The following excerpt is taken from What Every Christian Should Know About Satan. Order your copy in print, Kindle, or Audible versions here.

---

Paul writes to the Ephesians: “In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Eph. 6:16) 

We explore this passage more fully in chapter 15 of What Every Christian Should Know about Satan. However, a few observations here may prove helpful. 

First, the evil one wields a quiver full of “flaming arrows.” In New Testament times, soldiers often covered the tips of their arrows in coarse fibers dipped in pitch and then set on fire. These flaming arrows were shot at different trajectories toward enemy lines, presenting the double threat of piercing iron and scattering flames. 

In a similar way, Satan hurls a seemingly endless volley of temptations at us: thoughts of pride, selfishness, fear, doubt, disappointment, greed, anger, vengeance, lust, and judgmentalism. They strike at different times and in different ways, but they all are deadly in their intent. 

Continue reading →