Part 10
(Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; [18] praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
(Ephesians 6:15 NKJV) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
The shoes belonging to a Roman soldier usually made from brass and were composed of two parts: The greave and the shoe itself.
The greave was a tube-like piece of brass that started at the top of the knee and extended past the lower leg. The shoes themselves were made of metal and had inch or more long spikes on them.
Shoes of Peace?
- Peace not only protects you, but it also provides you with a brutal weapon to wield against the enemy when he attacks.
(Ephesians 6:15 NKJV) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
The word “shod” means to “bind tightly.”
- We must position peace firmly in place, “binding” it around our minds and our emotions in the same way that the Roman soldiers made sure to bind their shoes very tightly onto their feet.
The word “preparation” carries the idea of solidity, firmness, a solid foundation, or a firm footing.
- Peace gives us a foundation so secure that we can step out in confident faith without being moved by what we see or what we hear.
The word “peace” is the Greek word “eirene”. It carries the idea of a peace that prevails or overcomes.
- When used in a salutation, it carries with it blessings and prosperity in every area of one’s life.
However, the presence of chaos and the absence of peace does not necessarily mean that the enemy has attacked you. It may be an indicator that you have violated some principle of Scripture or disobeyed the will of God for your life.
- Before you run out to fight the devil, look in the mirror! The devil is not always the source of your problems!
Two Types of Peace
- Peace with God – this is what a person experiences when they come to the Lord for salvation.
(Colossians 1:20-21 NKJV) (20) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. (21) And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
- Peace of God – this is a protective peace. It protects you from fretfulness, anxiety, worry, and everything else the devil comes to disturb your enjoyment of abundant life.
(John 14:27 NKJV) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(Colossians 3:15 AMP) And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
- Satan can’t play games with your mind or emotions when they are being governed by peace!
Remember the greaves the soldier wore?
The greaves were designed to protect the soldiers’ legs from bruises, cuts or a lacerated leg. A damaged leg almost always meant that the soldier could easily be overcome or killed.
They often had to walk or climb rocky places or scale difficult barriers.
These greaves protected the soldiers from danger and gave them the assurance they needed to proceed in their mission that had been given to them.
Likewise, God may give you an assignment that leads you through some challenging places. If you do not let the peace of God work in your life, it is highly possible you will be mentally and emotionally bruised and battered by rocky relationships and rough situations.
- The brass greaves enabled the soldier to walk through the rockiest of places and never get hurt.
- The greaves enabled the soldier to walk through wicked thorn patches and never get scratched.
- With these greaves, the enemy could not kick repeatedly at the soldier’s shins, and his legs never broken.
- With the peace of God working in your life, you can walk through the rockiest and most difficult situations imaginable and never get bruised, cut, or seriously injured.
The spikes keep you firm footed.
- Refuse to worry and let your heart be anxious.
(Philippians 4:6-9 NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. (7) Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (8) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (9) Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me–everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
(Isaiah 26:3 NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!
(Isaiah 26:3 MSG) People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit.