Are Your Children Putting On The Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 4 - The Shield Of Faith

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
(Ephesians 6:10-16)

If you have not yet read the previous parts of the armor of God, please see:

INTRODUCTION OF SEVEN PARTS

Part-1 Truth

Part -2 Righteousness

Part-3 Gospel of Peace

Part-4 The Shield Of Faith

Holding up the Shield of Faith works! I have taught my children to practice holding up the wonderful shield of faith and God has proven, (as He always shows us) that He is faithful and MOST Powerful against the attacks of the enemy of our souls. Our precious children need to know this powerful spiritual defensive weapon of war; Faith...

God has provided us with a shield call "Faith" and as He shows us in Ephesians, it is to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked"... I had to wonder, just what are those fiery darts? Considering it, I remembered the story of "Pilgrims Progress" written by John Bunyan, Of Christian facing the fierce, Apollyon:




What a picture this creates, the wicked one hurling fiery arrows and the shield stopping them from piercing the flesh, in this case; the mind, soul, and spirit. What are those arrows or darts? and why fiery?

Doubt is the opposite of faith, God says to: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5) The enemy of our soul says, as in the Garden of Eden to Eve,"Yeah, hath God said?"(or, is it really true what God said?") and so this fierce enemy shoots the arrow of doubt into our minds to make us question God's faithfulness and righteousness. Holding up the shield of faith will quench that dart of doubt. Oh how many countless times I have used the shield of faith against an arrow of doubt. The shield literally quenches and repels doubt from me. How exciting it is to experience victory over doubting God's goodness and His faithful love in everything and in all situations and to teach this to my own dear children!
Oh but there are so many other arrows the enemy shoots at us and... Yes, Fiery!

I so appreciate Albert Barnes commentary about the Shield Of Faith:

"By the “fiery darts of the wicked,” Paul here refers, probably, to the temptations of the great adversary, which are like fiery darts; or those furious suggestions of evil, and excitements to sin, which he may throw into the mind like fiery darts. They are - blasphemous thoughts, unbelief, sudden temptation to do wrong, or thoughts that wound and torment the soul. In regard to them, we may observe:
(1) that they come suddenly, like arrows sped from a bow;
(2) they come from unexpected quarters, like arrows shot suddenly from an enemy in ambush;
(3) they pierce, and penetrate, and torment the soul, as arrows would that are on fire;
(4) they set the soul on fire, and enkindle the worst passions, as fiery darts do a ship or camp against which they are sent.
The only way to meet them is by the “shield of faith;” by confidence in God, and by relying on his gracious promises and aid. It is not by our own strength; and, if we have not faith in God, we are wholly defenseless. We should have a shield that we can turn in any direction, on which we may receive the arrow, and by which it may be put out."

We are given multiple opportunities through-out the days, months and years to point our dear children to the faithfulness of God and use Scripture to help them understand what God wants... "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom 10:17



Here are a few examples of how we taught our children Scripture for lessons of faith in God:


We were planning a Birthday Party in the park for Leah who was turning 6 years old. That morning the wind became very dangerous outside and we had to cancel until next week. Now we had the wonderful opportunity to tell Leah again to, "Trust the Lord Jesus Christ, His plan is perfect and He knows what is best for us. Let us thank Him for loving us and taking care of us. Sometimes these things happen because He knows it's best for us, but let's ask Him to give us faith in Him about it." We prayed and reminded Leah to keep up the shield of faith. Leah was given the precious opportunity to learn faith and patience. It was a great lesson for her!


We were able to point Leah to God and His Word! We often showed Scripture to the children that applied to the need:

We said to Leah, "Trust the Lord Jesus Christ, His plan is perfect and He knows what is best for us." "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." (Proverbs 3:5-7)

"Let us thank Him for loving us and taking care of us", "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

"Sometimes these things happen because He knows it's best for us, but let's ask Him to give us faith in Him about it". Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. It was a good time to remind Leah to hold up the shield of faith and teach her!

Another example:

Leah was invited to a skating Birthday Party for a friend, she was very, very excited about going, but when we learned about the kind of music they were going to play there, we told her she couldn't go.

