## The Bible: Our Shield

## Psalms 91:4

Once again we turn our attention to the Word of God. We find that there are many different symbols used to describe the Bible. In Psalm 119 it is the Light and the Way, in Jeremiah it is a Fire and a Hammer, in Ecclesiastes it is a Nail and a Goad, in Deuteronomy it is Food, in Luke it the Seed, and in Ephesians it is our Sword. In our text this morning we see yet another symbol of the Word of God. It is our Shield of protection.

We are in a battle! In 1Pe. 5:8 we are warned that Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The forces of our enemy seeks to destroy us and hinder our effectiveness in this world. The very world in which we live is hostile toward those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. Our own sinful nature pulls and tugs at us wanting to draw us into sin. But God did not leave us here helpless and unarmed in our battle. He has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us, He has given us the Sword of the Spirit to do battle, and He has provided us with armor and a shield to protect us from the attacks of the enemy. This morning I want us to focus on God's Word as our Shield of protection.

I. Our Shield Is Divine.

A. What makes the Bible different from all other books in the world?

1. God is the author.

2. He used men to write the words, but they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

3. 2Tim. 3:16, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

4. The Word teaches us what is right, what is wrong, how to get right, and how to keep right!

B. The Bible has stood the test of time.

1. No other book has survived the centuries as has the Bible.

2. It has survived empires, kingdoms, wars, civilizations, the dark ages, the Renaissance, modernism, skepticism, and all attacks on its authority and accuracy.

3. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

4. Isaiah said, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the Word of our God shall stand forever." (Is. 40:8)

C. The Bible is our Divine shield because God Himself is our shield.

1. There exists a unique relationship between God and His Word.

2. His Word takes on the attributes which are ascribed to God.

3. God is holy, and so is His Word.

4. God is indestructible, and His Word has proven to be so as well.

5. God is trustworthy, and His Word is certainly worthy of our trust.

6. Never hesitate to trust the Word of God; men will fail you, but God's Word will never fail!

II. Our Shield Is Beneficial.

A. It gives us identification.

1. Each Roman soldier had his name inscribed on his shield.

2. Our shield should also identify us: people often ask, "What kind of Baptist are you?" The answer is always, "I am an independent Bible-believing Baptist!"

3. Our position on this Book identifies who we are, what we believe, and how we operate!

4. Others may try to convince us that the shield we carry is obsolete and worn-out.

5. Take courage and hold up the precious Word of God without shame, it will outlast its critics and its adversaries!

B. It gives us complete protection.

1. In Ps. 91:4 we have a double figure of protection.

2. One is from the barnyard and the other is from the battlefield.

3. There is the picture of the mother hen who gathers her chicks under her wings to protect from impending danger.

4. Then there is the picture of the Truth being our shield and buckler on the battlefield.

5. The shield was large enough for the soldier to stand behind and be completely protected from the enemies arrows and spears.

6. Paul writes in Eph. 6:16, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye are able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

7. Our protection is complete! John Bunyan said, "This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book"!

III. Our Shield Must Be Used.

Note: There are three commands given to soldiers in reference to their shields. Each of these commands have significance to us and how we are to treat our shield, the Word of God.

A. Gather the shields... Jer. 51:11

1. In context these words were spoken to the Medo-Persian soldiers as they prepared for battle against Babylon.

2. The implication is clear that we need to be prepared for battle.

3. Paul instructed Timothy to study the Word, God challenged Joshua to meditate and observe the Word, and James told us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only!

4. God has given us the great shield of protection, but we must gather it and appropriate it for our lives.

B. Uncover the Shield...Is. 22:6

1. When not in use, the shield of the ancient soldier was protected by a leather covering.

2. Immediately prior to battle the covers were removed and signified a readiness to do battle.

3. How often do you uncover your shield?

4. Some are covered for weeks and months at a time.

5. Unfortunately, many are covered by dust!

C. Anoint the shield...Isaiah 21:5

1. Before entering into battle soldiers would anoint their shields so that they would shine brightly.

2. Imagine the impact of an army approaching with shields that are bright and shiny reflecting the sunlight into the eyes of the enemy.

3. The challenge here is to keep sharp in our ability to use the Word of God.

4. Our use of the Word should be in the strength and power of the Holy Spirit.

5. Failure to use our shield of protection will result in failure and defeat.

God has blessed us with His Word. It is our shield of protection throughout this life and for eternity. Do you know the Lord this morning? The Bible declares that "whosoever will may come". Jesus looked down upon the city of Jerusalem and cried, "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not!" Don't turn your back on the Savior today! He loves you, He has told us time and again in His Word and you can believe it! Come today and accept the shed blood of Jesus Christ as payment for your sin and be saved!

Christians, are your prepared for battle? God has provided us with all we need to be successful and victorious over the enemy. Gather the shields, uncover the shield, and anoint the shield! Do you need to recommit yourself to the Word of God this morning? His Word will bless you, will guide you, and will never fail you. Trust Him and His Word.