The Shield of Faith

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. EPHESIANS 6:16 NLT  

Non-Christians have only one enemy: GOD 

This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. COLOSSIANS 1:21 NLT 

God: 

Is good in nature 

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good.” LUKE 18:19 NLT 

Attacks evil in our lives 

I, the LORD, will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their sin. ISAIAH 13:11 NLT 

Wants to save and not destroy us  

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 PETER 3:9 NLT  

Christians have three enemies 

Self 

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. JAMES 1:14 NLT  

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak! MATTHEW 26:24 NLT  

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 NLT  

Satan  

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 PETER 5:8 NLT  

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. EPHESIANS 6:12 NLT 

And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. MATTHEW 6:13 NLT 

Society   

What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. MATTHEW 18:7 NLT  

We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 1 JOHN 5:19 NLT  

The shield of faith 

Protects our faith in this life  

And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 JOHN 15:5 NLT  

Sustains our faith in the next life  

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  JAMES 1:12 NLT  

My Notes