of a door. This was used as a full body protection when the flaming arrows began to fly.
Using the same imagery, Paul shows us how we can be successful in battle when “the evil one” turns his sights on us and begins to fire his “flaming arrows” our way. Typically coming in the form of lies, doubts and temptations, these are the ways that Satan attacks us as we seek to stand firm and be faithful to Jesus Christ and His mission for us.
Paul tells us however that we can successfully stand firm regardless of what the evil one sends our way. How is this possible? “In every situation,” Paul writes, “take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (v.16). The key to our protection and victory is faith. As John writes, “This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith” (1 John 5:4b).
What does it look like to take up the shield of faith? Ultimately it means turning our focus to God and putting our trust in what He has promised and what He has said. So when the evil one seeks to tempt us into sin, just like he tried with Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11), we demonstrate our faith by trusting in and acting on His faithful promises. “But God is faithful, he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
When the enemy shoots a fiery arrow of doubt, causing us to wonder whether we have finally strayed too far from God to be forgiven of our sin, taking up the shield of faith means trusting in His promise that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
When the enemy shoots a fiery arrow by whispering in our ear that perhaps God doesn’t really love us, taking up the shield of faith means rejecting that lie and holding onto the truth that “God proved his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). No matter what the evil one attempts to send our way, faith in the the truth of God is always sufficient to extinguish these flaming arrows.
What are the flaming arrows that the evil one has been shooting at you? What temptations, doubts or lies is he attempting to take you off track? Take up the shield of faith today. Put your trust in all that God has already said and promised. When you do, every flaming arrow will be extinguished.
Prayer: God, you are greater than any temptations, lies or doubts that the enemy will send my way. Holy Spirit, where faith is lacking in my life right now, fill me again with a renewed trust in the character and promises of God. Help me to stand firm in faith so that the flaming arrows will be extinguished. My hope is in you, Jesus. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
