The Whole Armor of God--Feet Shod With Gospel of P
1/11/2018

 
"And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:15)

 

There are battles raging everyday all over the world. As well as the physical conflicts and wars there are spiritual battles also raging.  If you are a Christian and are struggling today, then you are certainly not on your own! Read that great passage of equipping ourselves with the armor of God in (Ephesians 6:10-18).  We do not face the enemy, Satan, alone.  We have help from our Lord and our brethren as well as the spiritual armor provided to help us fight this war.

 

After looking at the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, Paul looks down to the feet of the Roman soldier. He sees a pair of sandals and on the sole of those sandals there are hobnails and they are there for a purpose: that the Roman soldier may have a strong footing and that he may be stable and not be moved during the battle.  It's necessary for Christians to have their feet equipped for readiness, with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

 

The "peace" Paul wants us to experience comes from our obedience to God.  The peace which God promised the people of Israel was conditional. That is, they were promised peace only when they trusted in God and obeyed His word. If they failed to trust in Him and forsook His Law, God assured the Israelites that they would no longer have peace, but fear, doubt and dread (Deuteronomy 28:63-67).  Regarding the coming of the Messiah we are told that He, our Savior, would guide our feet into the way of spiritual peace and reconciliation to God (Luke. 1:76-79; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21). Peter also encouraged us to seek peace: "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.  Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."  Therefore, our confidence must be in God and His divine Word and not in our thoughts and desires.

 

If we do not have our feet fitted with the gospel of peace and our lives founded upon obedience to God we will not win our war with Satan.  This certainly requires that we know and understand the gospel, the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).  This is why Paul told Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). 

 

Just as the soldier must not lose his footing in war, the Christian warrior must have "steady feet", always prepared for spiritual battle.

 

STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS

 

1. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

ye soldiers of the cross;

lift high his royal banner,

it must not suffer loss.

From victory unto victory

his army shall he lead,

till every foe is vanquished,

and Christ is Lord indeed.

 

2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

the trumpet call obey;

forth to the mighty conflict,

in this his glorious day.

Ye that are brave now serve him

against unnumbered foes;

let courage rise with danger,

and strength to strength oppose.

 

3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

stand in his strength alone;

the arm of flesh will fail you,

ye dare not trust your own.

Put on the gospel armor,

each piece put on with prayer;

where duty calls or danger,

be never wanting there.

 

4. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

the strife will not be long;

this day the noise of battle,

the next the victor's song.

To those who vanquish evil

a crown of life shall be;

they with the King of Glory

shall reign eternally.

 

 

Text: George Duffield, Jr., 1818-1888

Music: George J. Webb, 1803-1887

Tune: WEBB, Meter: 76.76 D

 

"Daily Devotions by Guy Roberson"

Walnut Street Church of Christ

 






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