How should we encourage and comfort each other with the gospel of peace? Read about it here.
In Ephesians 6 Paul teaches us about how the Christian is part of a spiritual war. We must realize that we have an enemy who will do everything in his power to try and prevent us from living out our calling. In Ephesians 6:10-11 Paul therefore instructs us:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Most of us know the passage that follows about the armor of God. This armor includes “the belt of truth”, “the breastplate of righteousness”, and “as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” There is also “the shield of faith”, “the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.” In this article we look at the shoes on our feet, that form part of that armor.
The importance of shoes during war
We may think that shoes are not that important in spiritual warfare, but our feet are important body parts! If we slip or don’t get our footing right, we will stumble and fall victim to the enemy.
The Roman soldiers wore thick leather sandals with straps that wrapped around their ankles. Sometimes the sandals were even covered with small pieces of metal on the bottom. This provided more support and firm traction. This is the image that Paul had in mind.
Shoes as part of our armor of God
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:15
1. The gospel of peace
In the first place, the shoes refer to the gospel of peace. All people are spiritually dead first: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked,” (Ephesians 2:1).
Paul also gives the reason why believers have peace with God: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved …” (Ephesians 2:4-5).
We have peace with God, and this is the foundation that allows us to stand firm and strong amid spiritual warfare.
2. The willingness to preach the gospel of peace
In the second place, the shoes refer to the willingness to preach the gospel of peace. Believers have peace with God, and this gives us great confidence and security in our battle with evil.
However, we should not keep this good news to ourselves. Peter writes: “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you …” (1 Peter 3:15).
We must be prepared to hear the gospel in our own lives, but also to use the gospel in the great struggle. This means that we must preach the gospel to unbelievers; telling everyone the Good News – that Jesus Christ paid the most expensive price to buy us free.
The gospel of peace is for everyone
We not only preach the gospel so that people can come to faith, but we remind believers and unbelievers of the truth of what Christ has done for us. In the midst of spiritual warfare, we rebuke, encourage and comfort each other with the gospel
We all need the gospel. We need to be reminded daily of the peace that is between us and God; the forgiveness of our sins; the willingness to live for Him from now on. That is why it is necessary to study the Word of God daily. Our struggle is a lifelong struggle. We must always wear the right armor!
Be ready to stand strong for the gospel
Are you determined to stand firm and strong? Are you ready to stand strong when Satan launches his attacks against God’s children? We must dig our feet into the solid foundation of our faith. That is why we put on the shoes “as a readiness to preach the gospel of peace”. Then we can say with Isaiah:
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion,
Isaiah 52:7
‘Your God reigns.’
