Why is your shield down? 11/30/2025

Eph. 6:16 — Take up (pick up + hold up) the shield of faith to quench all fiery darts.Paul’s “above all” = in all circumstances, not “most important.”Many believers act surprised when attacked, responding like victims—not conquerors.If fiery darts are hitting you, your shield may be down.The enemy does not stop attacking (1 Pet. 5:5–11).Be sober, vigilant, watchful; give strict attention (1 Pet. 5:8).Your adversary = the one coming against you, the devil.Resist him, steadfast in faith (v.9).He accuses nonstop because his time is short (Rev. 12:9–12).The enemy wants distraction and stagnation—God wants advancement.You were not created to be bullied or defeated but to advance.We walk by faith (of the Son of God), not sight (2 Cor. 5:7).We war spiritually, not naturally; faith pulls down strongholds and takes thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:3–6).“Do business till I come” (Luke 19:13).Hands on the plow—no looking back (Luke 9:62).Hard-pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair (2 Cor. 4:7–15).Life of Jesus manifests in us (Gal. 2:20).We speak what we believe.Don’t forsake gathering; stir one another to love and good works (Heb. 10:19–25).Fellowship strengthens faith and forward movement.Highly organized, formation-based movement.Testudo Formation: shields locked front, sides, top—moving fortress under heavy attack.Advancement required shields UP and unified.Heb. 11:6 — impossible to please God without it.Faith = practicing the Word; lawlessness = ignoring it (Matt. 7:21–23).“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).Meditate on the Word to prosper and succeed (Josh. 1:8).Be watchful, sober, equipped (1 Thess. 5:6–11).Parable of the 10 Virgins — faithful, ready, lamps filled (Matt. 25:1–13).Seek first the Kingdom (Matt. 6:33).Kingdom = seed → grows → shelters → provides (Luke 13:18–21).God wants His house built (Hag. 1:2–9).Walk by faith, not sight (2 Cor. 5:7).The Word guides life (Ps. 119:105; Matt. 4:4).Be doers of the Word (James 1:22).Abide in the Word (John 8:31).Healing:“By His stripes you were healed” (1 Pet. 2:24).“He sent His Word and healed them” (Ps. 107:20).Prosperity & blessing:3 John 1:2; Prov. 10:22; Deut. 28:3–6.Faith comes by hearing (Rom. 10:17).Helmet of salvation + sword of the Spirit = Word (Eph. 6:17).Renew the mind to know God’s will (Rom. 12:2).Jesus came to destroy Satan’s works; so do we (1 John 3:7–9).Authority over all the enemy’s power (Luke 10:19).As He is, so are we (1 John 4:17).Move in spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:4–11; 2 Tim. 1:6).Grace (charis) empowers—through faith.“He who wins souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30).Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20).God wants none to perish (2 Pet. 3:9).Pray in the Spirit; speak boldly (Eph. 6:17–20).Receive power to witness (Acts 1:8).Preach with demonstration of Spirit and power (1 Cor. 2:1–5).The Gospel is the power of God (Rom. 1:15–17).Shields up—at all times.Advance in the Spirit.Destroy the works of the enemy.Heal the sick.Win souls.Build the Kingdom.Walk in faith and power.SHIELDS UP — SUMMARY• Did you put your shield down?THE ENEMY IS ACTIVE — SO STAY ALERTKEEP YOUR SHIELD UP — AND MOVE FORWARDAdvancing = continuing Kingdom workAdvancing means not being crushedAdvancing requires assembling with believersHOW ROMAN ARMIES ADVANCED (CONTEXT OF EPHESIANS)WHY THE SHIELD OF FAITH MATTERS1. Faith is recognized by God2. Faith preparesHOW FAITH ADVANCESA. To advance is to build the KingdomB. To advance is to live the WordC. To advance is to hear & renew the mindD. To advance is to destroy the works of the devilE. To advance is to win soulsF. To advance is to preach in Holy Ghost powerFINAL CHARGE