“The Gospel of Peace Footwear” – Part 3 of a 7 part series on the “Armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18)
“…to stand against;….to withstand;….to stand firm;….Stand, therefore….” Four times Paul reiterates the overriding purpose for our “armor” as he introduces the believer’s supernatural panoply: to stand i.e. not give ground to the enemy (Ephesians 6:10-14). And most everyone knows that standing firm requires the right kind of footwear.
“Along with the belt and breastplate, proper footgear was a vital piece of equipment for the first-century Roman soldier….To fight well, he needed to move quickly and decisively….His shoes actually were equipped with the ancient precursor to today’s athletic cleats worn in football and baseball.”
Paul described the type of footwear we need this way: “as for shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” (6:15) The gospel (literally: “good news”) of the Bible is found in the life, death & resurrection of Jesus Christ – and how Jesus satisfies God’s wrath over sin, thereby giving sinful/corrupt mankind peace and reconciliation with a holy & just God, both now and in eternity. (“…God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” 2 Corinthians 5:19)
The Greek word for our English word “gospel” is “εὐαγγέλιον”. When transliterated, it’s pronounced, “yoo-on-GEH-lee-on”. And here’s the cool thing (think: supernatural power) about this “footwear”….
(1) It advances the kingdom of God against a hostile enemy: “Paul is calling believers to strap the good news of the gospel of peace to their feet. Consider the Old Testament herald announcing the good news and liberation to those in bondage. Note the words of Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace,who bring good tidings,who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!” God’s people today must do the same, which means going forth courageously and boldly into enemy quarters, equipped with the combat boots of the good news of Christ Jesus.” And there’s not one thing Satan can do about it. ([Jesus said to Peter], “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades [the powers of the infernal region] shall not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18 – Amplified)
(2) It empowers the believer with courage, strength, and peace: “Just as the gospel is a powerful means for advancing God’s truth and delivering many from Satan’s clutches, it is also a powerful means for stabilizing us as believers, helping us stand against the devil’s attacks….Satan lives to make us miserable….he is relentless….We need peace when the spiritual bombs of the enemy are exploding around us. We find that peace in the gospel.” (cf. Philippians 4:6-7) As we live/share the gospel we are constantly reminded of its truth. And the truth, Jesus said, sets us free. (John 8:32)
“As we understand and appropriate the gospel more and more in our lives, we will advance in our ability to hold our ground when the enemy strikes.”
NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all sections in quotations are from Brian Borgman’s & Rob Ventura’s “Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical & Balanced Perspective”.
Soli Deo Gloria, nw