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Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 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. 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.
What is this phrase saying? We need to understand that Paul was taking the example of the armor of God from a Roman soldier that was with him in the prison. The walking part of the roman shoes was made from harder leather. In battle the soldiers had to walk over the battle field covered with dead bodies and blood. It was very slippery. So under the shoes they had nails so they could not fall when they had to change their direction.
There are 4 things we need to understand in order for us to understand what God is saying here:
1. what does feet represent?
2. what does it mean to be ready?
3. what does the gospel mean in this picture?
4. what does peace mean?
1. What does feet represent?
Feet represent mobility and direction. Having the proper mobility and direction that where prepared for having that mobility and direction. If you have the belt of truth in place in your life and you have the breastplate of righteousness in place in your life, you are pretty good protected for the battle. But if we have to go forward, to the battle.
Matthew 15:17-18 Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades (hell) will not overcome it.
God has not called us to fight a holding war. If the gate is over there, and I am standing here, and I am dressed with my belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness there is only one way to knock that gate down. I have to go forward. We are an offensive army not a defensive army!! We have to take ground for the Kingdom of God. That means that we have to have mobility, that also means that we need to know the direction that God wants us to go.
Matthew 28:18 Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations
We not only have to hear the word ‘go’, we also need to hear the direction which way God wants us to go. Because there are many directions you can go to. Not everyone is going the same direction, why not? Because in the army of God there are several divisions.
How can you hear God’s voice clearly? During fasting and prayer!!
2. What does it mean to be ready?
We have to prepare our feet every time when we hear ‘go’. Soldiers know the commands of going left or right, stop and go. We need to hear God’s voice, God’s commands to go in line, but every one is going his way that God is telling him to go. It is important to know where God is calling you. Because God uses different divisions in different frontlines and fronts. Not everybody is going to the front, otherwise there is no back up. Some are staying behind the front lines because they support some one at the front. God has for everybody another plan, another front. Just follow God’s directions that God has for you. Ask yourself what is the call of my life?
3. What does the Gospel mean in this picture?
The word Gospel is good news. In other languages it is translated as:
-That thing that brings joy into your heart
-A message that chouses the heart to be sweet
God has called us to life in joy.
4. What does peace mean?
Peace means shalom. Shalom means for example: prosperity, health, safety, heart rest, peace. Almost every good word the Jewish people knew is put into the word shalom.
Peace means irenic (Greek) which means peaceful or one who is filled with peace.
Many letters starts with the word peace, if you meet someone on the street you say shalom, you wish him well in everything.
Romans 5:7 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The peace of God will change your life. Every time when Satan attacks you say I have peace with God and I know that God loves me.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man (mind set on the flesh) is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
John 16:33 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.
Philippians 4:6-7 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, with transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 14:17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
