Shoes & Shield for War | Ephesians 6:15–16

When you are preparing for a race, you try to dress according to the elements. If it is cold, you dress in a way where you won’t overheat throughout the run. You try to find shoes that won’t cause blisters or pain. You decide whether you are going to carry your water with you or stop at hydration stations throughout the run.

A couple of years ago, some of us were running in the Miamisburg Turkey Trott. People dressed up as all kinds of different things, but the outfit that caught my attention the most was a man who ran the race in a full scuba-diving outfit — flippers included.

The reason something like this stands out is because the entire outfit seems like he has prepared for something other than a race.

It is quite interesting to watch Christians today. We are in a real battle against our sinful nature, the world value system, and Satan but often times, it appears that we are not prepared to stand in this warfare.

Why we need this message:

Someone who sees evil in this world but cannot make sense of it.

A Christian teenager who has been knocked down by the fighting/arguing and lack of love between his parents

A Christian husband who is married to a wife who must have control.

A believer who finds out that she was slandered by another person in the church.

A Christian husband who has become bitter towards his wife.

A Senior Saint who is constantly worried about what will happen to family when he/she gone.

A parent who is continually being lied to her by son or daughter.

Negatively

A Christian husband secretly indulging in pornography

Professing Christians who are having illicit sexual relations

A Christian wife who must have control

A teenager who is angry at parents who said, “No.”

A Christian woman who is not self-aware of her gossip and slander

The Christian Soldier: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10–20 (Chapter 20: Stand Fast)

As I look at the Church today I see large numbers of people whose feet are not shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. I see them slipping and sliding—Evangelicals as well as others! Men are no longer standing, they are no longer resolute, they no longer know what to believe, and they do not told to it, come what may.

Are you properly equipped for the most important struggle of your life?

Subject

Ephesians 6:15-16 commands us to be strong and to put on the armor of God.

Even though Jesus has dealt the decisive blow to Satan, there is still resistance which we encounter, and we must stand against this opposition.

Existential Question

Am I properly equipped for the war?

Preview

(1) The Problem of Spiritual Warfare

(2) The Solution for Spiritual Warfare

Point(s)

(1) The Problem of Spiritual Warfare

Statement of Idea

We are too weak by ourselves to stand in the midst of real spiritual warfare.

Illustration

How weak are we really? How oblivious are we to this real spiritual warfare? On the night that Jesus was betrayed, there is a story in which we can see our weakness and ignorance.

Jesus has just finished taking the bread and the cup. He points to both of those elements as representative of the body and blood of the new covenant. Jesus is speaking of sacrifice.

The disciples began to argue over who would be the greatest. Jesus teaches them and then turns to Peter and says [Luke 22:31-33]

Luke 22:31–33 KJV 1900

31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

Jesus’s words reveal that the enemy is Satan desires to tear Peter apart. Jesus’ prayer is for the faith of Peter. Peter’s response shows his ignorance.

We still have the same enemy, and we are engaged in war, but we are too weak by ourselves to stand in the midst of this real spiritual warfare.

Explanation

How do we deal with our weakness?

Ephesians 6:10. Be strong in the Lord [Identity and continual progression]

What are we expected to do?

Ephesians 6:11. Stand by putting on the armor of God.

What should I believe about this warfare?

Ephesians 6:12. That it is real even though it is not against flesh and blood.

Example/Application

Whatever the external symptoms of the problem are, we must see them as manifestations of spiritual warfare.

Sensual living, greed, lying, deception, uncontrolled anger, stealing, verbal insults…etc [Ephesians 4:26-27]

Ephesians 4:26–27 KJV 1900

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.

(2) The Solution for Spiritual Warfare

Statement of Idea

The solution for standing in spiritual warfare is putting on the specific weaponry of God.

