SHOES OF THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

REFERENCE: EPHESIANS 6:10 -19

PREPARATION REFERS TO READINESS

FEET ARE A SYMBOL FOR "THE WALK" OF A PERSON'S LIFE



The boots that Roman soldiers wore for battle were fitted with metal studs like the cleats on football players shoes. They were designed to stand/maintain ground in battle.

If your feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace you will have strength while spreading the Good News of Christ. Shoes allow us to step freely and without fear while spreading God's Word, which brings more peace to the world. As Christians we are called to go out and tell the world about Jesus. If we have our shoes on we are ready, prepared, and at peace to go out.

Preparation includes study and memorization of Scripture, and the ability to communicate intelligently the Gospel Message.

BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

In battle, the breastplate protects the vital organs from enemy attack. It deflects darts and swords. 

Righteousness is the genuine holiness of those whose "every thought is captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) and whose mind is set on things above not on things that are on the earth (Colossians 3:2).

Righteousness is associated with protective armor because righteousness delivers from death (Proverbs 11:4). It is God's righteousness that defends us against Satan, not our own righteousness, which is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

As long as we are wearing a breastplate of our own righteousness, there are many weak points for Satan to penetrate and damage us.

BELT OF TRUTH

The belt of truth is the first piece of equipment we are instructed to use. The belt stands for the truth of God's Word, the Holy Bible. Knowing the truth of God is essential for all believers in order to battle successfully against the devils schemes.

The belt held all the other equipment in place during a physical battle in ancient Roman. The same as the truth of God holds our spiritual weapons in place today.

As Christians we are to test all things and hold on to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21) -- the truth -- discarding all else.

The belt used in Roman armor held the soldier's sword. The belt of truth is needed in order for us to use our sword (the Word of God) effectively.

ARMOR FOR...? WHAT BATTLE!?!?

REFERENCE: Ephesians 6:10-19


Paul wrote a letter to the church at Ephesus to give them instruction while he was away. In his conclusion he commanded the church to put on he full armor of God.

We need this armor to fight the battle against Satan and his demons.

We are had pressed on every side, yet not crushed we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).



We as Christians are at war against the spiritual forces of wickedness. Whether we want to be in the battle or not, we do not have a choice. As Christians we are involved in a life and death struggle with a highly organized kingdom populated by evil, rebellious spirit beings, headquartered in the heavenly realm.

Satan is our enemy and he has waged war on God's kingdom for the souls of humanity. He tries to keep the unsaved blinded to God's Word and he tries to stop the work and progress of those of us already saved. 

And the battle ground is in the realm of the mind!

IMAGINATIONS
REASONING
SPECULATIONS                                   THE REALM OF THE MIND
ARGUMENTS
KNOWLEDGE
THOUGHTS

God tells us through His Word that this battle is real even though the battle is a spiritual war, taking place in the spiritual realm, which differs from our physical realm. However, much of the evil we see in the world is a direct result of this unseen war.

Since you are a part of this battle anyway, you should know how to use the armor of God. And just like Paul told the church of Ephesus, we must also put on the full armor of God.

LEAP OF FAITH

WHAT I DO REVEALS WHAT I BELIEVE ABOUT GOD, REGARDLESS OF WHAT I SAY.