Shoes of Peace (Part IV)...

May 15, 2009

Danielle Joyner Kelley

“FEET FITTED WITH THE READINESS THAT COMES FROM THE GOSPEL OF PEACE”

The Shoes of Peace are the third piece of armor that you must have on. Your shoes are extremely important because they are on your feet and affect how you walk and stand. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:14-15.

People generally wear different types of shoes depending on the occasion. Cleats are appropriate for sports, dress shoes appropriate for formal events, and flip flops for the pool or beach trips.

But a solider is careful about his shoes. They must wear shoes that can withstand the active nature of battle. The soldiers referred to in this chapter in Ephesians would frequently wear shoes that had metal or nails on the bottom so they could be protected from climbing rough terrain, and have firmer standing while engaged in battle.

Like the belt, the shoes are one of the last items put on, but also an item that is worn by the soldier whether he is actively fighting or not. If a solider has to travel on foot to a location to fight he may have to climb hills, mountains, and walk through numerous areas that could be dangerous. With these shoes he is ready for whatever he must do.

Your feet are to be “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” How do you do this? There are many ways, but only one true way (if that makes sense). The first is the most important and the true biblical “peace”. The others are ways for you to help yourself keep your shoes on by planning for possible attacks by your enemy through preparation.

I: THE TRUE GOSPEL PEACE

First, you stand strong in the Lord with faith and knowledge of His word and power. The Apostle Paul tells us right before he talks about the armor of God, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10. The Shoes of Peace are how to accomplish this. They are the foundation on which you stand.

God sent His son to the Earth to die for your sins. Before the New Testament (which contains the life of Jesus), the Old Testament predicts His coming repeatedly. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. He is the Prince of Peace, and His death brought that peace to you. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

Knowing that you are forgiven and reconciled with God even though you are a sinner is your true peace. You have been set free and are a new creation, and you have gained access to the Heavenly Father through your faith in Jesus Christ. And you did not do anything to get this wonderful gift God gave you. He gave it to you because He loves you. Prior to Jesus, your sin separated you from Him. God could not be around sin because He is holy and perfect, and Jesus broke that barrier. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life.” Romans 5:6-10.

Jesus’ sacrifice allows you access to God, and gives you peace with God in return. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2.

Think about how many parts of the armor are created through Christ’s sacrifice. Without Him, you would never live righteously because you would have no hope of getting to God because you are a sinner. Without Him, there would be no peace because you could not get to God who cannot be around sin. Without Him, understanding God’s truth would be more difficult because the Holy Spirit could not live within you. Accordingly without Jesus, you would not have the Spirit, salvation, or faith. But with Jesus, you have victory, salvation, faith, truth, hope, and the Spirit.

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39.

Jesus sent you the Holy Spirit to live within you after His death. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17. Prior to this time the Holy Spirit would be seen affecting people throughout the Old Testament sporadically, but after Jesus Christ all of His followers posses the Holy Spirit. That is why your body is called a “temple”. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Therefore Jesus left us with peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27. So stand firm, knowing that He has saved you. “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” Ephesians 2:14-16.

II: BE ACTIVE IN SEEKING PEACE

Second, be active in seeking peace and keeping your shoes on. Go after it and make it your goal. When you get tired and feel as if you want to give up remember Christ’s sacrifice. Give it your all, and remember God knows what your “all” is. He is fully aware of what you are capable of. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3. Remember to make “every effort”. Seek peace and pursue it. “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14

Do not give up your trust in God no matter what the enemy tells you. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13. Expect trouble and seek peace through it. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33. Tell yourself that you “have” peace, not that you “want” or “will have” peace. You have it. The Spirit has given it to you. Repeat it over and over. Work on getting rid of doubt, worry, and other negative emotions that weaken your faith.

Watch what you say. Do not complain. Even if you have on the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, and the rest of the armor, if you are verbally complaining you are giving your enemy a battle plan against you. You are telling him your weakness and even with the rest of the armor on he will know not to hit you in the chest or the waist. After he hears your words, he will look down and see you do not have your shoes of peace on or you would not be complaining. And he will strike you at your feet to knock you down. “And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.” 1 Corinthians 10:10.

