Ephesians 6:13, 15- 05.19.22
SCRIPTURE:
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand…with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace.”
OBSERVATION:
Paul closes out his letter to the Ephesians with an important word about Spiritual Warfare AND how to fit ourselves for battle with the FULL Armor of God.
UNDERSTANDING:
I have always Loved this portion of scripture and memorized the pieces of armor long ago. But I must admit I never fully understood what having “Your feet fitted with The Gospel of Peace” meant in terms of warfare or how it was a piece of armor. The Helmet [of Salvation], The Belt [of Truth], The Breastplate [of Righteousness], The Shield [of Faith], and The Sword [of The Spirit/The WORD] ALL make perfect sense. But how does strapping on “Shoes of Peace” figure into a battle?
Here is what my research from Precept Austin-Bruce Hurt uncovered.
The Roman soldier wore sandals called Caliga, which were thickly studded sandals with cleats on the bottom of them. The cleats were designed in such a way as to “dig in” to the ground allowing the soldier to TAKE a FIRM Stand in Battle.
Likewise, Paul reminds us to be Prepared for Battle by being FIRMLY Planted in the TRUTH of the GOOD NEWS. We must have a “Sure Footing” so to speak, in regard to what The Good News Actually Means for us as Believers. We have a Strength in Battle that Far surpasses ANY enemy—because we are STRONG in God’s MIGHTY POWER.
Why is it called “Gospel of Peace”?
Because of Adam’s sin entering the world and affecting every man—all men and women are hostile toward God and at war with HIM. It is ONLY the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of Peace, which brings '“reconciliation of man to God” and establishes Peace.
LIFE APPLICATION:
Believer’s Need Never Live a Life of Defeat—Stand Firm IN The Lord’s MIGHTY Power!
When our Feet are shod with the Preparation of The Gospel of Peace, we Stand in the CONFIDENCE of God’s LOVE for us and HIS Commitment to Fight For us. The Believer who Stands IN The Lord’s Power Never Needs to Fear any enemy—or attack. Our Feet are Firmly rooted on the Solid Ground of the Gospel of Peace. God is No Longer our enemy. HE is our Defender, and Our Heavenly Father. (Inspired by John MacArthur)
As others SEE us Standing Firm and unshakeable in this very unstable world—May we Stand ready to SHARE the reason for our Hope—The Good News!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16a NIV)
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 WEB)
Lord Jesus,
Thank you that you supply us with every thing we need. Our salvation gives us position and as we Take up the armor You supply we can appropriate the power—in Your Perfect Peace—to stand AND withstand Any attack. May we Live In the Victory You Made Possible.
In Your Sovereign Name, Amen.
Tina L Kudelka