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This is Part 18 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up! In Part 10, we saw that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love! In Part 11, we saw that relationships matter and teamwork works! In Part 12, we saw that the struggle is real; however, Jesus is the real solution to our real problems. In Part 13, we saw that despite problems, superheroes are more than conquerors! In Part 14, we saw that true superheroes do not have identity crises – they know who they are even if others don’t! In Part 15, we saw that superheroes are always ready to fight evil with the belt of Truth. In Part 16, we saw that superheroes are always ready to resist evil by putting on the breastplate of righteousness. In Part 17, we saw that superheroes are always ready to walk with purpose.
In this message (Part 18), we will see that superheroes are always ready to deflect the enemy’s attacks by holding up the shield of faith.
Continuing the examination of the whole armor of GOD, we are now instructed to take up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
Marvel’s superhero, Captain America, has protected himself from the enemy’s blows many times thanks to the covering provided by his shield. As superheroes who sail for the Savior, we also find protection under the covering of the Shield. Just as the shield of a Roman soldier rested on a small clip attached to his loinbelt when it wasn’t in use, our shield of faith is attached to the Belt of Truth. The conclusion is simple but extremely important to understand: your faith is attached to GOD’s Word. And we are instructed to take up the shield of faith. In other words, faith is the shield. But what is faith?
What Is Faith?
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
(Hebrews 11:1) -ESV
GOD’s Word provides the definition of faith while the direction of faith is implied by the context of everything else found within the Bible. Simply put, faith is believing that and trusting in. This definition of faith contains two aspects: intellectual assent and trust. Intellectual assent is believing something to be true. Trust is actually relying on the fact that the something is true. A bridge can help illustrate this point. Intellectual assent is recognizing that a bridge is a bridge and agreeing that it is designed to support a person who walks across on it. Believing that a bridge is designed to support the weight of a person who walks across on that bridge is the intellectual assent. But actually walking across the bridge is trusting in the bridge that it will actually support your weight and you will not fall through to your death.
Faith In What Or Whom?
It’s not enough to merely have faith. Who or what we have faith in matters. Muslims place their faith in Muhammad and Allah, Hindus place their faith in a multitude of different gods and/or goddesses, and even atheists possess faith. For example, atheists would need to have faith that everything was created by nothing, out of nothing, and for no purpose or that the universe has always eternally existed, yet it exists without reason. They would also need to have faith that everything in nature with a design is without a Designer. Atheists would need to have faith that materials could somehow collaborate in order to generate life which produces emotions, thoughts, and a will to act. They would also need to have faith that mere matter in the shape of a brain is capable of producing thoughts and that those thoughts are somehow material rather than immaterial. Atheists also place their faith in their own bodies, believing that they can fall asleep at night and still wake up breathing the next day. They also possess faith by trusting that the food another person made for him/her isn’t poisoned, that friends or co-workers aren’t engaged in a conspiracy to harm him/her, that the law of gravity won’t suddenly stop working as expected, or even that the sun won’t explode today. Every time an atheist makes plans for the future, they are doing so in faith that tomorrow exists. Many atheists also possess faith that they were created via purposeless evolution yet somehow evolved with the purpose of becoming better and better as time goes on. Oddly enough, some atheists even have faith that life on other planets exist without having any proof of such life in existence. In fact, many atheists have faith that black holes exist even though they have no personal experience that would allow them to believe in such a thing. So, in whom or what should we place our faith? It matters. Should we place our faith in our works? In religion? Well, for Christians, this faith that is our shield is not mere belief that GOD exists; rather, it is the belief that GOD exists and the trust in GOD that He will ultimately bring about what is best and what is right. Our faith is in Jesus.
Believing that Jesus was a historical figure who died from crucifixion is not enough. Even the demons believe that GOD is real and Jesus died on a cross (James 2:19). As I stated in my other article, “What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?“, belief is only the beginning in a Christian’s walk of faith; in fact, faith will launch the Christian into action. A Christian is also to perpetuate a healthy habit of confessing his/her sins, repent from sinning, walk by faith, live righteously, and live out the great commandment of loving GOD and loving others while fulfilling the great commission. Belief is only the first half – trust is the other half! We must personally and fully rely on the death of Christ as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. We must not merely believe that Jesus is the Bridge, but also walk across the Bridge of salvation which Jesus graciously provides to the other side, trusting in the Bridge to support us and save us. This is saving faith. The faith GOD requires of us for salvation is belief in what the Bible says about who Jesus is and what He accomplished and fully trusting in Jesus for that salvation (Acts 16:31). Why is this definition of faith so important? Why must trust of the unseen promise accompany acknowledgment of facts? Because “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Without faith, we cannot be saved (John 3:16). Without faith, the Christian life cannot be what GOD intends it to be.