Illustration

October 13, 2001

Tyson would have little trouble with Nielsen, constantly landing punch after punch to the defensively challenged Nielsen who offered little movement and largely stood right in front of Tyson. With around 35 seconds left in the third round, Tyson was able to land a six-punch combination to the head of Nielsen that sent Nielsen into the ropes and down onto the canvas in what was only the second knockdown of his career. Nielsen was able to get back up and the fight resumed with 16 seconds, Tyson attempted to land more power punches in hopes of gaining another knockdown, but Nielsen clinched Tyson to ensure that he would make it to the next round. Just before the round ended, Tyson landed an accidental low blow on Nielsen. Though Nielsen was clearly in pain and could now take up to five minutes to recover, he chose to only take a minute and a half before proceeding to the fourth round. Tyson would continue to dominate the remainder of the fight and by the end of sixth round, Nielsen's left eye, which had been cut in the second, was completely shut. As the bell rang to start the seventh round, Nielsen remained seated in his corner and informed referee Steve Smoger that he could not continue. After Smoger confirmed Nielsen's decision, he awarded the victory to Tyson by way of technical knockout.

Nielson believed himself to be prepared but he was unable to remain standing in the face of fierce opposition. In like manner, if we are not properly equipped, armored, and prepared we cannot stand in the face of our foe.

Explanation

(1) Belt of Truth - the gospel has established what is true, and we are to be people who live by and speak the truth.

(2) Breastplate of righteousness - because we have received the righteousness of God through the faith in Jesus Christ, we should be people committed to living right among one another.

(3) Gospel Shoes (Ephesians 6:15)

Historically, there was a piece of armor for the feet. It not only protected the foot but it gave the warrior a firmer footing. Some references were made to having a kind of spike on the bottom.

Doctrinally. the gospel of peace. We must answer two questions. First, what does this mean? Second, how do we put this on?

What does gospel of peace mean?

Ephesians 1:2, God is the Source of this peace.

Ephesians 2:12, the Ephesians were without God. They were not at peace with God.

Ephesians 2:13-14, Jesus is our peace. There are two aspects of this peace:

There is peace with God in Jesus Christ through the gospel.

Doctrine of Reconciliation - “To overcome our separation from God, we needed someone to provide reconciliation and thereby bring us back into fellowship with God.” - Grudem

There is peace with one another in Jesus Christ through the gospel. Ephesians 2:15-17.

"By reconciling you to himself, God also reconciles you to his family, the church, and enables you as his people to represent together his own holy character and triune glory." - Leeman

If Jesus has fulfilled this, how do WE put this on?

Notice the preparation of the gospel of peace which means the readiness. How are we to be ready? Two aspects:

Unity in Life

Unity in Light

“It is not a readiness to proclaim the gospel but a readiness or preparedness for combat and for standing in the battle that is bestowed by the gospel of peace that makes one ready for war. "Believer's preparation for standing firm and prevailing against the alienating and fragmenting powers of evil is the harmony produced by the gospel." - Lincoln in WBC

Unity in Life (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Christians adorn the readiness of the gospel when they intentionally maintain unity by:

Unity through Speech:

being honest with each other

dealing with sin amongst each other

Example #1 Apology to one of our staff members because of gossip about someone NOT in our assembly.

Unity through Practice:

selflessly give of their substance to each other

Example #1 There a few kinds of people. There are those who give but are too proud to take. There are those who don’t give but they selfishly take. Then, there are those who give and are humble enough to receive.

forgive as they have been forgiven

purity of relationships

Example #1: The unmarried. One of the ways you exercise the gospel of peace is when you seek to live purely. Ephesians 5:2-3

Example #2: The married. One of the ways you exercise the gospel of peace is when you seek the unity of your marriage.

Unity in Light (Ephesians 5:1,8)

Christians adorn the readiness of the gospel when they

LOVE: walk in love as they have been loved

REPENTANCE (HEART SIN): repent of coveting

Example: Satan appealed to Jesus with the kingdoms of the world and with food. He is the master manipulator and he appeals to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life.

