EPISODE 0098 | Shield Of Faith
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0098
Faith is our shield in the spiritual battle, protecting us from the enemy’s attacks and helping us stand firm. In this episode, we explore the Shield of Faith and its vital role in the armor of God. Learn how to strengthen your faith, overcome challenges, and stand with others to create a shield wall of faith. Victory comes not just from individual belief but from trusting God together as His people.
Characteristics of the Roman Shield
The Roman shield—the scutum—was not the standard "medieval-esque" shield most picture.
• It was instead a very large, slightly curved rectangular shield featuring at its center a large metal knob (called a boss).
• It was an impressive line of defense. Because of its sheer size. It was three and a half feet tall and almost three feet wide, soldiers were afforded a great deal of protection from enemies.
• It had a slight curve and was able to deflect attacks and transferring and deflecting the impact of incoming blows
• The boss was able to deflect blows from the enemy and knock opponents backward.
• It was made of 6 layers of leather for strength. that created a barrier that was far ahead of its time. It’s strength was found in its layers. Not the total weight.
Arrows were a HUGE threat!
· It was the only line of defense against arrows.
· It was most effective when joined with others.
Fundamentals of Faith
1. Faith is believing.
John 4:24
24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.
2. Faith pleases God.
Hebrews 11:6
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
3. Faith is tangible.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith is substance, it isn’t blind. God never asks us to believe blindly.
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
4. Faith is built.
It is your faith that gives you the victory to overcome the world.
· Saving Faith
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
· Overcoming faith
As faith is built in our lives, as it is grounded in Christ, we can overcome because Jesus did:
John 16:33
33 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.”
5. Faith is heard.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
6. Faith is received.
James 4:6
6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
7. Faith is multiplied.
Acts 2:42-43
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.
Your faith is personal, but it isn’t private.
Resources
The Better Planner™ is a personal planner designed by Pastor Stephen to help you map out all the different aspects of success and personal growth on your way to better.
The foundation of the Better Planner™ is the practice of defining and reaching your personal vision. The other principles for growth all integrate with and flow out of this essential step. As you develop and record the insights you receive from God and His design for your life, the Better Planner™ will lead you through a step-by-step process to become better.
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