We said, "Leah, trust the Lord Jesus Christ that He has given Daddy and Mommy wisdom to know what is best for you." "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."(Ephesians 6:1-3)

"Listening to that kind of music does not honor God and might draw you away from God."
"Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: (Proverbs 2:11-15) Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (Proverbs 4:14-15)


"Remember that we are a peculiar people, God's chosen treasure." "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Leah was willing to submit to God with a peaceful heart. Leah learned what God says and she was willing to obey. God did the work in her heart by His Spirit. It was another wonderful opportunity to hold up the shield of faith!


Michael had longed to go on a special trip with his Daddy. Two of his sisters had already had the chance and now it was his turn. A situation came up and the trip was canceled, he never had his turn granted to him.

We said,"Michael even though you're disappointed, trust the Lord Jesus Christ that He knows what is best for you." "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8)

"Give your disappointment to the Lord" "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
(1 Peter 5:7)


How wonderful it is to show to our children that God cares for the daily things in life and use Scripture to teach them every lesson there is! We can teach them to involve God in their thoughts and reasoning. We can never make them truly understand the deep things of the Spirit of God, but that is not our job. It is our job to communicate to them the truths of God's Word, it is up to God to do what He chooses to do with it in their lives.......

A fun trip denied, someone being unfair, something cherished suddenly lost forever, a friend that turns and becomes an enemy and will not explain why, loneliness for lack of godly friends, a move from a larger house to a much smaller house, siblings that need understanding... the list is endless. Each situation is a wonderful opportunity to teach our children to have faith in our Faithful Savior!


After we put on the Girdle of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, my children would place the Shield of Faith in the hand of our cardboard soldier, and we would imagine taking the shield in our hands and I would pray, (not exactly the same each time to avoid vain repetition), something like this; "Dear Lord Jesus, I take up Your Shield of Faith, thank you for it. Please help me have faith in You in all things. Help me to take up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. Cause my faith to grow stronger each day. Let me believe You and trust You that everything that happens will work out for good in our lives. Let Your Name be glorified through me"

God says to put on the spiritual armor for the battle, if we obey, He does the rest. This is spiritual thinking, although we cannot explain these things sufficiently to our children, we can teach them as God leads us and as stated before, let Him bring the understanding.



Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Shield of Faith:

This is more necessary than any of them. Faith is all in all to us in an hour of temptation. The breast-plate secures the vitals; but with the shield we turn every way. This is the victory over the world, even our faith. We are to be fully persuaded of the truth of all God's promises and threatenings, such a faith being of great use against temptations. Consider faith as it is the evidence of things not seen and the substance of things hoped for, and it will appear to be of admirable use for this purpose. Faith, as receiving Christ and the benefits of redemption, so deriving grace from him, is like a shield, a sort of universal defence. Our enemy the devil is here called the wicked one. He is wicked himself, and he endeavours to make us wicked. His temptations are called darts, because of their swift and undiscerned flight, and the deep wounds that they give to the soul; fiery darts, by way of allusion to the poisonous darts which were wont to inflame the parts which were wounded with them, and therefore were so called, as the serpents with poisonous stings are called fiery serpents. Violent temptations, by which the soul is set on fire of hell, are the darts which Satan shoots at us. Faith is the shield with which we must quench these fiery darts, wherein we should receive them, and so render them ineffectual, that they may not hit us, or at least that they may not hurt us. Observe, Faith, acted upon the word of God and applying that, acted upon the grace of Christ and improving that, quenches the darts of temptation.


John Gill's Commentary about the Shield Of Faith:

