Standing Firm: The Gospel of Peace
Summary
In our journey through Ephesians 6, we have been exploring the armor of God, and today we focus on the shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace. The importance of footwear in battle cannot be overstated, as it provides the foundation and stability needed to stand firm. Just as Roman soldiers relied on their sturdy sandals to traverse difficult terrains, we too must ground ourselves in the peace that comes from the gospel. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound assurance that allows us to stand firm amidst spiritual warfare.
The gospel of peace is a powerful weapon for the Christian. It is the peace that Jesus offered to His disciples when they were locked away in fear after His crucifixion. Jesus' first words to them were "Peace be with you," a reminder that peace is essential for readiness and boldness in our mission. This peace is not found in the world or in our circumstances but in Jesus alone. It is a peace that surpasses understanding, grounding us in the assurance of our salvation and the love of God.
When we put on the shoes of peace, we are equipped to face the battles of life with confidence. This peace transforms our fear into boldness, enabling us to proclaim the gospel with courage. It is a peace that assures us of our standing with God, freeing us from the anxiety and worry that the enemy seeks to sow. As we stand firm in this peace, we are reminded that our foundation is secure in Christ, allowing us to face any challenge with the assurance that God is with us.
Key Takeaways:
- The shoes of readiness from the gospel of peace provide the foundation for spiritual warfare. Just as Roman soldiers needed sturdy footwear to stand firm, we need the peace of Christ to ground us in our battles. This peace is not the absence of conflict but the assurance of God's presence and love. [30:31]
- Jesus offers peace as a powerful weapon for readiness and boldness. When He appeared to His fearful disciples, His first words were "Peace be with you." This peace is essential for our mission, transforming fear into boldness and enabling us to proclaim the gospel with courage. [34:18]
- True peace is found in Jesus alone. Any peace apart from Him is fleeting and shallow. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers a peace that surpasses understanding, grounding us in the assurance of our salvation and God's love. [38:12]
- The gospel of peace assures us of our standing with God, freeing us from anxiety and worry. It reminds us that we are no longer at odds with God, and our salvation is secure in Christ. This peace allows us to face life's challenges with confidence. [40:50]
- Peace leads to boldness in living for the Lord. As we put on the shoes of peace, we are equipped to face battles with confidence, knowing that our foundation is secure in Christ. This peace transforms our fear into boldness, enabling us to proclaim the gospel with courage. [41:48]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[26:06] - Introduction to Spiritual Armor
[28:05] - Prayer for Guidance
[29:18] - Importance of Footwear in Battle
[30:31] - The Gospel of Peace as Our Foundation
[33:17] - Peace as a Powerful Weapon
[34:18] - Jesus' Peace to the Disciples
[38:12] - True Peace Found in Jesus
[39:10] - Assurance of Salvation
[40:02] - Community and Provision
[40:50] - Peace and Boldness
[41:48] - Transformation Through Peace
[44:59] - The Enemy's Attack on Peace
[45:44] - Standing Firm with Peace
[46:37] - Ephesians 6: Stand Firm
[48:02] - Psalm 23: The Lord as Shepherd
[50:30] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 6:10-20
- John 20:19-22
- Psalm 23
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 6:15 mean by "the readiness given by the gospel of peace"? How does this relate to the Roman soldiers' footwear? [30:31]
2. In John 20:19-22, what were Jesus' first words to His disciples after His resurrection, and why were they significant? [34:18]
3. How does Psalm 23 describe the peace and assurance that comes from the Lord being our shepherd? [48:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of peace as a foundation for spiritual warfare challenge traditional views of battle and conflict? [33:17]
2. Why might Jesus have chosen to offer peace to His disciples as His first words after the resurrection? What does this suggest about the role of peace in the Christian mission? [34:18]
3. How does the assurance of salvation and God's love, as described in the sermon, contribute to a believer's sense of peace? [39:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual battles. How can grounding yourself in the peace of Christ help you stand firm in these challenges? [30:31]
2. Consider a time when fear or anxiety has kept you from fulfilling your mission as a Christian. How can the peace Jesus offers help transform that fear into boldness? [41:48]
3. Identify areas in your life where you might be seeking peace outside of Jesus. How can you refocus on the peace that comes from knowing Him? [38:12]
4. How can you ensure that Jesus remains on the throne of your heart, rather than allowing other things to share that space? [44:59]
5. Think about a specific relationship or situation where peace is lacking. What steps can you take to bring the peace of Christ into that context? [45:44]
6. How can the imagery of the Lord as your shepherd in Psalm 23 provide comfort and assurance in your daily life? [48:02]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to "put on the shoes of peace" and be ready for whatever challenges come your way? [50:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Foundation of Peace in Spiritual Warfare
The shoes of readiness from the gospel of peace provide the foundation for spiritual warfare. Just as Roman soldiers needed sturdy footwear to stand firm, we need the peace of Christ to ground us in our battles. This peace is not the absence of conflict but the assurance of God's presence and love. [30:31]
"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually unsteady? How can you invite the peace of Christ to be your foundation in these areas today?
