For the next few weeks we will examine and discuss the spiritual weaponry that God has made available to us as believers. Today, we begin with “The Shield of Faith”.
“Above all...”
At first this appears to be telling us that the Shield of Faith has “priority”, but in reality it refers to the location of our Faith. Above All (epi pasin) means “out in front”. That’s where our shield of confidence in God and His Word should always be... Out in Front of our hearts and minds.
“The Shield” - a two-fold purpose
First, it’s a defensive weapon to quinch the “feiry darts” (belos); to extenguish “angry arrows” that have been dipped in flammable liquids and lit on fire!
Secondly, it’s an offensive weapon.
A roman shield was made of brass that could be polished to obtain a “mirror finish” and when used in battle it could reflect the Sun to temporarily blind the enemy. We too can lift our shield to the SON and His Glory will deter and destroy our adversaries! ( II Corinthians 3:18 NLT)
“Take up...” (analambano) to pick up repeatedly...
This word describes our Faith - not as possessional, but POSITIONAL. If we’ve been born again, we have all been given a “measure of Faith...” (Romans 12:3)
The big question is Where have you put it? We know you have it somewhere...but where is it? Often times we tend to leave it somewhere or lay it down somewhere... We become sidetracked and stick it somewhere...
The term “Take up” means “GO GET IT!” “FIND IT!” “Pick it up and get it out in front of you!!”
Stay firm in the Faith,
Pastor Jody
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