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,.... Which may be understood either of the grace of faith, which is like a golden shield, precious, solid, and substantial; and like a shield of mighty men, by which mighty things are done, and by which the believer not only repels, but conquers the enemy. The Jews say (n), that repentance and good works are as a shield against divine vengeance: or rather of the object of faith, that which faith makes use of as a shield; so God himself is a shield, Gen_15:1; his divine perfections, as his power, faithfulness, truth, and immutability, which encompass the saints as a shield, and are opposed by faith to the temptations of Satan; also the love and favour of God, Psa_5:12; and particularly God in his word, Pro_30:5, which is a shield against false doctrines, and the wiles of Satan. Moreover, Christ is a shield, Psa_84:11; and faith makes rise of him as a shield, his person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; which it holds up and opposes to all the charges and objections of Satan; and who is the saints' protection, and security from the wrath of God, divine justice, and eternal death. The disciples of the wise men are said to be (o) תריסון, "shielded men", who, as the gloss says fight in the war of the law; but they are not like Christ's disciples, who have on the shield, and fight the fight of faith: and this is "above all" to be taken, as being the most useful part of the Christian armour; or "with all", with the rest, this is to be taken, and by no means to be neglected; and it is to be used "in all"; in every temptation of Satan, in every conflict with that enemy, or any other.

Wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; of the wicked one, Satan; who was the first wicked one, and the tempter of others to wickedness; and is emphatically the wicked one, being wickedness itself; and his temptations are "fiery darts": they may be compared to "darts", because they sometimes come suddenly and swiftly and thick and fast, are very numerous, and where they stick are very troublesome and grieving; see Gen_49:23. And they may be said to be "fiery", because they serve to inflame the mind, and excite to sin, as lust, anger, revenge, and the like; and were they not repelled, would be the occasion of bringing into everlasting burnings. The allusion is to βελεσι πεπυρωμενοις, "the fiery darts", cast by enemies into towns, and upon houses, in order to burn them (p). Mention is also made of גירי דאשא, "fiery darts", with the Jews (q), and of Satan's casting a dart at David (r): from these customs, and ways of speaking, the apostle borrows his phrases; and suggests, that the shield of faith is of use to quench the fiery darts of Satan's temptations; so that they may not have the malignant influence they are designed for; which is chiefly done by faith's dealing with the blood of Christ. And there were ways of quenching the fiery darts alluded to; which was done by skins and hides of beasts made wet, or anointed with alum (s).



Let us teach our children to take up the whole armor of God!

Please go to part-5 the Helmet of Salvation

Obstinate Youth

A fool despiseth his father's instruction, but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. --Proverbs 15:5

Alas! we cannot wonder at this folly. Remember the birth of the fool, "as a wild ass's colt" (Job 11:12), despising discipline and restraint. Yet subjection to parents is the law of nature, recognized by the most uncivilized nations. Much more is it the law of God. The authority of parents is the authority of God. 'The wayward resistance of the ungodly will be fearfully scourged.' (1 Sam. 2:22-25.) And even the Christian penitent has felt the smart of the rod to the end of life. If example would put this folly to shame, do we not read of the One child, able to teach, yea to command, his parents, who yet exhibited the lovely pattern of filial subjection? But pride must be broken down, and the "clothing of humility" worn (1 Pet. 5:5), before the child will see that his parents know better than himself, and that to count their word law--to "bear the yoke in his youth" (Lam. 3:27),--and to regard reproof, is the path of prudence (Proverbs 15:31-32; 19:20), no less than of honour. (Proverbs 13:18.) Solomon's wisdom, though the special gift of God, was doubtless connected with his filial regard to his father's instruction. (1 Chron. 22:11-13; 28:9,20.) Will those, who despise their earthly father's instruction, listen to their Heavenly Father? How surely therefore will this untractable spirit exclude from the Kingdom of God!

-- Charles Bridges, Proverbs, 1846

Are Your Children Putting On The Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 3 - Gospel of Peace

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (Ephesians 6:10-15)

Please See: Introduction Of Seven Parts
Part 1 -Truth
Part 2 - Righteousness

Part 3- The Preperation of the Gospel of Peace:

Years ago, when my youngest children were yet very small, I began to wonder if I knew how to communicate the gospel rightly to them and to others. I carefully went through the Scriptures and meditated on what our Lord Jesus Christ really did on the cross. It took prayer and very sober thought about the cross of Jesus and what He did for us. It gave me the fear of God to think of the responsibility I have before God to tell others of Him, and more importantly, to tell my children.

It is a tremendous and wonderous thing that Jesus was willing to suffer for us as He did. Isaiah says it better then any words I can express:

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6)...... "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:10-11)"


It is very important to know how to carefully expound the gospel to our children. There are so many false teachers that teach the easy believe method, "Just ask Jesus to come into your heart." etc.. this is a false gospel! Nowhere does the Bible say to, "ask Jesus to come into your heart" Let us tell our children the truth.


