Ephesians 6:16

"Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]." Ephesians 6:16

Soldiers of Christ, we've seen from many key verses during this teaching of the armor, which prove that it is not a holy pretending of putting something on... but is literally an internal strengthening process of mind, body, and soul, which comes from daily study of the Gospel... staying alert to the leading of the Holy Spirit, walking in a spirit of love, communicating directly with God in all our daily activity, and many other things... all associated with being "in Christ". And so if this is true, then we must ask, how do you lift up faith as though it were a shield?

Remember in chapter two, Paul talked about us being at one time "dead in trespasses". It was our natural bend to go out with the world and do as they do. Today, the temptation is still there and when an old friend asks, "Hey, you want to stay the night with me", and you know it violates even one of the things God says not to do... "RIGHT THERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LIFT UP YOUR FAITH". You can just say no, and that would be very wise... however, is that really lifting up anything? No.

The fact is, is that we've already missed an opportunity to lift up our faith and if we don't tell our friend "why" we can't stay the night, we will miss another opportunity. In fact, the attacks will keep coming and coming, because we have not done what Paul is suggesting. Too often, we introduce ourselves to others and never mention whom we are in Christ. If we lifted our faith high over ourselves, the truth is the enemy's attacks would "all" (Paul says) be quenched. In fact, the one writing this letter himself, lived a perfect example of this way of life. A careful study of Paul's writing reveals right up front of every letter, "who he was in Christ". Paul lived his life walking far away from the line between holy and unholy. Even in the area of pride, Paul used reverse boasting... I mean, he let you know that he was a sinner, a nothing without Christ Jesus... he immediately pushes himself far away from even being able to boast. Paul raised his faith like a huge banner. Study the history of shields and one thing you will see consistently is that all across the front of a shield was painted "who you belonged to".

In addition to the other armor (training, development, and covering) that we dawn now... Lift up your faith so that the enemy is already on the offense, the moment they see you coming. Thank You for this Word today, Father!

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:17a next time.

I love you.