Heb 13:8 (NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Mal 3:6 (NIV) I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

James 1:17 (NIV) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows.

The shield of faith is made out of total trust in God and His character; it protects us from ever doubting God and His character. How is this done? Through working in conjunction with God’s Word. Rom 10:17 (NIV) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

The relationship of faith with the Word is tying the sword of the Spirit with the shield of faith. In watching old movies about how soldiers fought with shields and swords we would see this type of correlation. We would see them blocking the opponent’s sword strike with the shield and then countering with their own sword. The shield was mostly used for defense and the sword was mostly used for offense.

The shield of faith, as defense, has some of the same characteristics as the sword of the Spirit. Since both are mobile, something has to be the guiding force as to where they should be during various situations. This mobility requires them being “used.” The immobile pieces of armor are “worn.” USING the shield of faith means we are going to have to exhibit skill. Let’s watch Jesus use skill to defend against Satan’s attacks.

Mat 4:3-11 (NIV) The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ’Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down. For it is written: ’He will command His angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’" Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ’Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him.

The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” That is the attack. A flaming arrow of the devil is shot out at Jesus. God is our source. We are to seek the things of God. Then God will take care of the food, clothing, and housing we need. Satan is trying to get Jesus to use the power of the Father for His own benefit. Where is Jesus’ faith in this matter? It is in the existence and rewards of the Father.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Here is the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit being used in one continuous action. Block/strike. He used them as a unit. That is great spiritual skill. Jesus needs bread to continue living as a human on this planet. That is beyond challenge. Jesus isn’t saying that He doesn’t need bread. He is saying that it has to come through the supply of God. Getting bread as a single act of pursuit is leaving God out of the loop.

Mat 6:31-33 (NIV) So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

So, which comes first, the bread or the source of the bread? God, the source of the bread, is pursued first. Then the bread comes through Him. We don’t go after the bread first and then ask God to bless it.

Let’s take a quick look at what it is going to take to have a fully functioning shield of faith.

This is the way to have a shield of faith that helps us have a victorious Christian life:

• MATERIALS: Use the right materials to develop it; use God’s existence and His rewards.
• SIZE: Let God and His Word build your faith into a larger shield that covers all of your life.
• CONSISTENCY: Take up the shield of faith and keep it ready for use; don’t stop believing.
• POSITION: Learn how to use it against the proper things; let Jesus tell you how to use it.
• SKILL: Learn to get better at using it more skillfully; practice, practice, practice.