Back in ancient Greece, each Spartan hoplite came together to form a phalanx. Their trust was in each other and each individual man held up his shield with all of the other shields coming together to form one larger shield. A man didn’t just believe that other Spartans were around him, but he believed in those other Spartans to see what he didn’t see and protect him as they fought with him. As Christians, we can also come together to form a faithful phalanx; in fact, GOD’s Word instructs us to do so (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). However, we must all come together with our trust ultimately in the Lord because it is only through the Lord that we will be saved (Psalm 118:8-9; John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8-9). Faith is the shield; our faith is in Jesus; therefore, Jesus is the Shield. All throughout the Bible, it is written that GOD is our shield (Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 33:29; 2Samuel 22:3,31; Psalm 3:3; 5:12; 7:10; 18:2,30,35; 28:7; 33:20; 84:9,11; 91:4; 115:9-11; 119:114; 144:2; Proverbs 2:7; 30:5). Jesus is GOD; therefore, Jesus is the Shield.
Take It Up!
Again, belief is only the beginning in a Christian’s walk of faith; in fact, faith will launch the Christian into action. Is this shield of faith a given? No. We are instructed to “take up” the shield. If you don’t pick the shield up and hold it up, it won’t do you any good. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26) because the lack of works reveals an unchanged life or a spiritually dead heart; a truly transformed life of faith is demonstrated by the works we do and is showcased by our fruit (John 15:8). How we live reveals what we believe and whether the faith we profess to have is a living faith.
Big Faith = Big Shield:
There were typically two kinds of shields used in ancient warfare: one was smaller, carried upon the arm, and which could be moved and used with little effort in order to protect particular parts of the body; the other one was large, planted in front of the soldier and covered the whole person. It is the latter which is referred to in the text, as the word which describes it clearly shows. The word for “shield” is taken from the Greek word thureos, which was used by the Greeks to refer to a door that was wide in width and long in length. Paul paints a picture that the soldier was inaccessible and untouchable because it completely covered the soldier. And that is the kind of shield which Paul instructs us to have. Our shield is not just for small and specific protection for a particular part of the body; rather, our shield is to be a great barrier that covers us completely. So, how do we get this large shield? The greater the faith, the larger the covering of the shield. But what does great faith look like? Believe it or not, it looks like a child. We need faith like that of a child (Matthew 18:1-4; Mark 10:15). The Father wants what is best for you and will provide covering. At the end of it all, Jesus has made us a Home to dwell in for eternity (John 14:2). Seek GOD, rely on Him, and trust in Him. Just as children trust their earthly fathers, we should trust that our “Father who is in heaven [will] give good things to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:7-11). Children don’t typically ever doubt that their parents are going to love them and do what is best and what is right for their sake. Likewise, we don’t ever need to doubt that our Father in Heaven will do what is best and right for our sake (Luke 11:11-13).
Big Shield = Big Responsibility:
In the majority of cases, the Roman soldier’s shield was composed of multiple layers – usually six layers – of thick animal hide that had been tightly woven together. These layers were woven so tight that they became almost as strong as steel. Though strong and durable, the shield needed care. Because the Roman soldier’s shield was made of leather, it was important for the soldier to take good care of it. Being leather, it could eventually become stiff and breakable over a period of time. If dried out, it would form cracks and become unreliable. Consequently, a soldier had to maintain his shield by rubbing oil into the leather to keep it soft, supple, and pliable. Likewise, we need to maintain our faith with fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. Without daily anointing of the Holy Spirit, your faith will become hard, stiff, brittle, and breakable. A faith-life that is ignored nearly always breaks and leaves a person vulnerable during battle with the enemy. Too many believers make the incredibly tragic mistake of thinking they can stay under constant protective covering and keep moving forward in the walk with GOD on the steam of their past experiences, but no believer can fuel the fire of the faith-furnace on past experiences. Our walk with GOD is an ever-present daily experience. Therefore, make sure you spend time alone with GOD every day in the Word and in prayer.
Faith Deflects Fiery Darts:
What are the fiery darts? Doubt? Fear? Perhaps a professor launches challenging questions that shake your faith? Maybe you suddenly lose your stable job? Perhaps there is an unexpected death of a loved one? Maybe a natural disaster tears apart your home? Regardless of what these darts are, they are all surprise attacks from Satan, an ambush from the adversary. While under attack, people tend to wonder if GOD is there, aware, or even cares. If these fiery darts are not blocked, they will pierce and penetrate.
