‘In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.’ (Eph 6:16)

The Roman shield was called a scutum and was as large as a door. It covered the soldier entirely and therefore protected the soldier’s whole body. When fighting as a group, a phalanx of soldiers could position their shields so that they made an enclosure around themselves (called a ‘testudo’, or ‘tortoise.‘) In doing this, the whole group was protected from the flaming arrows launched from the walls of the cities they were attacking.

Faith is our best defence against the schemes, tactics and strategies of the enemy. Our temptation is to rely on our own skills and ingenuity in times of trouble, but God wants us to live by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor 5:7) Faith looks for the invisible and believes God’s promises, even when we do not understand His actions or ways. One translation has brought the idea of flaming arrows up to date by talking about missiles – launched afar off and not seen until they come exploding into our lives, shattering our peace and disturbing our certainties. Faith protects us in difficult times and helps us to see life as God sees it, secure in His sovereignty and goodness.

Paul goes on to say, ‘with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.‘ (Eph 6:15)

Zola Budd (a South African athlete who ran in the 1980s) may have been able to run barefoot, but most of us  are grateful for the protection of shoes or sandals. A Roman soldier’s footwear was studded with nails or spikes, like cleats, to help him keep his balance in combat and gave him both the chance to stand firm to defend himself against the enemy or to move forward. We have been given beautiful feet (Is 52:7), for we can carry the good news of the gospel of peace to a world that is desperately in need of peace.

The task of evangelism (or ‘gossipping the good news‘) is one many of us find challenging and difficult, but is part of our responsibilities as Christians. There should be an alertness and swiftness within us when it comes to spreadhing this good news. How will others hear if we do not spread the word?

Paul goes on to talk of the breastplate of righteousness. A Roman solider would have worn a breastplate made of bronze or chain mail which covered the vital organs (including the heart) and was fitted with loops or buckles that attached it to the belt. The breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts and emotions. It reminds us that God has given the righteousness of Christ to us (2 Cor 5:21) and therefore we don’t have to rely on our own righteousness (which in God’s sight is as filthy rags (Is 64:4)).

So often, the enemy tries to get us to rely on our own goodness or righteous acts, convincing us that we deserve favour because of how good we are. The truth is that apart from Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5) and need to understand that we are now in Christ, so there is nothing left for us to do to earn God’s favour. In Christ, all the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily and we have been given that same fulness in Him. (Col 2:9) When our hearts condemn us, Christ is greater than our hearts. (1 John 3:20). The breastplate of righteousness helps to protect our emotions as we put on the righteousness of Christ.

Paul tells us to stand firm, with the belt of truth buckled around our waist. (Eph 6:14). God desires truth in our whole beings (Ps 51:6). He is Truth and therefore all that is true reflects His character. The belt of a Roman soldier in Paul’s day was not a simple leather strap such as we wear today. It was a thick, heavy leather and metal band with a protective piece hanging down from the front of it (see the picture.) The belt held the soldier’s sword and other weapons. The belt of truth of the spiritual armour of God holds the sword of the Spirit, linking truth and the Word of God (cf. John 17:17). Without the Word of God, we do not know truth, but as we allow God’s truth to penetrate our hearts, we are given insight and wisdom which help us to defeat the lies of the enemy.

Paul tells us, ‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.’ (Eph 6:12) So often, we feel thwarted by people, discouraged by opposition and put down by others. We can be preoccupied by tensions with people – in our families, in our workplace, in our neighbourhoods and even, sadly, in our churches. All division ultimately comes from the enemy who seeks to wreck the work of God by every method imaginable. If Jesus said that the world would know His disciples by love (John 13:35), it’s obvious that a lack of love is one of the methods he regularly uses to discredit the church, along with disillusionment, infighting and a critical spirit.

We need to understand who the real enemy is and pray accordingly. People are not the problem in themselves. We are in a spiritual battle. We face spiritual forces of evil who do not want to see God’s kingdom come on earth. However, we can be confident God will not let these powers triumph, for Christ has disarmed those powers and authorities and has triumphed over them by the cross. (Col 2:15)

Watching a child learn to walk is an exercise in fear! The little one learns to pull himself upright and is desperate to move forward, but before that can happen, he must learn to stand still without holding on to props. Paul says that we need to put on the full armour of God so that we can stand against the devil’s schemes (Eph 6:11). He goes on to say, ‘Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.’ (Eph 6:13) If we want to stand firm in faith, no matter what trials or hurricanes hit our lives, we have to put on the armour of God which acts as ballast and protection, enabling us to stand firm.