The Greek middle is used again in the exhortation, “and having shod your feet“ the responsibility of the Christian soldier. If the Christian soldier is to stand up against the attack of the demons, he must see to it that his feet are properly protected and equipped. The Roman soldier wore sandals which were bound by throngs over the instep and around the ankle, and the soles were thickly studded with nails. This would give him a firm footing in case of attack. The word “preparation” is hetoimazō (ἑτοιμαζω), which was used in classical Greek in the sense of establishment or firm foundation. Thus, the Christian soldier should see to it that his feet are equipped with the sandals which will give him a firm footing, namely, the good news that speaks peace to a sinful heart, for the Lord Jesus made peace by the blood of His Cross, making a way for a holy God to reunite Himself with a believing sinner who in Adam had been separated from Him and His life. The Greek word “peace” is eirēnē (εἰρηνη), and means “that which has been bound together.” Expositors says: “The preparedness, the mental alacrity with which we are inspired by the gospel with its message of peace with God, is to be to us the protection and equipment which the sandals that cover the feet are to the soldier. With this we shall be helped to face the foe with courage and with promptitude.”[i]

Shoes, or greaves of brass, or the like, were formerly part of the military armour (1 Sa. 17:6): the use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were wont to be laid privily in the way, to obstruct the marching of the enemy, those who fell upon them being unfit to march. The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. It is styled the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. [ii]

This may mean either that the gospel is the firm foundation on which Christians are to stand or that the Christian soldier should be ready to go out to defend and spread the gospel.[iii]

I. Foundational

A. To Stand

B. To Defend

C. To Spread

II. Evangelical

This suggests a readiness to go out with the good news of peace, and therefore an invasion into enemy territory. When we relax in our tents, we are in deadly peril. Our safety is to be found in following the beautiful feet of the Savior on the mountains, bearing glad tidings and publishing peace (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15). [iv]

gospel of peace—(compare Lu 1:79; Ro 10:15). The “peace” within forms a beautiful contrast to the raging of the outward conflict (Is 26:3; Php 4:7).[v]

B. The Gospel Shoes of Peace - Eph. 6:15

• Eastern Culture:
1. They wore loose-fitted sandals for walking.
2. They always walked into the home barefooted.

·         Western Culture:

1.      To “shod” a horse was to nail the shoe to the hoof so that it became a part of the

horse.

Paul - giving out the gospel message should be a “part of’ every believer.

  1. Roman soldiers wore shoes with cleats for surefootedness on the battlefield...lost footing

could be fatal for the soldier.

   a. The “Good News” provides the preparation that is needed for the battle:

• The reason many Christians are fearful of winning others to Christ is their ignorance of the Word of God. Need to start replacing our FEAR with FAITH.
• Rom. 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word (rhema) of God.”
• The rhema word will arise out of the logos…the total Word of God.
• “Your faith level will never exceed your knowledge of the Word of God.”
1. There are two (2) things that are unconditionally necessary for anyone to become a Christian:
• The Spirit of God (Jn. 6:44 – the Spirit “must draw him.”)
• The Word of God – The primary catalyst that God uses to save mankind:
1. The Preaching of the Word of God.
• Jer. 23:29 – “His Word is like a Fire…”
• “Like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces.”
• Heb. 4:12 – it’s alive and powerful”
• Rom. 1:16 – the gospel… “the power of God unto salvation”

   b. Every Christian is commissioned, for every Christian is a missionary. It has been said that

the Gospel is not merely something to come to church to hear but something to go from the

church to tell—and we are all appointed to tell it. It has also been said, ‘Christianity began

as a company of lay witnesses; it has become a professional pulpitism, financed by lay

spectators!’ Nowadays we hire a church staff to do ‘full-time Christian work,’ and we sit in

church on Sunday to watch them do it. Every Christian is meant to be in full-time Christian

service ... There is indeed a special ministry of pastors, teachers and evangelists—but for

what? ... For the perfecting of the saints for their ministry. 27 [vi]

  2. Distinguish between the Peace of God and Peace with God.

   a. Peace with God - happens at the point of salvation.

   b. Once you know Christ, you are in a position to enjoy the peace of God each day in spiritual

warfare.

   c. Whenever you’re wearing the peace of God like shoes, you can handle whatever satan brings

your way.

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[i]Wuest, K. S. 1997, c1984. Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament : For the English reader . Eerdmans: Grand Rapids

[ii]Henry, M. 1996, c1991. Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume . Hendrickson: Peabody

[iii]Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. 1997. The Nelson study Bible : New King James Version. Includes index. T. Nelson Publishers: Nashville

[iv]MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville

[v]Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. 1997. A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments. On spine: Critical and explanatory commentary. Logos Research Systems, Inc.: Oak Harbor, WA

 27 (4:12) Vance Havner, Why Not Just Be Christians, p. 63.

[vi]MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville