THE SHOES OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

THE SHOES OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:10-18

Key Verse: “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” — Ephesians 6:15 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 52:7; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:14-15; John 14:27; Colossians 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.

Description: This message teaches believers the importance of being firmly established in the peace of God and prepared to stand, move and advance in spiritual warfare through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION

The Christian life is not a life without battles. Every believer is engaged in a spiritual conflict that requires spiritual preparation, discipline and dependence on God. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Apostle Paul presents the armour of God as the spiritual equipment every believer needs to withstand the schemes of the devil. Each piece of the armour serves a particular purpose, and none should be neglected.

In Ephesians 6:15, Paul introduces another important piece of the believer's spiritual armour: “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” In the days of Roman soldiers, proper footwear was essential for stability, protection and movement during battle. A soldier whose feet were unprotected could easily slip, stumble or become injured. In the same way, a believer who is not firmly established in the Gospel of peace may become unstable when confronted with the challenges of life and spiritual warfare.

The shoes of the Gospel of peace speak of being established in the peace Christ has provided, prepared to stand firm against the enemy, and ready to carry the message of reconciliation wherever God sends us. We must not only receive the Gospel; we must live by it, stand upon it and proclaim it. A believer properly equipped with the Gospel of peace will not be easily shaken by trouble, intimidated by opposition or distracted from the assignment of God.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE SHOES OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

The shoes of the Gospel of peace are part of the spiritual armour God has provided for every believer. They represent the readiness, stability and confidence that come from knowing and embracing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel announces that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, sinful humanity can be reconciled to God. It is a message of peace between God and humanity, peace within the believer, and peace that should influence our relationships with others.

a) What Are Shoes? (Ephesians 6:15)

Shoes are coverings worn on the feet for protection, stability and movement. In a military setting, appropriate footwear enables a soldier to stand on difficult ground, move confidently and endure the conditions of the battlefield.

Spiritually, the shoes of the Gospel represent the believer's readiness and stability through the truth of Christ's saving work. We must be properly grounded in the Gospel so that the changing circumstances of life do not make us fall.

Practical Application: Do not approach spiritual battles without a firm understanding of the Gospel. Study God's Word and allow its truth to establish your heart.

b) What Is the Gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. It is God's message of salvation to a lost world.

The Gospel is not merely a religious message or a collection of moral instructions. It is the declaration of what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ to redeem humanity from sin and restore fellowship with Himself.

Practical Application: Build your faith on the finished work of Christ. Do not replace the Gospel with human traditions, philosophies or religious activities.

c) What Is Peace? (Romans 5:1)

Peace is a state of reconciliation, wholeness, security and freedom from hostility. Biblical peace is more than the absence of conflict; it includes the assurance that we are accepted by God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1 declares that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This peace is the foundation of our relationship with God and the source of our spiritual confidence.

Practical Application: When guilt, fear or condemnation tries to overwhelm you, remember that through faith in Christ you have been reconciled to God.

d) What Does It Mean to Have Our Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace? (Ephesians 6:15)

It means being firmly established in the Gospel, ready to stand against the enemy and prepared to move forward in obedience to Christ. It is a life governed by the peace of God and committed to spreading the good news of salvation.

A believer who wears these spiritual shoes does not allow fear, confusion or hostility to determine his direction. He stands upon the truth of the Gospel and remains ready to fulfil God's purpose.

Practical Application: Let the Gospel determine your attitude, conduct, decisions and response to life's challenges.

Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 8:4-8)

When persecution scattered the early believers, they did not abandon the Gospel. They went everywhere preaching the Word. Their feet were effectively shod with the readiness of the Gospel of peace. Even in difficult circumstances, they continued to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

2. THE GOSPEL OF PEACE ESTABLISHES OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

The foundation of spiritual stability is peace with God. Before we can effectively stand against the enemy, we must understand that through Christ we have been brought into a new relationship with God.

Sin separated humanity from God, but Jesus Christ came to restore that broken relationship. Through His sacrifice, those who believe in Him receive forgiveness, reconciliation and access to the Father.

a) We Have Peace with God Through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)

The Bible teaches that being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This peace is not earned through good works, religious activities or personal achievements. It is received through faith in Christ.

The enemy may remind believers of their past sins and failures, but the finished work of Jesus Christ is greater than every accusation against those who are in Him.