And remember complaining is a huge sign of weakness in your faith and trust in God. When you are complaining you are showing Him that you do not trust Him to be with you in battle. As soon as you feel those negative feelings, go to Him. “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.” Numbers 11:1.

Start working on getting the things out of your life that are causing you strife. Seek those relationships that are inherently peaceful because they are in God’s name. They will help keep you on your walk with God. “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22.

Lose the negative things in a positive way. Do not be judgmental or cruel. Just know that God can work through the positive relationships in your life to speak to you and be attentive to what you are asking from Him. “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:8-12.

Be sincere and honest. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18. Aim to act as your Savior would if He were in your situation. “True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.” Malachi 2:6.

Do not live your life acting on the thought of another person’s reaction. Remember it is your own action that counts. You are here to serve God and being kind to others pleases Him, whether the other person appreciates it or not. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18. Always remember it is “as far as depends on you” not someone else. “For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." Psalm 22:8.

III: KNOW AND HAVE FAITH IN GOD’S TRUTH

Third, know God’s truth and have faith in His promise. “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165. He is your everything, and your future. “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.” Psalm 37:37.

When you are obedient to God, He will give you peace even when you are suffering walking on rough ground or encountering enemy attacks. This will allow you to handle life’s challenges with a pure heart and clear mind. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. God will guide you through the bad times with His truth, and you will find yourself firmly planted and handling attacks with skill, understanding, and truth.

Put God’s word into practice in your own life. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9. Even if it is hard work it is well worth every effort you make. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11.

Knowing God’s truth will stop the enemy from being able to take your peace from you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Satan cannot tell you that you are not forgiven or that you should give up and have you believe it because you know what God’s word says. Make sure you pay attention to His word so you can keep your peace. “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18. God’s peace protects you from fear. “Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Isaiah 57:2. And your hard work will protect you from all your enemies. “When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7. .

Remember that one good thing from God brings another, and when you practice His word you inherit the reward of His promise. “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Psalm 85:10. God wants to reward you greatly. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3. Keep your eyes on Him and be blessed. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9.

IV: BE READY TO SERVE

Fourth, be ready to serve Him at all times. Your feet are what move you forward and backwards. Prepare to move forward in God’s name and share His word. The Christ follower who is sharing their own faith and testimony with others is the one moving forward. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace,” Isaiah 52:7.

Be ready to share the good news of the Gospel with others. The Gospels, or the books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible contain the story of the life of Jesus. They are contained in the New Testament which is translated out of Greek and Aramaic. The Old Testament is Hebrew and Aramaic. The Greek word for “Gospel” or Euaggelizo means “good news”. Share the good news of Christ to everyone. And do not be afraid. After Jesus’ death, Peter and John, two of Jesus’ disciples, stood before the Sanhedrin (the supreme court of Israel that Jesus was brought before and that asked for His death). They were also questioned by the Sanhedrin, who was angry at their teaching because it blamed them for Jesus’ death, and even though they knew that the Sanhedrin was behind Jesus’ crucifixion, they did not fear because they knew they were serving God. “Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood." Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!” Acts 5:27-29. They were standing firm in peace because Jesus brought that to them, and they were not afraid to speak God’s truth.

V: WALK IN STEP

Fifth, walk in step with the Holy Spirit. Let Him guide you. He is from God and brings truth, guidance, and hope. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25.

The Holy Spirit will guide you to the good things in life, but you must work to grow that fruit on your tree. Living righteously, following God’s truth, and seeking peace will allow the good in you to grow, and the fruit of the Spirit will show through you. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.

Know that you are a member of one body through Christ and let His words live in you through the Spirit. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15.

Yield to what the Spirit wants for you, and let go of what you desire. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5. The Spirit gives you life and peace and keeps you in your walk with God. “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.” Romans 8:6-7.

Remember God knows what is best for you even when you do not see it, and the Spirit is here to guide you into the good. “…to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." Luke 1:77-79. He wants to guide you in the paths of peace, so your shoes will be able to withstand any terrain, and any enemy attack. “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33.

“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17.