Episode 140 – Armor of God Pt 5: Shield of Faith
Key Passage(s): Ephesians 6:16
The Roman military was one of the most formidable fighting forces in the ancient world. They routinely faced and defeated larger opponents because of their unique tactical approach to warfare: they never fought alone. The shield (scutum) allowed Roman soldiers to fight together as a unit, and that’s why Paul connects the shield with the concept of faithfulness. Evil’s desire is to isolate and cut us off from each other because we’re never more vulnerable to attack than when we’re going it alone. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn that it’s impossible to stand firm against evil if we’re not standing with each other, wearing the full armor of God.
Discussion Questions
- What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?
- If faith isn’t just about intellectual affirmation but also behavior, describe a story or time in your life when you had to practice faith?
- What are some of the experiences in your life that have made you feel isolated and cut off from others?
- Why do you think “going it alone” is such a tempting way for people to live?
- Describe a moment in your life when you had to let the people around you carry you and fight for you? What impact does that continue to have on you today?
- How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?
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SJS TALK WAS WONDERFUL. My first visit to your church and her words really affected me and spoke to me. Her words on our own scars and brokenness were really relevant to me and she spoke with such kindness and humility and humour.
But I don’t have anyone. I am alone. I actually have spiritual warfare going on in my haunted apartment for the last 2 years. I was recently electrocuted by a growling invisible thing.