These spiritual adversaries must be opposed with spiritual armor; and the apostle has here given us a complete set of weapons for fighting, and a complete panoply for defence. The Roman armor consisted of several parts, all of which St. Paul makes use of figuratively, to represent the several Christian graces by which we resist our subtle, deceitful, and invisible enemies. As the articles to which he alludes constituted a complete coat of arms, and the soldier was not prepared for the field without the whole; so the Christian graces which they represent are all of them important, “that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto every good work.” Some of these heavenly qualities may appear brighter at particular times in one Christian than in another; but the whole list is indispensable to every spiritual warrior. Abraham may excel in faith, Moses in meekness, Job in patience, Daniel in courage, Peter in zeal, Paul in humility, and John in love; but each must have the entire armor, though different occasions may require the use of different articles in the catalogue. That you may be able to stand in the evil day, you must have the shoes of peace, to preserve your feet; the girdle of truth, to strengthen your loins; the helmet of hope, to defend your heads; the breastplate of righteousness, to cover your hearts; the sword of the Spirit, to cut your way through the columns of the foe; “And above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” It is only to this article last mentioned, that we would now call your attention; in the consideration of which, let us notice, _first_, The nature of faith; and _secondly_, Its importance and utility as a shield.