Battling the Forces of Evil p4
Battling the Forces of Evil – P4
Ephesians 6:15
“Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” (Isaiah 52:7; Rom.10:15; Luke 1:79; Phil.4:7)
It seems that the feet are not here protected by any armour, but they are shod with military form of footwear that enables them to stand firmly in the battle without being moved by the enemy!
If we think of ourselves as Christ’s soldiers in a military formation, we hold the lines and the enemy cannot break through!
In this particular piece of armour we find “the gospel of peace” as the protection afforded us, enabling us to hold and not retreat when the battle gets too heated.
There is also a readiness associated with it, found in the word “preparation”.
Therefore, we are prepared to enter hot long and grueling fights because we are ready for what comes!
I. Preparation of the gospel is a learning process.
Nothing in the Christian faith comes through the subconscious. We are intelligent beings with purpose, design, and skill. We must exercise the mind taking on the qualities of our Lord and training ourselves as a good student of God’s commandments.
A. Skillful use of the gospel must be studied. (2 Timothy 2:15) (1 Peter 3:15)
B. Skillful use of the gospel must be practiced.
There is nothing worse than useless knowledge, except maybe useless beings!
We as students of God’s Word are required and expected to put into practice those things we are learning and to emulate the life of our Lord.
How are we doing?
II. The resulting peace is a byproduct not a method of the gospel.
Here is the problem of the world and the theology of many churches. That we are to meld into this society not causing any waves and to only share God’s, loving kindness to people so that they may come to enjoy all the fullness of the benefits of a relationship with Him.
We are according to this logic, never to mention unpleasant subjects such as, retribution, annihilation, sin, hell, etc.
A. Christ is the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
And because of this…
B. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
We are pronounced righteous by faith.
We have and enjoy peace with God which we never had prior.
A peace that makes us the friend of God.
C. We have peace from fear. 1 John 4:18
1. Peace from fear of persecution. (Matthew 10:28)
2. Peace from fear of final judgment. (Romans 8:1)
3. Peace from fear of fruitlessness. (2 Peter 1:8)
4. Peace from fear of death. (Revelation 2:10)
D. Jesus says that He came not to send peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34
Here the Lord is quoting from Micah 7:6.
The gospel severs relationships because some will believe and some won’t, and that belief is so powerful that it prefers Christ over parents, children, and spouses.
Conclusion:
There is great opportunity for us in the understanding of this piece of armour.
Do not be without it our battle is in fact for the precious souls of those who do not know Him. The lines have been drawn; we stand in the gap; we fight for the possession of souls through the gospel of Jesus Christ and take no prisoners.
We hold on with prayerful tenacity slashing and stabbing with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God!
Be not faithless!!!