Peace and Faith

Review Breastplate and Belt

Belt of truth is foundational to our walk with Jesus.

Breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts. Right living, integrity.

Personal Story

Peace keeper v Peace maker

Faith changes perspective

Shoes/Sandals of Peace

Ephesians 6:15 NLT

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

Walking in peace is not passive.

Biblical peace- more than just the absence of conflicts; it’s the state of wholeness, wellbeing, and harmony. Signifies a relationship of trust, reconciliation, and complete wellbeing with God, oneself, and others. This is a gift from God, not something humanity can achieve on their own.

Roman military sandals

Mobility

Traction

Comfort

Combat

How does this translate to spiritual warfare

Mobility- a soul at peace can adjust easily

Traction- peace keeps us moving forward instead of slipping into offense

Comfort- there is an ease with the peace of God

Combat- The enemy wants you panicked and scared. Peace allows you to stomp him under your feet

Romans 16:20 NLT

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Remember that this is not our peace. It is peace that comes from God.

Isaiah 52:4–8 NLT

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Long ago my people chose to live in Egypt. Now they are oppressed by Assyria. What is this?” asks the Lord. “Why are my people enslaved again? Those who rule them shout in exultation. My name is blasphemed all day long. But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them.” How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for before their very eyes they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem.

The LORD is bring the good news that He is the one that saves based on His goodness, not ours.

Shield of Faith

Ephesians 6:16 NLT

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

This is in addition, not instead of.

All parts are vital to our victory.

Roman Shield

Projectile deflection

Protective formation

Intimidation factor

Shield of Faith

Projectile deflection- The accuser accuses us from a distance. The lies he throws at us are only as powerful as our belief.

If we believe the truth over the lie, his attacks fall short.

Protective formation- we are called to fight shoulder to shoulder.

Sometimes I need your faith and sometimes you may need mine.

There is strength in fighting shield to shield.

Intimidation factor- the enemy flees when we trust truth over the lie.

James 4:7 NLT

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Faith is remembering that its about who God is not what we feel.

1. Walk in Peace

Peace is about resolving conflict, not ignoring it.

Imagine walking in shoes of peace. How could that change your perspective on a situation?

When you face conflicts with your siblings, parents, coworkers, friends, think of the 'shoes of peace' as a reminder to walk toward reconciliation. Next time you have a disagreement, pause before reacting. Take a moment to pray for peace in your heart, and then approach the conversation with humility. Try using phrases like 'Help me, I want to understand where you are coming from' or 'Let's work together to find a solution.' This approach can defuse tension and promote understanding, just as Jesus called us to be peacemakers in Matthew 5:9.

Making Peace by Jim Van Yperen

2. Defend with Faith

We defend with our faith by leaning into Jesus when things get hard.

If righteousness defends our core, faith protects our emotions.

Believe the truth of God, even when you don’t see it.

Hebrews 11:1 NLT

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

Faith will always seem ridiculous at first.

Faith is not some weird superpower.

3. Keep Standing

Never forget Jesus.

The story of the women washing Jesus feet with perfume and her tears. (Luke 7)

Luke 7:50 NLT

And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Our peace comes from Jesus when we place our faith in Jesus.

Hebrews 11:6 NLT

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

We need the truth of God, the righteousness of Christ, the peace of God, and faith in God to stand a chance in this battle.