Stability Given By the Gospel

The Need For Stability

The idea is of preparation, or readiness. Usually understood as readiness to preach the gospel.

Isaiah 52:7 ESV

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.”

Illustration of a Soldier’s Footware

Christian Application

As Christians We need sure-footedness. Stability, and readiness.

Like David who confident and willing to

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The Danger of A Shaky Faith

The goal of the Christian warfare is to stand fast or to become stable and able to resist. Stability in the midst of attack is difficult and cannot be achieved through laziness or apathy. There is no time for half heartedness or indifference. Satan will trip you up and cause you to stumble.

Two Ways Christians Become Unstable

They Are Not Sure What They Believe

Our culture puts the emphasis on your demeanor. We need everyone to be nice, and to be affable. Let’s all just get along. Let’s just agree to disagree. We put too much weight on this. Let’s be honest, Canadians are known for this type of temperament. In some ways it’s commendable. But being affable about every possible thing is not commendable.

Illustration

Be affable about where you are going to eat, but don’t be affable when it comes to preserving the lives of others.

Do you know what you believe? Are you aware of why certain teachings are wrong and others are not? Are you willing to stand and resist and defend certain things? What things?

Romans 15:14 ESV

14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

Dependability

One of the best things you can do as a Christian for the cause of Christ is become a faithful member of a healthy Church, learn sound doctrine, and pour out your life the sake of them and the Gospel.

They Are Not Sure That It’s True of Them

There are some who always go about doubting. They cannot say like Paul “I know whom I have believed, or they cannot say, “I am crucified with Christ.” They believe the facts of the gospel but they either have never or are too afraid to own them for themselves.

2 Peter 1:10 ESV

10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

We need a firm assurance! Confidence and assurance..

Do you know what you believe and are sure of your interest in Christ? That God loves you, that you have been united to him, and that his is commited to fight for you?

Colossians 2:1–2 ESV

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,

The Source of the Preparation?

The Gospel of Peace

The New Bible Commentary 6:10–20 Final Appeal: Fight the Spiritual Battle Together!

Hence the REB, ‘let the shoes on your feet be the gospel of peace, to give you firm footing’.

The RSV having y our feet shod with the equipment of the gospel of peace.

Preparedness, readiness, equipment.

Not-

new philosophy and better methods. (Akin to David going out to battle with Saul’s armor) The temptation is to always feel that there is something else to be had for Christians in order to fulfil their duties.

Remember it is warfare that is to be fought in a particular way. We are to fight in dependence on God. We have to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. God gives strength through the gospel, through the revelation that a person has peace with him.

Where did David’s confidence come from when facing Goliath? Was it his armor his abilities, or was it in the fact the he was confident in God!

What gives the Christian a firm footing and readiness for the battle? A deep spiritual understanding of the gospel of peace.

The Message of Peace

We who were enemies of God have now been made at peace with God. He is satisfied, we are friends.

Romans 5:1–2 ESV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

So that those who come to Christ are at peace with God and find peace in Christ!

John 14:23–27 ESV

23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

When God Has the Victory

2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV

15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.

2 Chronicles 20:21–24 ESV

21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” 22 And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 23 For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another. 24 When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped.

How Can I have This Peace and Assurance?

Turn To Christ, give up everything in your heart for him, and seek it only in him!