Equipped for Battle: The Gospel of Peace

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:15, Paul instructs believers to have their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. This imagery is drawn from the Roman soldier's armor, emphasizing the need for both stability and mobility in the spiritual battle against the devil's wiles. The Christian life is a constant battle, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. To stand firm, we must be strong in the Lord and equipped with the full armor of God. The gospel of peace provides the firm footing needed to withstand the enemy's attacks and the readiness to move swiftly and adaptively in response to his tactics.

The enemy is relentless and cunning, often attacking when least expected. Therefore, Christians must always be prepared, maintaining a firm grip on the truth and being ready to move as the situation demands. This readiness is not just about being alert but also about being adaptable, able to respond to the changing tactics of the enemy. The church today faces significant challenges, and its effectiveness is often hindered by a lack of spiritual understanding and a sluggish, routine approach to faith. The church must awaken to the urgency of the battle, shedding old forms and methods that no longer serve the mission.

Adaptability in tactics is crucial, but it must always be grounded in truth. The gospel of peace is not about compromising the message but about being flexible in how we engage with the world. The church must avoid the trap of fighting old battles or focusing on irrelevant issues, instead addressing the real spiritual needs of the present. The gospel of peace brings stability and confidence, enabling believers to face the enemy with assurance and to live in harmony with one another. This peace is essential for effective spiritual warfare, as it unites and strengthens the body of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spiritual Readiness and Stability: Christians must be prepared for spiritual battles at all times, as the enemy's attacks are unpredictable and cunning. This readiness involves having a firm foundation in the gospel of peace, which provides both stability and the ability to respond swiftly to the enemy's tactics. [03:18]

2. Adaptability in Tactics: While the core strategy of spiritual warfare remains unchanged, the methods must be adaptable to the current context. This adaptability should never compromise the truth of the gospel but should allow for flexibility in engaging with the world effectively. [23:30]

3. Avoiding Routine and Sluggishness: A lifeless, routine approach to Christianity is detrimental to spiritual effectiveness. Believers must avoid being sluggish and instead embrace the vitality and enthusiasm that comes from a genuine relationship with God, which energizes and mobilizes them for action. [11:01]

4. Peace as a Source of Strength: The gospel of peace provides the inner peace and assurance needed to face spiritual battles confidently. This peace with God, within oneself, and with others is crucial for maintaining focus and effectiveness in the fight against the enemy. [39:05]

5. Unity and Harmony in the Church: For the church to be effective in spiritual warfare, there must be unity and peace among its members. Internal strife and division weaken the church's ability to stand against the enemy, while harmony and mutual support strengthen its collective impact. [44:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:15
- [00:33] - Spiritual Battle and Armor of God
- [01:30] - Importance of the Armor of God
- [02:09] - Preparing Feet with the Gospel of Peace
- [03:18] - Readiness and Preparedness
- [04:20] - Subtlety of the Enemy
- [05:44] - Importance of Firm Footing
- [07:09] - Mobility in Spiritual Warfare
- [09:28] - Challenges Facing the Church
- [11:01] - Avoiding Sluggishness
- [13:06] - Routine and Thoughtlessness
- [15:51] - Professionalism in the Church
- [19:17] - David and Goliath: A Lesson in Adaptability
- [23:30] - Adaptability in Tactics
- [29:28] - Modern Spiritual Warfare
- [39:05] - Peace as a Source of Strength
- [44:47] - Unity and Harmony in the Church

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:15
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
- Romans 12:18

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean by having "your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" in Ephesians 6:15? How does this imagery relate to the Roman soldier's armor? [02:09]

2. According to the sermon, why is it important for Christians to be prepared and adaptable in their spiritual battles? [03:18]

3. How does the sermon describe the enemy's tactics, and why is it crucial for Christians to be aware of these tactics? [04:20]

4. What role does peace play in the effectiveness of spiritual warfare, as discussed in the sermon? [39:05]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "spiritual readiness and stability" in Ephesians 6:15 apply to the challenges faced by the church today? [09:28]

2. In what ways can the church avoid becoming sluggish and routine in its approach to faith, according to the sermon? [11:01]

3. How can the church maintain adaptability in its tactics without compromising the truth of the gospel? [23:30]

4. What does it mean for the church to live in unity and harmony, and how does this contribute to its effectiveness in spiritual warfare? [44:47]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own spiritual readiness. Are there areas in your life where you feel unprepared for spiritual battles? What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation in the gospel of peace? [03:18]

2. Consider a time when you faced an unexpected challenge. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to be more adaptable and prepared? [04:20]

3. Identify one routine or habit in your spiritual life that may have become lifeless or sluggish. What changes can you make to bring vitality and enthusiasm back into your faith journey? [11:01]

4. Think about a situation where you had to adapt your approach to share the gospel effectively. How did you ensure that you remained true to the message while being flexible in your methods? [23:30]

5. Reflect on your relationships within the church. Are there any areas of strife or division that need to be addressed to promote unity and harmony? How can you contribute to a more united church community? [44:47]

6. How can you cultivate inner peace and assurance in your daily life to face spiritual battles with confidence? What practices or disciplines might help you achieve this? [39:05]

7. Consider the role of peace in your interactions with others. How can you be a peacemaker in your community, and what impact might this have on your spiritual effectiveness? [44:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Readiness Anchored in Peace
Christians are called to be ever-prepared for the unpredictable and cunning attacks of spiritual forces. This readiness is not merely about vigilance but is deeply rooted in the gospel of peace, which provides both stability and the ability to respond swiftly to the enemy's tactics. The gospel of peace acts as a firm foundation, enabling believers to stand strong and unshaken in the face of adversity. It is this peace that equips Christians to navigate the spiritual battlefield with confidence and assurance, knowing that their footing is secure. [03:18]

Ephesians 6:13-14 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel spiritually unprepared. How can you ground yourself in the gospel of peace to gain stability and readiness in that area today?