Practical Application: Refuse to live under the condemnation of sins that you have confessed and forsaken. Walk in the assurance of God's forgiveness through Christ.

b) Jesus Christ Is Our Peace (Ephesians 2:13-14)

The Scripture declares that Christ Himself is our peace. Through His blood, those who were once far away have been brought near to God.

Peace is not merely something Jesus gives; it is rooted in who He is and what He has accomplished. When Christ becomes the foundation of our lives, we receive a peace that the world cannot manufacture.

Practical Application: Make Jesus the centre of your life. Do not seek lasting peace in possessions, positions, relationships or human approval.

c) The Blood of Jesus Has Reconciled Us to God (Colossians 1:20-22)

Through the blood of His cross, Jesus made peace and provided the way for humanity to be reconciled to God. The cross is the foundation of our reconciliation.

The believer's confidence is not in personal perfection but in the perfect sacrifice of Christ. We have access to God because Jesus paid the price for our redemption.

Practical Application: Approach God with confidence through Jesus Christ. Maintain a consistent life of prayer, worship and obedience.

d) We Have Access to the Father Through Christ (Ephesians 2:18)

Through Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access by one Spirit unto the Father. This means that believers are no longer strangers and outsiders but members of God's household.

The peace of the Gospel gives us the privilege of approaching God without fear of rejection. We can call upon Him as our Father and depend upon His grace.

Practical Application: Develop a personal relationship with God. Do not allow spiritual distance, neglect or sin to weaken your fellowship with Him.

Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:17-24)

The prodigal son left his father's house and wasted his inheritance, but when he returned in repentance, his father received him with compassion. This illustrates the restoration available to those who return to God. Through Christ, we can experience reconciliation and peace with our heavenly Father.

3. THE GOSPEL OF PEACE GIVES US STABILITY IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

A soldier needs firm footing to remain standing during battle. In the same way, a believer must be established in the Gospel to withstand the pressures of spiritual warfare.

The enemy seeks to destabilise believers through fear, discouragement, confusion, temptation and false teachings. But the Gospel of peace provides a firm foundation that enables us to stand.

a) The Gospel Gives Us a Firm Foundation (Matthew 7:24-25)

Jesus compared the person who hears His words and obeys them to a wise man who built his house upon a rock. When the rain descended, the floods came and the winds blew, the house remained standing because it was founded upon the rock.

The storms of life will come, but believers who build their lives upon Christ and His Word will not be easily destroyed. The Gospel provides the foundation upon which our faith must stand.

Practical Application: Practise what you learn from God's Word. Do not merely hear the Gospel; allow it to shape your daily life.

b) The Gospel Protects Us from Fear and Anxiety (John 14:27)

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” His peace is different from the peace the world offers. It is not dependent on favourable circumstances.

Spiritual warfare may involve seasons of uncertainty, but the believer can remain confident because Christ has given us His peace. Fear must not become the controlling force in our lives.

Practical Application: When anxiety arises, turn to prayer, meditate on God's promises and trust the Lord rather than surrendering to fear.

c) The Gospel Helps Us Resist the Enemy's Accusations (Romans 8:33-34)

The enemy often attacks believers through accusations, reminding them of their past and attempting to make them doubt their acceptance before God. But the Gospel declares that God is the One who justifies.

Christ died, rose again and intercedes for us. Therefore, no accusation can overturn the saving work of Jesus Christ in the life of a believer who remains in Him.

Practical Application: Answer condemnation with the truth of Scripture. Confess your sins when necessary, receive God's forgiveness and continue in righteousness.

d) The Peace of God Guards Our Hearts and Minds (Philippians 4:6-7)

God's peace is able to guard the hearts and minds of believers through Christ Jesus. This peace operates as a spiritual guard against the destructive effects of worry and fear.

The peace of God does not mean that we will never face difficulties. It means that difficulties do not have to control our hearts because we can commit every situation to God in prayer.

Practical Application: Make prayer your first response rather than your last resort. Present your needs to God with thanksgiving and allow His peace to govern your heart.

Biblical Example: Jesus in the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)

While the disciples were afraid because of the storm, Jesus was asleep in the boat. His response revealed His confidence in the Father's care and His authority over the storm. He arose, rebuked the wind and commanded the sea to be still. This teaches us that the presence of Christ gives us confidence even when the storms of life arise.

