In Part 4 we looked at putting on the breastplate of righteousness. In today's message we'll be covering having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:14-17
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
Ancient warfare battles were lost or won very largely according to the weight of the masses of men that were hurled against each other; and the heavier men, with the firmer footing, were likely to be the victors. One of the important things needed for a soldier to stand firm and resist the shock of the enemies as they rushed upon them was a firm footing. Therefore in order for the soldiers to stand firm or have a firm gripping, they needed a good solid piece of ground to stand on, that was not slippery nor muddy, but also heavy-duty sandals fitted with hobnails that provided critical grip and stability on rugged terrain during battle. This helped them to take hold on the ground, steady themselves, and gain proper traction to avoid being knocked down in combat. It also helped them to move quickly and with certainty.
Now in the context of the scripture, it means that our stability or firm-footing is the preparedness or readiness of the gospel of peace.
In the previous messages I mentioned that girding our waist with truth implies that we must start with Jesus Christ (He is the Truth). He (His word) is the focal point or the foundation on which the rest of the armour is based, for everything stems from, and is secure and held together by the Truth (which is Jesus). Then based on the Truth, we understand that we have been made righteous because of what Christ has done for us. I mentioned that righteousness teaches us that we're loved, forgiven, accepted, valued, cared for, redeemed and in covenant with our Heavenly Father. It reveals what He's made available to us as His children and who we are in Christ. Righteousness says that I am who God says I am, that I can do what God says I can do and that I can have what God says is available to me - not because of what I have done or deserve, but based on what Christ has done for me ...
This is the message of the gospel, and this revelation brings peace. The "peace" that comes from building one's life on the Truth (His word) and the assurance of salvation (that we've been reconciled with God through Christ) (Romans 5:1, Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ)
... but it's important to mention that this doesn't imply that there won't be any hardship or turmoil or situations, circumstances or opportunities that can tempt us to feel anxious, worried, stressed out or fearful - so this isn't peace in the absence of war, but rather in the midst of it. It's a peace that only God can provide. We see this from the below scriptures:
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in Me (Jesus) you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace (Jesus speaking) I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
From the above we can see that peace is something that God provides, that's it's available to us and something that we can expect to guard our hearts and minds when we pray.
Therefore in the context of the armour and it's reference to battle, we can face that onslaught with courage, standing firm, steady and secure, having our feet firmly grounded in the peace of God. That supernatural peace that quietens our racing mind, removes the fear, anxiety and worry, provides our soul with a sense of freedom, contentment, joy and rest, and one in which we find the strength and boldness to face our battles head on.
It's like an anchor, where regardless of the movement of the wind or the waves, that anchor holds the boat in its place, steady and immovable.
This is the peace that's available to us - a peace that only God can provide.
So Stand therefore, having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace!
Amen