- a lack of contentment with job

- a lack of contentment with parents

- a lack of contentment with your clothing style

- a lack of contentment with singleness

- a lack of contentment with current status (mom, mother…etc)

OBEDIENCE: obey their parents

MISSION

Christians who are putting on the gospel shoes are those who are at peace with God through Jesus, and are pursuing peace with brethren and the peace of God between God and a dark world. You are bringing the good news to other Christians and this becomes the testimony to the dark world.

Matthew 5:9 KJV 1900

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

(4) Faith Shield (Ephesians 6:16)

Historically, this was a shield out of two pieces of wood, wrapped with some iron bands, and leather coating. It was typically large enough to protect the full body. Because fiery arrows would be shot, the warriors would drench their shields in water just before battle so that the arrows would be extinguished.

Doctrinally. Faith is trust or belief or reliance,

...but we have to answer two questions. First, what is a shield of faith? Second how do I use it?

What is a shield of faith?

Ephesians 1:15 Faith is reliance upon Jesus Christ

Ephesians 2:8 Faith is how salvation is received

Ephesians 3:12 Faith in Christ is [resolute route] how we have bold access to the Father (2:18)

Ephesians 3:17 Faith is we increasingly reflect the character of Christ.

J.I. Packer calls the shield of faith "active trust in Christ and his promises" (Packer, JI, 18 Words, p. 88)

How do I use the shield of faith?

Thus, faith is a growing reliance upon Jesus Christ that is manifested by active love toward all the saints, and increasing obedience to the truth as the body of Christ.

We choose to rely on Jesus when darts of doubt are hurled at us.

The darts of TWISTED SCRIPTURE. [as Satan in the wilderness]

The Christian Soldier: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10–20 Chapter 20: Stand Fast

If people paid attention to the context most of our problems of interpretation would be solved. Most heresies have arisen because men have lifted a word or a phrase entirely out of its context and elaborated a false theory or a point of view out of it.

Today, these are darts that lead people to either attend or leave churches because of misapplied scripture.

Ex #1: “God broke the law for love.” - S. Furtick

Ex #2: “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way...”

Ex #3: “The words of the Lord pure words…Thou shalt keep them, O LORD...”

These are ways that faith in the truth is replaced by faith in forms of truth.

The darts PEER PRESSURE. [i.e., Peter’s denial of Christ/Gospel, lying, stealing…circumstances that lead us to rely on loveless acts towards brothers and sisters in Christ].

Ex #1: Are you so afraid of what people will think that you are willing to lie?

Ex #2: What about sexual pressure? Are you so moved by the prevalence of illicit sex that you allow yourself to see this is a goal of your non-covenantal relationship?

These are ways in which faith in the scripture is subverted by faith in the thoughts of people.

Choose to rely on vengeance or choose to rely on neglect (including forsaking assembly).

Application:

Be a student of the word as part of your church. If you will exercise the shield of faith wisely, you must be a student of the word.

Be a student of your motives as part of your church. Is there anyone in the body of Christ who you allow to help examine your motives? Your motives should reveal what or who you are really trusting. If you will exercise the shield of faith wisely, then we need help dealing with other objects of faith.

Bridge to Conclusion:

Am I properly equipped for the war?

The problem is that we are too weak to stand on our own. The Solution is the armor of God: the gospel of peace shoes and the shield of faith.

Conclusion:

Bare foot and unshielded Christians are those who are vulnerable in their marriages, in their homes, in their parenting, in their employments…etc. Don’t be ill-equipped for the real warfare at hand.

Illustration: “I never thought this would happen to me...”

Negative/Positive:

Some are speaking to their husbands in a way that is not in pursuit of peace.

Some are students of the latest car magazine but have difficulty stomaching the study of the word.

Others have become comfortable with attempting to live isolated from the body.

Be strong in who you are in Christ.

Speak kindly to each other.

Forsake not the assembly.

Final Clear Statement

Standing in the midst of spiritual warfare demands that we armor up our feet with the gospel of peace and have an active faith against fiery darts of doubt.

Are we standing with gospel boots and fire-extinguishing faith?

Only way to do this is by seeing/believing that Jesus has fulfilled this. Isaiah 52:7.

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