4. THE GOSPEL OF PEACE MAKES US READY TO ADVANCE

The shoes of a soldier are not only for standing; they are also for movement. Similarly, the Gospel does not merely establish believers; it prepares them to move forward in the fulfilment of God's assignment.

The Christian faith is not intended to produce passive believers who only enjoy the benefits of salvation. We have been saved to serve God, reach others and carry the message of reconciliation to the world.

a) We Must Be Ready to Preach the Gospel (Romans 10:14-15)

The Bible asks how people can hear without a preacher and how preachers can preach unless they are sent. It then declares the beauty of the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace.

Every believer has a responsibility to make Christ known. We may not all occupy the pulpit, but we can all share the good news through our words, conduct, testimony and service.

Practical Application: Be intentional about sharing the Gospel with your family, neighbours, colleagues and people you meet. Do not be ashamed of the message of salvation.

b) We Are Ambassadors of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

God has committed to believers the ministry of reconciliation. We are ambassadors for Christ, representing His kingdom and calling people to be reconciled to God.

An ambassador does not represent himself; he represents the government that sent him. Likewise, Christians must represent Jesus Christ faithfully in their communities.

Practical Application: Let your conduct reflect the character of Christ. Use your influence, resources and opportunities to bring people closer to God.

c) We Must Carry the Message of Peace Everywhere (Isaiah 52:7)

Isaiah describes the feet of those who bring good tidings, publish peace and announce salvation as beautiful. The message of peace is a message that must travel beyond the walls of the church.

Our homes, workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods and communities need the message of Jesus Christ. We must not keep the good news to ourselves.

Practical Application: Look for opportunities to share Christ wherever you find yourself. Support evangelism and missions, and be available for God's service.

d) We Must Move Forward Despite Opposition (Acts 5:40-42)

The early apostles faced threats, persecution and opposition, but they did not stop preaching Jesus Christ. They continued daily in the temple and from house to house, teaching and preaching that Jesus is the Christ.

The readiness of the Gospel means that opposition must not silence our witness. We must remain faithful to our assignment even when it becomes uncomfortable.

Practical Application: Do not allow criticism, rejection or intimidation to stop you from serving God. Remain committed to the Gospel and fulfil your calling with courage.

Biblical Example: Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:5-8)

Philip went down to Samaria and preached Christ. The people listened to his message, miracles took place, and there was great joy in the city. Philip's readiness to move with the Gospel brought transformation to an entire community.

5. THE GOSPEL OF PEACE MUST INFLUENCE OUR RELATIONSHIPS

The peace we receive from Christ must become evident in the way we relate to other people. A believer cannot claim to be established in the Gospel of peace while deliberately promoting bitterness, hatred, division and unnecessary conflict.

The Gospel calls us to become agents of peace. This does not mean tolerating wickedness or compromising biblical truth. It means responding to others with the character of Christ and pursuing reconciliation wherever it is possible.

a) We Must Be Peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)

Jesus declared that blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Peacemakers do not encourage division, gossip or hostility. They seek to restore relationships and promote understanding.

The church must be a place where the peace of Christ is demonstrated through love, forgiveness, humility and unity.

Practical Application: Refuse to be a source of unnecessary conflict. Be willing to apologise, forgive and pursue reconciliation.

b) We Must Forgive Those Who Offend Us (Colossians 3:13-15)

The Bible commands believers to forgive one another, even as Christ forgave them. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for maintaining spiritual health and healthy relationships.

Bitterness can become a burden that affects our fellowship with God and our dealings with people. The Gospel teaches us to release offences and allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts.

Practical Application: Do not allow old offences to control your present life. Ask God for grace to forgive those who have hurt you.

c) We Must Pursue Peace with All People (Hebrews 12:14)

The Scripture commands us to follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Peace requires intentional effort, patience and humility.

There are times when we may disagree with others, but disagreement should not become hatred. We can stand for truth while maintaining a spirit of love and respect.

Practical Application: Be careful with your words and reactions. Avoid unnecessary arguments and seek peaceful solutions to disagreements.

d) We Must Allow the Peace of Christ to Rule Our Hearts (Colossians 3:15)

Paul instructs believers to let the peace of God rule in their hearts. The word “rule” suggests that peace should have governing influence over our thoughts, decisions and relationships.