Day 2: Flexibility Without Compromise
In the ever-changing landscape of spiritual warfare, adaptability in tactics is crucial. While the core message of the gospel remains unchanged, the methods of engagement must be flexible to effectively reach the world. This adaptability should never compromise the truth of the gospel but should allow for innovative and relevant approaches to spiritual challenges. By being open to new ways of engaging with the world, believers can remain effective in their mission without losing sight of the foundational truths of their faith. [23:30]

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Reflection: Consider a situation where you have been rigid in your approach to sharing your faith. How can you adapt your methods to be more effective while staying true to the gospel?


Day 3: Breaking Free from Spiritual Routine
A routine and lifeless approach to Christianity can hinder spiritual effectiveness. Believers are encouraged to break free from sluggishness and embrace the vitality that comes from a genuine relationship with God. This enthusiasm energizes and mobilizes them for action, allowing them to engage in spiritual battles with renewed vigor. By shedding old forms and methods that no longer serve the mission, Christians can awaken to the urgency of the battle and respond with passion and purpose. [11:01]

Revelation 3:1-2 (ESV): "I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your spiritual life that has become routine. What steps can you take today to infuse it with new life and enthusiasm?


Day 4: Peace as a Pillar of Strength
The gospel of peace is not only a message of reconciliation but also a source of inner strength and assurance. This peace with God, within oneself, and with others is crucial for maintaining focus and effectiveness in spiritual warfare. It provides the confidence needed to face the enemy with assurance and to live in harmony with fellow believers. By embracing this peace, Christians can stand firm in their faith and engage in spiritual battles with a sense of calm and stability. [39:05]

Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: Think of a current conflict or anxiety in your life. How can you allow the peace of Christ to rule in your heart and bring resolution or calmness to that situation?


Day 5: Unity as a Weapon in Spiritual Warfare
For the church to be effective in spiritual warfare, unity and harmony among its members are essential. Internal strife and division weaken the church's ability to stand against the enemy, while harmony and mutual support strengthen its collective impact. By fostering an environment of peace and unity, the church can present a united front against spiritual forces and effectively carry out its mission. This unity not only strengthens the body of Christ but also serves as a powerful testimony to the world. [44:47]

Ephesians 4:3-4 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call."

Reflection: Identify a relationship within your church community that needs healing or strengthening. What steps can you take to promote unity and peace in that relationship today?

Quotes


The problem confronting us is this: how are we to stand against the wiles of the devil? He reminds us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high or in heavenly places. [00:58:30]

The enemy is always active, never rests. His attacks are unexpected; you never know when they'll come. You can assume nothing, still less presume anything in the Christian life. The fact that you may have been having a period of exalted spiritual experience doesn't guarantee you from attack. [03:32:50]

The Christian life is not one of resting on a bed of roses, of being carried passively in some celestial realm. It’s a fight, that good fight of faith. Watch, quit ye as men, be strong, stand. These are the New Testament terms, and what we are looking at here is just another and a very interesting and significant pictorial way of conveying all that. [06:23:00]

The church in this land doesn't count; we are but a little remnant left in this country today, only some 10 percent of the population. Well now, why? Why is all this? Why is the church failing? That's the question, and in so many other lands, the same is true. [09:34:00]

There is nothing which is quite so fatal and hopeless as a sluggish, lifeless Christian. Isn't this something, as I've been suggesting, that is so true? Don't ask the average man on the street why he doesn't come to a place of worship. Why isn't the Christian in some shape or form? [11:59:00]

The adaptability means that we must beware of a slavish adherence to old forms. It's always the temptation, isn't it? You see, the trouble in the First World War was that our generals and leaders were all cavalrymen, and they couldn't get rid of the notion that a war must of necessity be fought by cavalry. [27:20:00]

The church has always done this. 100 years ago, it was obviously the right thing to do. The church was in a very powerful position; she could influence the government, so her protest really did have an effect. But who listens to the resolutions of church assemblies today? [33:48:00]

The Apostle says there is only one way, and that is with the gospel of peace. Why do you think he put it like that? Why does he say that we must have, we must be ready and prepared with the preparedness that is produced by the gospel of peace? [39:00:00]

We must have peace with God. Gospel of peace, this is the only thing that makes a man ready. In other words, I must have peace with God. If I'm in any doubt about my salvation, I won't be able to fight the enemy and having the whole of my time spent in struggling with myself. [40:07:00]

We must not only have that peace, we must be peaceable people. We must be gentle, long-suffering, patient. We mustn't be worried, anxious Christians, troubled and frantic. You see, so much of the time in the army goes in keeping the troops up to it instead of getting them to face the enemy. [43:20:00]

If the members of the army of the Living God are striking, fighting one another, what hope if they are fighting the enemy? The thing is quite impossible. The Apostle is teaching this everywhere. Listen to him writing to the Philippians. This is how he puts it: fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded. [44:47:00]

Preparation of the gospel of peace, put it on. Be certain you've got peace with God, have peace in your own heart, be at peace with one another. Let the peace of God arbitrate, act as umpire between you as members of this great army so that together and for his glorious namesake, you may be able to face the enemy. [46:15:00]

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Transcript
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