A Shoe that Brings Peace

Spiritual Warfare  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Introduction
Illustration: Two different shoes (Bethel Life Center)
Illustration: The wrong shoes (Racine Assembly of God)
Illustration: My shoes and my feet.
Shoes are an important part of our lives. They protect our feet, serve as part of our clothing, and help is get from here to there.
In Ephesians 6, the shoes of a soldier are used to serve as a vivid illustration of our need and our activity in the realm of spiritual warfare.
Text
Ephesians 6:13–15 ESV
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Main Idea
The Good News of Jesus Christ enables us to be ready—personally, and to enable others (the lost) to be ready as well.
This readiness brings to us peace—a peace that calms our souls and helps us face the reality of spiritual warfare with courageous faith.

Protect what can be Vulnerable

A good, well-crafted shoe protects one’s feet—feet that can be vulnerable to sharp objects (stones, thorns) and the weather (cold or heat).
Shoes provided the soldier a readiness (preparedness) to face obstacles that could make one vulnerable to injury.
A simple wound on the foot could be debilitating—and affect the ability to engage with the enemy.
Spiritual wounds can render the believer vulnerable to discouragement, bitterness, fear, and unbiblical anger.
Readiness (preparedness) speaks to the protection brought about through the truth of the Gospel.
Knowing God’s promises and the faith necessary to rely on the authority and power of the Holy Spirit can protect us from living in an imperfect, sinful world.

Comfort what can be Demoralized

A shoe can provide comfort—enabling the soldier to travel longer and faster.
I remember in my Air Force days when my boots, if not broken in properly, could cause me much pain. And, a well-placed blister can easily ruin your day.
A painful foot can be demoralizing.
Discouragement and fear are an ever-present reality among many believers.
The challenges we face as followers of Christ can render us unable to engage in the work of God.
Readiness (preparedness) by knowing, believer, and living the Gospel of Christ brings comfort to our souls—lifting us up even in the most difficult of times.
The Gospel brings peace—to us—to the believer. Even in the midst of great hardship, God peace can give strength and renewed purpose.

Stabilize what can be Uncertain

A shoe can supply support that is necessary to travel on rugged terrain.
Life is filled with the unexpected. Who would have thought that 2020 would be so unstable, divisive, unpredictable, and confusing.
But it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that enables us to walk on a sure foundation.
Psalm 40:1–3 ESV
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
At the center of the Gospel is Jesus—and through Christ (the Way, the Truth, and the Life) we can live with peace, confidence, and assurance.

Move what can be Advanced

A shoe is ment to enable movement—to advance in a forward direction.
We are not ment just to stand still—but advance the cause of Christ.
Romans 10:13–15 ESV
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
The readiness (preparedness) that is brought about through the Gospel of peace is not just for our benefit—it is for the benefit of the world around us.
It’s what brings peace to your neighbor, friend, family member, or co-worker.
This Gospel—Good News—is ment to be shared.
In spiritual warfare, evangelism and discipleship are necessary components to the activity of a believer.
The intensity of the battle is directly related to the activity of the believer—engaged in the Great Commission of making discipleship.
Expect warfare when you are doing the very thing God has called you to do—sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Christ which brings peace is essential to face the realities of spiritual warfare.
Our spiritual wellbeing, as well as our calling to make discipleship cannot be ignored.
Successfully navigating through spiritual battles includes the knowledge, belief, and practice of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
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