When the peace of Christ governs our hearts, we become less controlled by anger, jealousy, pride and resentment. We learn to respond to situations with spiritual maturity.

Practical Application: Before reacting to difficult situations, pause and consider whether your response reflects the peace and character of Christ.

Biblical Example: Abraham and Lot (Genesis 13:5-12)

When conflict arose between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot, Abraham chose to pursue peace rather than allow the disagreement to destroy their relationship. He gave Lot the opportunity to choose the land first. Abraham's action demonstrates the importance of humility and the pursuit of peace.

6. HOW TO KEEP OUR FEET SHOD WITH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

Putting on the shoes of the Gospel of peace is not a one-time religious activity. It requires a continuous commitment to Christ, His Word and His mission.

Believers must deliberately cultivate a life that is established in the truth of the Gospel, governed by God's peace and prepared for Christian service.

a) Remain Established in the Word of God (Colossians 2:6-7)

Paul encourages believers to walk in Christ, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith. A believer who neglects God's Word becomes vulnerable to deception and spiritual instability.

The Word of God teaches us the truth about salvation, righteousness, peace and our identity in Christ.

Practical Application: Develop a consistent habit of reading, studying, meditating on and obeying Scripture.

b) Maintain a Consistent Prayer Life (Philippians 4:6-7)

Prayer connects our hearts to God and helps us surrender our fears, burdens and uncertainties to Him. Through prayer, we receive grace to remain stable in difficult situations.

A prayerless believer may easily become overwhelmed by the pressures of life, but a believer who consistently depends on God can experience His sustaining peace.

Practical Application: Establish a daily prayer routine. Do not wait until trouble comes before you seek God's face.

c) Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy and peace. These qualities are evidence of the Spirit's work in the life of a believer.

Walking in the Spirit enables us to respond to challenges with spiritual maturity rather than allowing the flesh to control our reactions.

Practical Application: Submit your thoughts, attitudes and actions to the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to produce His fruit in your life.

d) Remain Committed to the Mission of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20)

Jesus commissioned His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. The Gospel of peace must be carried to those who have not yet received the message of salvation.

A believer who understands the value of the Gospel will not remain indifferent to the spiritual condition of others.

Practical Application: Participate actively in evangelism, discipleship, missions and other kingdom assignments. Make the winning of souls a priority.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (Acts 20:22-24)

Despite the challenges and sufferings ahead of him, Paul remained committed to completing his ministry and the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace. His life demonstrates the readiness and determination expected of those whose feet are shod with the Gospel of peace.

CONCLUSION

The shoes of the Gospel of peace are essential equipment for every believer. They establish us in our peace with God through Jesus Christ, give us stability in spiritual warfare, protect our hearts from fear and confusion, and prepare us to carry the message of salvation to others. We must not allow the storms of life, the accusations of the enemy or the hostility of people to make us abandon our confidence in Christ. Our feet must remain firmly planted in the truth of the Gospel.

Today, make a fresh commitment to live by the Gospel, stand firm in the peace of Christ and become an instrument of reconciliation in your generation. Do not merely enjoy the peace of salvation; carry its message to others. Be ready to stand, ready to move and ready to proclaim Jesus Christ wherever God sends you. May your life become a testimony of the peace and power of the Gospel.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, establish my life firmly in the Gospel of peace, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, let every fear and anxiety troubling my heart give way to Your peace, in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen me to stand firm against every attack of the enemy, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from confusion, instability and spiritual weakness, in Jesus name.

5. Father, make me an effective witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me the courage to preach Your Word without fear or shame, in Jesus name.

7. Father, remove bitterness, anger and unforgiveness from my heart, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make me an instrument of peace and reconciliation in my family and church, in Jesus name.

9. Father, guide my steps and make me ready for every divine assignment, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let Your peace guard my heart and mind in every situation, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You are established in the Gospel of peace.

2. You will not be shaken by the storms of life.

3. You are strengthened to stand against every scheme of the enemy.

4. You will walk in the peace of Christ every day.

5. You will not be overcome by fear, confusion or anxiety.

6. Your feet are prepared to carry the Gospel wherever God sends you.

7. You will become an instrument of peace in your family and community.

8. You will fulfil your divine assignment without fear or discouragement.

9. Your heart and mind are guarded by the peace of God.

10. You will stand firm, move forward and finish your race victoriously, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.