Ancient soldiers used the large shield to hide under when archers would launch a barrage of arrows toward them. In the 2006 movie, 300, even the courageous Spartans had been temporarily immobilized while hiding under their shields from arrows that rained down on them from the Persians. But as soon as the arrows stopped, they were able to march forward once again.
Scripture warns us that these arrows launched by Satan from the fiery pits of Hell are themselves fiery. The Greek word used to describe these particular “darts” is a specific and ancient word of warfare. Thucydides, the ancient Greek writer, used the identical Greek expression to depict especially terrible arrows that were equipped to carry fire. All fires start with either a single spark or a flickering flame that fans out. The goal of the arrows of fire is to cease progress of the soldiers and make sure the army doesn’t advance forward. If the soldiers can’t advance forward in the moment, they might just believe that they will never be able to advance forward and then decide to retreat and flee in fear or surrender in submission. If the fiery dart enters you, it would seem that the fire would burn within you and consume you just as the fire of Hell would also consume you. Fire-bearing arrows were used to inflict damage and/or destruction on a fortified place or an encampment. And since your body is the living temple of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 6:19), Satan desires to burn the building down.
Before a Roman soldier went out to war, he typically placed his shield in water and allowed it to become saturated. The reason for this is because the enemies used arrows that carried fire. But even when those flaming arrows came at the soldier, the saturated surface of the shield would help extinguish the flaming arrow, or at the very least, prevent the flame from transferring from that arrow to him. Likewise, we need to keep our shield of faith completely saturated with “the washing of water with the word” (Ephesians 5:26). Our Word-saturated shields possess the power to extinguish the flaming arrows, or at the very least, prevent us from being consumed by the fire. Think about it: the shield is maintained by oil and water. The oil symbolizes the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit and the water symbolizes GOD’s Word. Are you maintaining your shield? Preventative maintenance is better than corrective surgery. Do not wait until you see the cracks in your shield before you decide to care for it. All the enemy needs to penetrate the fortified structure of your living temple is one opening.
Another thought regarding these fiery darts is that this might be a reference to arrows with poison tips. This is also a good analogy. The poison of fear spreads just as fast as fire, if not faster. For this reason, ancient Israelite soldiers were commanded to go home and not join in the battle if they were full of fear (Deuteronomy 20:8). However, GOD’s Word repeatedly informs us that we are not to fear. In fact, the phrase “do not fear” is found 38 times in the Bible (ESV), the phrase “do not be afraid” is found 33 times, and the phrase “fear not” is found 34 times. Those alone add to 105 times we are told not to fear. But then if we add how many times we have been commanded not to worry, not to be anxious, or that we should rely upon GOD, the picture becomes clear: we are not to fear. In fact, Jesus provides a good reason why we shouldn’t fear finite and fallible humans:
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
(Matthew 10:28; see also, Luke 12:5) -ESV
From the beginning until the end, GOD has been in control and always will be in control. The first fiery dart Satan ever launched at humanity was aimed at the heart and this is why the heart is the start and we must wear the breastplate of righteousness to protect our hearts. Knowing how much GOD loved Adam and Eve, Satan targeted Adam and Eve. Knowing how much Adam loved Eve, Satan targeted Eve. The first fiery dart was doubt, denial, and deception (Genesis 3:1). The second fiery dart was pride (Genesis 3:5). The ultimate end goal of all fiery darts is to first tear your life apart and then tear you away from GOD. In fact, this is evident in the book of Job; Satan desired to tear Job’s life apart with intentions of ultimately tearing Job away from GOD. And GOD allowed Satan to launch his fiery arrows at Job so that He could prove that He is our Shield by protecting Job from his accuser. GOD’s reversal tactic was also revealed in Jesus. Jesus allowed death to overcome Him (John 10:18) so that He could in turn conquer death (Luke 24:5-7). From the beginning, GOD allowed the temporary separation of humanity from Him so that He can conquer evil and reunite us all with Him under His covering. The complete picture of our story reveals GOD’s power and love as our Shield.
The Shield Is Spiritual:
A common misconception about the shield of faith is that this shield will protect us from all physical follies and mayhem from mismanagement. The shield of faith is, in fact, spiritual. In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego held up their shields of faith while in the fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them in the fire if they did not fall down and worship the gods and the golden image he set up. The three men of faith essentially responded by proclaiming that GOD could remove them from physical harm if He wanted to do so, but that even if GOD didn’t save them from the physical fire, they knew they would never encounter the spiritual fire of Hell (Daniel 3:17-18). It is important to realize that these men of faith were thrown into the physical fire. Their faith did not prevent them from experiencing the physical fire in the furnace. In this specific story, GOD miraculously intervened and acted as their physical shield. But that’s not always the case.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were mentioned in the book of Daniel and so Daniel should also be examined. Daniel also held up his shield of faith in the den with lions (Daniel 6:22). But why? Because he refused to cave into demands to worship the king and was discovered praying to GOD (Daniel 6:11). If society ever gets to that point again, we must know how to respond in faith so that we will honor the Lord rather than people (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29). Remember: Jesus told us that if we refuse to acknowledge Him before people on Earth, He won’t acknowledge us before the Father in Heaven (Matthew 10:32-33).
