Shoes of Gospel readiness
Notes
Transcript
A person's choice of footwear is a good indication of whether or not they are prepared.
Introduction: Agree or disagree? A person's choice of footwear is a good indication of how prepared they are? If you are going on a hike, and you know that you will be constantly walking uphill in rocky territory, what are you going to think if a person in your hiking party shows up wearing flip-flops? You are probably going to think the person is not prepared. If a baseball player shows up to a game wearing cowboy boots, his manager is probably going to lecture him about his lack of preparedness. How many people grew up being taught that you weren’t prepared to ride a bicycle if you wore anything other than steel toed boots. Anything less you risk cutting off your toes! These are all great examples of how a person's choice of footwear indicates how prepared they are. Today we are going to continue to end our series on the Armor of God, we will end by looking at the only piece of armor we haven’t discussed. The shoes!
Read Ephesians 6:13-18
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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
The name of the boot of a Roman Soldier was a Caligea, and this is what they would have looked like. Ironically enough they look like some type of cross between a cowboy boot and a sandal. This shoe of the Roman Soldier would have been made of leather, so it would give them maximum protection. However the shoes would also be open toed, giving the soldier increased mobility. The soldier could run, jump, and fight and know his legs were protected. Today the idea of wearing an open toed shoe in combat is absurd, however, to them, the idea of a closed toed shoe would be equally absurd.
However the function of the Roman Caligea would be less important than what they represented.
A Roman soldier's readiness would be symbolized by the boots on his feet. The Roman army was known for its readiness and mobility. The boots on the feet of Roman Soldiers ensured they looked the part, it ensured they were ready to go.
This vision and idea is what Paul had in mind when he described the boots of gospel readiness as being part of the Armor of God.
The idea of our feet being associated with the carrying of the gospel message is not new to scripture. When Paul talks about the boots of Gospel readiness, he was not doubt alluding to Isaiah this is what the prophet says in Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
I know what some of you might be thinking, because many people over the years have thought the same thing.
You’ve never seen my feet Isaiah.
Regardless of what people's feet looked like, Isaiah considered them “beautiful” because they were a powerful and effective tool for delivering the gospel message. Paul would double down on this idea in the book of Romans when he directly says the willingness of people to preach the gospel directly ties to this passage
Ozark chapel Illustration
Since we know that feet are considered a tool for the gospel, it only stands to reason that those feet have a pair of shoes.
The Greek word to describe the boots of Gospel Readiness is Hetoimasia which means“Firmness, readiness, and preparation. This goes back to the statement we made at the beginning of this sermon. A person's choice of footwear is a good indication of whether or not they are prepared. The purpose of the boots of gospel readiness is quite literal, there is no obscurity. The purpose of the Armor of God is to make sure we are prepared to deliver the gospel.
There are many passages of scripture which testify to the importance of being properly prepared for action, particularly from Peter.
This is what Peter says in 1st Peter 1:13
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Peter Speaks of the importance of being prepared in our faith in 1st Peter 3:15-16
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.
Peter continues to speak about the importance of preparedness in 1st Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
So are we using the boots of gospel readiness for their purpose? Are we prepared for the sake of the gospel? How do we do this? How do we ensure we are prepared?
Study and apply God’s word 1st Timothy reminds us that All scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, reproof and correction. This is to say that God’s word equips us for every good work! Lean upon the scriptures to ensure we are gospel ready.
Thankfulness We prepare ourselves by focusing on all we’ve been blessed with. In other words, we prepare ourselves for the sake of the gospel by being thankful. This is appropriate don’t you think? The discipline of thankfulness helps focus our perspective and weaponizes our perspective against unrest and complacent, both of which are enemies of preparedness.
Gathering together The importance of coming to church and gathering together in worship cannot be understated. The book of Hebrews instructs us not to forsake the meeting together. The ways in which we can help one another remain prepared are all around us.
Grace INC
Men’s group
Committees and teams
Let us take these opportunities to make sure we are prepared for the sake of the gospel. Let these opportunities show that we each equip the boots of Gospel readiness.
Conclusion: If you are prepared to leave your home and you are dressed and seemingly ready, but you realize you haven’t put your shoes on yet, are you really ready? No. You probably aren’t going to leave your home if you don’t have your shoes on first. So you aren’t ready to go until you have your shoes on your feet. Likewise, we can have the Armor of God equipt. We can have the belt of truth, helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, sword of the spirit, shield of faith. However if the boots of gospel readiness aren’t on our feet, then we aren’t really prepared for the sake of the gospel. In the Great Commission, the first command of Jesus is to Go! Make disciples of all nations. However we know that we’re never really ready to go, until we’ve put our shoes.