If we want our children to understand what Jesus did for them on the cross, we need to help them understand that they are sinners and need a Savior, (how can they want to be saved if they don't understand the sinful state they are in?) The best way to do this is by reading the Bible and true Bible stories to them so they can learn that God hates sin and those who practice iniquity, (Psalms 5:5). This way they can learn the consequences of sin, the darkness and the sorrow it brings into lives. Read the Bible to them daily, starting with creation, then on through the garden of Eden, the fall, and on, telling of Methuselah, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, the law and the prophets, and to Jesus on the cross and His resurrection. Oh teach them about God and His mercy for us through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.


Dear mothers, it takes prayer, ask God to lead you to expound 0n the Bible truths. You will be amazed at what He will put into your mind and mouth to help them understand. The important thing is to teach them, make the effort and God will guide you. It is up to us to be faithful in teaching them and setting the example, it is up to God to move in their hearts and bring them to salvation.


After we placed the cardboard pieces of the girdle of truth and the breastplate of righteousness on our soldier, we placed the cardboard piece of the "Preparation of the Gospel of Peace" on the feet of the soldier. I would pray something like this," Dear Lord Jesus, I put on my feet the preparation of the gospel of peace, thank you for the gospel and for saving me from the wrath of God because of my sin. Please help me to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within me because of Jesus Christ. Let me share the gospel with others so that they might know your peace." Again, I don't pray the same thing each time, but as God leads me. God is the one that equips us to give the gospel, we need to ask Him to prepare us for each opportunity. My children asked God to prepare them to give the gospel, and He DID and also see THIS!


Is Jesus Christ our passion? Do the children see this in our lives? They know what is most important to us. Let us have a clean heart and conscience before God and let Him use us to point our dear little ones to Him. He is our ONLY Hope, and their ONLY hope as well.




John Gills Commentary says:


Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. The Gospel is so called, because it makes men to be of peaceable tempers and behaviour, and gives peace to distressed minds: it directs the way to eternal peace, and publishes peace made by the blood of Christ; and has a much better claim to this name, and epithet, than the law has, which is often called "peace" by the Jews (l): the "preparation" of it does not design a promptitude or readiness to preach the Gospel, or to receive it, or profess it, or to give a reason of faith in it, or to endure reproach and persecution for it; nor that readiness which the Gospel is a means of, as for every good work, for the spiritual warfare, for the Christian's journey heavenward, or for heaven itself: but the word ετοιμασια signifies a "base", or foundation; and so it is used by the Septuagint interpreters on Zec_5:11; and here it designs a firm and solid knowledge of the Gospel, as it publishes peace by Jesus Christ, which yields a sure foundation for the Christian soldier to set his foot upon, and stand fast on; it being that to him, as the shoe is to the foot, its base or foundation: and for the feet to be "shod with" it, does not mean the outward conversation being agreeably to the Gospel, though such a walk and conversation is very beautiful and safe, and such may walk and war with intrepidity: but it designs the constant and firm standing of believers in the faith of the Gospel, and so striving and contending for it, without being moved from it, that it may continue with them. Shoes or boots, which were sometimes of iron, and sometimes of brass, are reckoned among the armour of soldiers (m).



Matthew Henry's Commentary says:


And their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, Eph_6:15. Shoes, or greaves of brass, or the like, were formerly part of the military armour (1Sa_17:6): the use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were wont to be laid privily in the way, to obstruct the marching of the enemy, those who fell upon them being unfit to march. The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. It is styled the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. It may also be meant of that which prepares for the entertainment of the gospel, namely, repentance. With this our feet must be shod: for by living a life of repentance we are armed against temptations to sin, and the designs of our great enemy. Dr. Whitby thinks this may be the sense of the words: “That you may be ready for the combat, be shod with the gospel of peace, endeavour after that peaceable and quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Be not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but show all gentleness and all long-suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, as did those shoes of brass the soldiers from those galltraps,” etc

Let us teach our children to put on the whole armor of God!

Part 4- The Shield of Faith