The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Ephesians 6:15 ESV

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Purpose of the Shoes

Caligula were sandals with leather straps going up above the ankles. They also had nails on the bottom of the shoes much like cleats do today to provide more traction. They were designed to provide traction on the rough terrain of combat

Readiness - your stance

1 Peter 3:14–16 ESV

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

What is the Gospel of Peace

Definition of Gospel - Good news

Peace - not just absence of conflict

but also wellbeing and harmony

Good news of restoration from conflict into harmony with God.

The Problem

Romans 6:23 ESV

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Solution

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 ESV

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

The Result

Romans 5:17 ESV

For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

The Protection of the Gospel of Peace

Ephesians 6:15 ESV

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Number one attack is your/their sin is too great

1 Timothy 1:15–16 ESV

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

all can be saved

second attack is you lost your salvation

John 10:28 ESV

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Third attack you cant save them your not good enough

Romans 1:16 ESV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

I can’t but God can

Salvation is his might his strength

Fourth God doesn’t love you

1 John 4:7–8 ESV

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Its part of God’s Character to love

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God demonstrated his love in the cross.

We can stand firm in the face of Satan’s attacks when we stand on the Solid Rock of Christ. In him we have the Gospel message of Peace with God. That each and everyone of us can be restored to harmony with God.