Equipped for Battle: The Shoes of Gospel Preparedness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we continued our series on the Armor of God, focusing on the "shoes of gospel preparedness." Just as physical shoes protect our feet and provide stability and mobility, the spiritual shoes of gospel preparedness equip us to stand firm and move forward in our faith. We explored the importance of being inwardly prepared by standing firm in the peace of Jesus, which gives us stability during trials and challenges. This peace is a gift from Jesus, who has overcome the world and offers us a peace that surpasses all understanding.
We also discussed the necessity of mobility in our spiritual lives. Just as shoes enable us to move, the gospel equips us to go on the offensive against spiritual attacks. Jesus has given us authority over the enemy, and we are called to walk among the challenges and fears of life, crushing them underfoot through His power.
The second part of our preparation involves being ready to share the gospel outwardly. We are called to take the message of Jesus to the world, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This requires us to know our testimonies and be familiar with Scripture so that we can share the full gospel message, including the reality of sin and the need for repentance.
We must be prepared to share the gospel at any moment, meeting people where they are and speaking the truth in love. The Bible provides guidance on how to do this effectively, and we looked at the "Romans Road" as a helpful tool for leading others to Christ. As we wear the shoes of gospel preparedness, we are called to love the unsaved, show them the spiritual battle for their souls, and introduce them to the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Stand Firm in the Peace of Jesus: The peace that Jesus offers is a stabilizing force in our lives, enabling us to stand firm during trials and challenges. This peace is a gift that surpasses all understanding and is not dependent on our circumstances. Jesus has overcome the world, and His victory ensures that Satan cannot overpower the peace He gives us. [32:40]
2. Mobility in Spiritual Warfare: Just as physical shoes provide mobility, the gospel equips us to move forward and go on the offensive in spiritual battles. Jesus has given us authority over the enemy, and we are called to walk among the challenges and fears of life, crushing them underfoot through His power. This mobility allows us to push back against the forces of darkness and proclaim the victory of Jesus. [35:55]
3. Prepared to Share the Gospel: We are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all people. This requires us to know our testimonies and be familiar with Scripture so that we can share the full gospel message, including the reality of sin and the need for repentance. Being prepared inwardly enables us to be effective witnesses outwardly. [45:39]
4. Meeting People Where They Are: The Bible gives us permission to meet people where they are and share the gospel in a way that is relevant to their lives. This involves understanding their struggles and speaking the truth in love. The "Romans Road" is a helpful tool for leading others to Christ, providing a clear and concise way to explain the gospel message. [52:25]
5. The Urgency of the Gospel: We must be ready to share the gospel at any moment, as we do not know when someone will leave this earth. The shoes of gospel preparedness make us ready to go to spiritual warfare for others, ensuring that they hear the full message of Jesus. This involves being patient, gentle, and loving, while also being truthful about the reality of sin and the need for repentance. [50:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:01] - Introduction and Prayer
[22:34] - What Are Shoes?
[24:11] - Shoes of Gospel Preparedness
[25:46] - Ephesians 6:10-15 Reading
[27:16] - Context of Ephesians
[28:20] - Roman Soldier Shoes
[29:57] - Spiritual Shoes and Warfare
[31:20] - Satan's Tactics
[31:58] - Inward Preparation: Stand Firm
[34:15] - Inward Preparation: Mobility
[35:55] - Authority Over the Enemy
[37:24] - Personal Story: Overcoming Fear
[40:01] - David and Goliath
[43:59] - Spiritual Readiness and Victory
[45:39] - Outward Preparation: Sharing the Gospel
[47:02] - Romans 10:13-15
[50:04] - Urgency and Balance in Sharing
[52:25] - Romans Road
[53:53] - Final Thoughts and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:10-15
2. John 14:27
3. Matthew 28:18-20
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 6:10-15 say about the purpose of the Armor of God, specifically the shoes of gospel preparedness? ([26:45])
2. According to John 14:27, what kind of peace does Jesus offer, and how is it different from what the world offers? ([32:40])
3. In Matthew 28:18-20, what command does Jesus give to His disciples, and what assurance does He provide them? ([45:39])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the peace of Jesus help believers stand firm during trials and challenges, as mentioned in the sermon? ([32:40])
2. What does it mean to have "mobility" in spiritual warfare, and how does this concept apply to our daily lives? ([35:55])
3. Why is it important to be prepared to share the gospel at any moment, and how does the "Romans Road" help in this preparation? ([52:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did the peace of Jesus help you stand firm, or how could it have helped you if you had relied on it more? ([32:40])
2. Think about a situation where you needed to go on the offensive in a spiritual battle. How did you use the authority given by Jesus to overcome it, or how could you use it in the future? ([35:55])
3. Are you familiar with your own testimony and key Scripture passages? How can you better prepare yourself to share the gospel with someone who might need to hear it? ([45:39])
4. Identify a person in your life who does not know Jesus. What steps can you take this week to meet them where they are and share the gospel in a loving and relevant way? ([50:04])
5. How can you balance being truthful about the reality of sin while also being patient, gentle, and loving when sharing the gospel? ([50:04])
6. Reflect on a time when you hesitated to share the full message of Jesus. What held you back, and how can you overcome that hesitation in the future? ([50:04])
7. How can you incorporate the "Romans Road" into your daily life to be more effective in leading others to Christ? ([52:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Stand Firm in the Peace of Jesus
The peace that Jesus offers is a stabilizing force in our lives, enabling us to stand firm during trials and challenges. This peace is a gift that surpasses all understanding and is not dependent on our circumstances. Jesus has overcome the world, and His victory ensures that Satan cannot overpower the peace He gives us. When we are inwardly prepared with this peace, we can face any situation with confidence and stability, knowing that Jesus is with us and has already secured our victory.
