Last Christmas, someone gave me a metal sign to put outside our house. You have seen Beware of the Dog signs. But have you ever seen a sign warning about attack chickens? It was a funny gift and we are going to hang it somewhere soon. Can you imagine taking a chicken into battle with you? Even a rooster would not be very useful in a fight. As Christians, we have been warned that we are involved in a continual fight with the wicked one. As we have been studying the armor of God, have you been arming yourself daily?
- What does it say? (Eph. 6:16-17)
In all things, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench the flaming arrows of the wicked one, and take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is what God has spoken. - What does it mean?
Paul has already spoken about the daily battle Christians face. This battle must be faced with the strength provided by the Lord… and the armor He has provided. This is required because of the devil and spiritual enemies whom we cannot see but will face nonetheless. So, the armor of God is indispensable. In our previous study, we looked at the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and the boots of the preparation of the gospel of peace. In this study, we will look at the next three pieces of armor.
We need to be armed against the enemy.
The shield of faith (Eph. 6:16)
In verse 14, Paul had told the Christians to stand firmly having several pieces of armor. Here he adds the shield of faith. What was a shield like back then? A shield was an important part of a soldier’s protection. The shield was not a large piece of metal (which would too heavy) but a frame covered with animal hide. The soldiers would often anoint the leather with oil to keep it from cracking. It was typically worn on the left arm allowing the right hand to hold a weapon. When arrows were shot at him, he would raise the shield to deflect them. At times, the enemy would shoot flaming arrows or darts to not only pierce the soldier’s body but to inflict burning pain.
With this understanding of a first century shield, it makes Paul’s warning clear. The devil is interested in not only killing the Christian soldier but also hurting him. The arrows are described as burning because this is what the devil seeks to do. He is the wicked one who wants the downfall of every believer. However, the shield of faith is an appropriate response. Instead of listening to the burning accusations, lies, and temptations thrown at us, we are to believe in God and what He has said. This starts with the belt of truth. As we know what is true, we will more easily trust in God and understand the lies of the devil.
At this point in his explanation of the armor, Paul stops using participles to describe the act of standing firm. He now shifts to a direct command to take up two more pieces of God’s armor.
The helmet of salvation (Eph. 6:17)
During Roman times, the helmet was usually metal covering for the head. You may have seen metal helmets with a row of feathers or hair attached from front to back. Some of the early helmets looked like a backwards baseball cap made of metal. It also included cheek guards hanging from the helmet. The helmets were designed to protect the head and neck during attacks. No matter how strong the breastplate or boots, if a soldier was hit in the head, the battle would soon be over.
As Christians, we are told to cover our heads with the helmet of salvation. Perhaps the best way to understand this is not wearing a “Jesus Saves” ball cap but filling your mind with the assurance of being saved. When someone is unsure of his salvation, it is difficult to do battle with the doubts presented by the enemy. But when a Christian is confident in the truth of his salvation through Jesus, it changes his thinking. He can resist the devil’s lies because he knows God has saved him.
The sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17)
During Roman times, the sword was the favorite weapon of a soldier. It was not a huge two-handed sword but a short, double-edged sword which could be thrust at the enemy to parry and attack him.
As Christians, we are told to take up the sword of the Spirit. Unless you include prayer (which is mentioned later), the sword is the only offensive weapon of God’s armor. This sword is the word of God or better yet, what God has said. When the evil one presents a lie, accusation, or temptation, a good knowledge of what God has actually said can be used as a sword to both parry and attack him. Think of what Jesus did when tempted by the devil in the wilderness. Every time the devil offered and opportunity to sin, Jesus parried by quoting something from the Bible that countered the temptation. This is what the sword of the Spirit is designed to do. As you are faced with temptation, remembering what the Bible says can be used against the evil one. - How does it apply?
How strong is your shield?
When the sky is full of flaming arrows, you would want a good shield to protect yourself. As we have learned, the shield of faith is our trust in God. As we trust in His character, faithfulness, and power, we will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. God expects each of us to trust in Him during these attacks. Do you trust Him to take you through the battle? Or are doubts causing you to lower your shield. God is trustworthy. Will you trust Him?
How thick is your helmet?
In a sword battle, it would be terrifying to fight without a helmet. Your head would be a target for every enemy. As we have learned, the helmet of salvation is our assurance of salvation through Jesus. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, it is referred to as the hope of salvation. This sure hope or assurance in what God has promised is what will keep our minds from doubting God’s goodness. While none of us deserves salvation, it has been offered to all who believe. That hope keeps us focused on the future and keeps us from giving in to doubt.
How sharp is your sword?
Nothing is worse than a dull sword in a fight. If the blade is dull, the enemy will not be afraid to continue the attack. As we have learned, the sword of the Spirit is what God has said. This has been recorded in the Bible. But you don’t always have a copy of the Bible in your hand or the opportunity to look up verses at the spur of the moment. This is why it is helpful to do two things. First, you should be reading the Bible so that you are familiar with what it says. Second, you should be memorizing the Bible so that you can use what it says in the battle. Without a knowledge and memory of what God says, it will be difficult to fend off the attacks of the evil one. So, what will you do to prepare your sword for battle?
Conclusion
The battle we face is a difficult one. The evil one and the forces of wickedness are equipped with techniques that have harmed many people over the years. But all is not lost. God has provided us the means to defend ourselves and even fight back. As you face the battle this week, rely on God’s strength and use the armor God has provided.
Bibliography
“The Roman Helmet’s Evolution – DOCUMENTARY” as viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3rGj8p7_O4&t=179s on 3/18/2026.
Footnotes