Fiery Darts
Ephesians 6:13 Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Fiery Darts are no match for our Heavenly Armor.
Today’s Bible challenge reminds you of the protections that God has provided to every believer when facing temptation, fear, doubt and Satanic attack. Every believer faces different types of spiritual oppression. For some it is illness, others fight fear, depression or anxiety. Some fight habitual sin such as addiction. But God has given us every resource to fight back. The Spirit of God lives in us. He clothes us in the armor of God when we walk in obedience.
See if you can remember these from Sunday School. What are the pieces of spiritual armor with which we can be sure to defeat sin in our lives?
Truth
A.___shield B.___shoes C. breast plate D. ___belt E.___sword F. ___helmet
Righteousness
A.___shield B.___shoes C. breast plate D. ___belt E.___sword F. ___helmet
Gospel of Peace
A.___shield B.___shoes C. breast plate D. ___belt E.___sword F. ___helmet
Faith
A.___shield B.___shoes C. breastplate D. ___belt E.___sword F. ___helmet
Salvation
A.___shield B.___shoes C. breast plate D. ___belt E.___sword F. ___helmet
Word of God
A.___shield B.___shoes C. breast plate D. ___belt E.___sword F. ___helmet
Ephesians 6:18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
ANSWERS
Think about why each metaphor is used for the spiritual resource it describes.
1: (D) The belt of truth. A belt, for utility workers, contractors, security guards, janitors, etc. is more than a belt to hold up their pants. Their belt holds necessities for the job. It holds tools, keys and other important implements. Our belt of truth is even more essential.
Many believers struggle with lying. Lying impedes forgiveness. Lying makes us resemble Satan. (John 8:44). It dishonors our Savior. Tell the truth at all times no matter what it costs you. It cost Jesus everything.
2: (C) The Breast Plate of Righteousness. God looks at believing sinners and sees His son. When we are saved, we are clothed in His righteousness. We must prepare for our enemy to tempt us, as well as give in to our own sinful hearts desires that would damage our testimony. Though we won’t lose our salvation, we can commit sin that prevents our effective work for Christ. (Romans 3:22)
3: (D) Shoes that bring the Gospel of Peace. Think of the verse in (Isaiah 52:7), “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Gospel of Peace.” But our enemy is on the warpath to impede the spread of the Gospel of Salvation. Prepare yourself to go and tell everyone in your world.
4: (A) The Shield of Faith. Here is where our title come in for today. The fiery darts are the daily aggravations, sins, doubts, sorrows, discouragements and attacks of every kind. These are quenched by our Shield of Faith, Jesus. He is ready to arm you. He loves you so much. His shield is mighty to save. It is mighty to reinvigorate and lift you up. Trust Him. He takes the fiery darts and always has. He is all that you need. Keep standing in Jesus. (Hebrews 12:2)
5: (F) The Helmet of Salvation. The helmet of salvation protects the way you think. It protects you from false beliefs. It protects you when apostate pastors or teachers seek to make God’s Word fit their “feel good, get rich” schemes. It helps you know the wisdom imparted by the Holy Spirit that will lead you along the narrow way. (John 16:13)
6: (E) The Sword of the Spirit. The Sword is the Gospel. It is the Word of God. The Bible. Hide it deep within your heart. Do not despise to read it. Learn it. Love it. Use it to fight Satanic attacks. Use it for knowledge when telling the world how changeless and relevant it is. (Psalm 119:11)
Resources
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 