This peace is not something we can manufacture on our own; it is a divine gift that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus. As we spend time in prayer, worship, and reading the Word, we allow His peace to fill our hearts and minds. This peace acts as a shield, protecting us from the enemy's attempts to destabilize us with fear, doubt, and anxiety. By standing firm in the peace of Jesus, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of calm and assurance that transcends our understanding. [32:40]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Think of a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can you invite the peace of Jesus into this situation today?
Day 2: Mobility in Spiritual Warfare
Just as physical shoes provide mobility, the gospel equips us to move forward and go on the offensive in spiritual battles. Jesus has given us authority over the enemy, and we are called to walk among the challenges and fears of life, crushing them underfoot through His power. This mobility allows us to push back against the forces of darkness and proclaim the victory of Jesus.
When we are equipped with the shoes of gospel preparedness, we are not just standing still; we are actively advancing the kingdom of God. This means being proactive in our faith, seeking opportunities to share the gospel, and confronting spiritual strongholds with the authority given to us by Jesus. Our mobility in spiritual warfare is a testament to the power of the gospel and the victory we have in Christ. [35:55]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel spiritually stagnant. How can you take a step forward in faith and exercise the authority Jesus has given you?
Day 3: Prepared to Share the Gospel
We are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all people. This requires us to know our testimonies and be familiar with Scripture so that we can share the full gospel message, including the reality of sin and the need for repentance. Being prepared inwardly enables us to be effective witnesses outwardly.
Sharing the gospel is not just about knowing the right words to say; it is about living a life that reflects the love and truth of Jesus. When we are prepared to share the gospel, we are ready to give an account of the hope that is within us at any moment. This preparation involves studying the Word, understanding our own faith journey, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. [45:39]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think about your personal testimony. How can you share your story of faith with someone this week in a way that highlights the reality of sin and the need for repentance?
Day 4: Meeting People Where They Are
The Bible gives us permission to meet people where they are and share the gospel in a way that is relevant to their lives. This involves understanding their struggles and speaking the truth in love. The "Romans Road" is a helpful tool for leading others to Christ, providing a clear and concise way to explain the gospel message.
Meeting people where they are means being empathetic and compassionate, recognizing that everyone is on a unique spiritual journey. It requires us to listen actively and respond with the love and truth of Jesus. By using tools like the "Romans Road," we can guide others through the essential truths of the gospel in a way that is accessible and understandable. [52:25]
1 Corinthians 9:22 (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."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is struggling. How can you meet them where they are and share the gospel in a way that speaks to their current situation?
Day 5: The Urgency of the Gospel
We must be ready to share the gospel at any moment, as we do not know when someone will leave this earth. The shoes of gospel preparedness make us ready to go to spiritual warfare for others, ensuring that they hear the full message of Jesus. This involves being patient, gentle, and loving, while also being truthful about the reality of sin and the need for repentance.
The urgency of the gospel compels us to be vigilant and proactive in our witness. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing His message of hope and salvation with a world in desperate need. This urgency is not about fear, but about love—love for the lost and a desire to see them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. [50:04]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: Reflect on the urgency of the gospel. Who in your life needs to hear the message of Jesus today, and how can you share it with them in a loving and truthful way?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God never said we would go through life without problems and pains, but he supplies what we need in the peace of Jesus through these times. Stand firm on the peace of Jesus. John 14, 27. Jesus says, I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don't be troubled or afraid." [33:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we have experienced the gospel of Jesus, we can experience peace in knowing that he has already blazed the trail for us to confidently follow him. Philippians 4, 7. This is talking about the peace that God gives us. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts, and minds, as you live in Christ Jesus." [35:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus tells us we are to walk among the snakes and the scorpions. We are to walk among the fear. We are supposed to walk among the fear. We are supposed to walk among the things that the Satan is throwing at us, and by his authority and power of his name, we are allowed to crush these things." [35:20] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus brings hope and freedom. Jesus gives peace. Let them know he breaks down strongholds. He shines in the shadows. He is the light and the darkness, and we are his warriors commissioned to take his message of hope to them." [53:53] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Satan has many tactics to keep our eyes off of the truth of Jesus. He preys on fear and anxiety. He seeks to distract us, to keep us unfocused on the Lord and focused on the physical problems so we are not aware of our spiritual problems." [29:57] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If people are spiritually unhealthy and trying to get better on their own terms, they will stay sick. Sin will dominate and they will not seek Jesus to be free and get healthy. He wants us to be a faithful servant of Jesus. Satan does not relent in his attacks. He ramps them up even more. He doesn't want us to be effective servants of Jesus and he will do anything to keep us from proclaiming the Gospel message to the unsaved." [31:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to be prepared inwardly, so we can be prepared to share the gospel outwardly. As believers, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all people. The shoes of gospel preparedness are equipping us to not just stand still in our faith, but to take the message to the world." [45:39] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we are not prepared for the spiritual battle, the rest of the armor's efficiency cannot be obtained. Satan has many tactics to keep our eyes off of the truth of Jesus. He preys on fear and anxiety. He seeks to distract us, to keep us unfocused on the Lord and focused on the physical problems so we are not aware of our spiritual problems." [29:57] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We can't plan for the perfect time. We can't plan for the perfect time. We can't plan for the perfect time. We can't plan to tell the lost about Jesus. The shoes of preparedness make us ready to go to spiritual warfare for others. We need to be ready to march at a moment's notice." [49:20] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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