What fiery darts have you experienced? If you haven’t experienced any fiery darts, I assure you that you most certainly will. Fiery darts look a lot like persecution and/or tribulation. It would be an enormous mistake to assume that the shield of faith completely covers our earthly bodies or physical possessions. The shield of faith is a spiritual shield and covers our soul in eternity. Both apostle Paul and the Lord Jesus warned us in advance that in this life, we will have trouble and experience pain and suffering; however, Jesus also gave us a promise and a reason to trust in Him:
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
(2Timothy 3:12) -ESV
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33) -NLT
Is your shield of faith paper thin and easy to tear apart or is it like Captain America’s shield and able to withstand the hardest of blows? Is it oiled and saturated and able to extinguish the flaming arrows? How confident is your trust in the Lord? This shield doesn’t just stop the arrows, but it also extinguishes the fire. It’s easy to have faith when everything seems to be going right, but how is your faith when it all starts to fall apart? When everything seems to be at its worst, do you trust GOD to have your best interest? Consider the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. What can we learn from the heroes of faith?
GOD declares us righteous when we have faith and trust in Him (Genesis 15:6). What you do cannot be separated from what you believe (Deuteronomy 27:9-10; Matthew 7:21). Jesus said no one’s faith in Israel was greater than the centurion who believed Jesus could accomplish His will by mere command from a distance (Luke 7: 2-10). We need to move from belief that to trust in. Are you willing to walk on the Bridge, even if that bridge appears to be shaky and unreliable? Even if there are gaps between the planks? In China, there exists a bridge that’s about 500 feet high with gaps between the planks. On this bridge, many people challenge themselves to walk by faith:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”
(Proverbs 3:5-7) -ESV
Understand this: GOD doesn’t promise us explanations for everything, but He does promise us an escape for whatever may come our way (1Corinthians 10:13). If the escape happens to be death, then life still awaits us:
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
(John 11:25-26) -ESV
It all boils down to trust in GOD. We know that all things are possible with GOD (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37). In fact, greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1John 4:4)!
The one being protected by the shield is unable to fight. Getting behind the shield is a purely defensive position and all trust is placed in the shield. Sometimes we just need to wait until the fiery arrows stop falling. Not all superheroes are witnessed flying in action; not all boxers are seen swinging. Boxers sometimes need to take up their gloves and block the opponent’s attacks. While behind the Shield, we simply need to be still and know that GOD is GOD (Psalm 37:5-7; 46:10).
We may have pain and suffering in this lifetime, but the final outcome is that we are more than conquerors in Christ (Romans 8:37) and we win in the end. Jesus will wipe away every tear and we will live in eternal joy (Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 7:17; 21:4). Our faith is in Jesus and His promise of our eternal joy. The shield of faith is constructed by our belief and is held together by every word of GOD. But do you know GOD’s Word? What’s holding your belief together? What transforms your belief into trust?
And because the shield of faith is so important, it is written that above all, or in all circumstances, we are to take up the shield of faith. The phrase Paul used is taken from the Greek phrase epi pasin. The word epi means over. The word pasin means all or everything. Rather than referring to being more important than the other pieces of armor, the phrase epi pain describes position over the other pieces of armor. Therefore, it means that this shield is out in front as a covering. Faith is meant to be out in front! Faith was never meant to be held next to your side or to be timidly held behind your back. Faith is our covering. Are you covered? For a soldier in GOD’s army (or any army), the shield is not optional – it’s a requirement. Paul wrote to Timothy and emphasized the importance of this shield: “wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith” (1Timothy 1:18-19). In other words, by ignoring or neglecting the maintaining of their faith, some brothers and sisters in the Lord freely chose to travel down the wrong path that eventually led them to being vulnerable to the enemy’s attack. Again, remember that preventative maintenance on a ship is better than an emergency evacuation plan due to the ship sinking out of neglect from proper inspection and correction.
So, does the Shield of Faith work? In the words of Peggy Carter from the 2011 movie, Captain America: The First Avenger, after firing a gun at Steve Rogers while he was holding the shield in front of him, I will also say, “Yes, I think it works.”
Quest For Truth 
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