Day 2: Peace as a Weapon for Boldness
Jesus offers peace as a powerful weapon for readiness and boldness. When He appeared to His fearful disciples, His first words were "Peace be with you." This peace is essential for our mission, transforming fear into boldness and enabling us to proclaim the gospel with courage. [34:18]
"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." (John 14:27, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a situation where fear holds you back from sharing your faith. How can embracing Jesus' peace empower you to act boldly in that situation?
Day 3: True Peace Found in Jesus
True peace is found in Jesus alone. Any peace apart from Him is fleeting and shallow. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers a peace that surpasses understanding, grounding us in the assurance of our salvation and God's love. [38:12]
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a time when you sought peace outside of Christ. How did that compare to the peace you find in Him? What steps can you take to let His peace rule in your heart today?
Day 4: Assurance of Standing with God
The gospel of peace assures us of our standing with God, freeing us from anxiety and worry. It reminds us that we are no longer at odds with God, and our salvation is secure in Christ. This peace allows us to face life's challenges with confidence. [40:50]
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: What worries or anxieties are you currently facing? How does the assurance of your standing with God change your perspective on these challenges?
Day 5: Transformation Through Peace
Peace leads to boldness in living for the Lord. As we put on the shoes of peace, we are equipped to face battles with confidence, knowing that our foundation is secure in Christ. This peace transforms our fear into boldness, enabling us to proclaim the gospel with courage. [41:48]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where fear has held you back. How can embracing the peace of Christ transform that fear into boldness today?
Quotes
"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, and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." [00:27:06] (18 seconds)
"Right off the bat, when we go through this armor, sword shield helmet breastplate it sounds like that's the important stuff you might not think of shoes is that important but this was a crucial part of success for the roman army remember paul's writing this while being imprisoned and he has a guard that's looking around him which is most likely his inspiration as he talks about this armor and on a roman soldier's feet he wore an elaborate piece of footwear especially considering the day and time it was i mean in throughout history roman soldiers wore heavy sandals they had thick soles they were studded with hollow headed hobnails and these boots were strong and it allowed soldiers to stand firmly and cross safely on most any terrain they were comfortable enough to actually allow soldiers to march at least 20 miles in a day even sometimes up to 60 miles in a day they were absolutely vital to their combat and to their success those hobnails that were sticking you know out the bottom of the soles that gave the soldier sure footing no matter what ground he ended up standing on today in this verse 15 in chapter 6 of ephesians paul lays this piece out and he says as for these shoes for your feet put on the readiness that's given by the gospel of peace paul knew that what we stand on while we battle and we fight against each other is the right thing to do and that's what paul said you know this is how we walk in this world makes a huge difference our foundation has to has to be absolute sure and the foundation that the christians should live out of and off of is the peace that comes from the gospel footwear is important so once again how has your footing been in your christian battle lately do you feel like you're really standing firm or have you been sliding off and around a little bit." [00:30:31] (125 seconds)
"And when we talk about spiritual warfare, I must admit, peace, this idea of peace, isn't what I think of first as something helpful. Words like battle and armor and warfare normally bring up images in my mind of toil and work, just striving forward, just with chaos kind of around. But isn't it interesting that this foundation that we're supposed to be fighting from is actually peace?" [00:32:39] (26 seconds)
"jesus shows up verse 19 is where we're at chapter 20 verse 19 and on the evening of that day the first day of the week the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the jews jesus came and stood among them and said to them peace be with you you hear that when he had said this he showed them his hands and his side then the disciples were glad when they saw the lord and jesus said to them again peace be with you as the father has sent me even so i'm sending you and then when he had said this he breathed on them and said received the holy spirit right off the bat jesus comes into their presence i mean what are going to be the open words of jesus christ this newly resurrected lord they've seen him die and now he's there within their midst even though the locked door was never open jesus arrives he looks around they don't really need a hello they don't need anything other than peace at that moment and that's what he tells them peace peace be with you and he shows them his hand and he says peace be with you and then he says again peace be with you and you hear what he says just as i've been sent i'm going to send you out i mean these guys are hiding and he says by the way i'm sending you out as i was sent i'm going to send you out and so he doesn't give them some great dramatic pep talk or some some great words or some strategies what he gives them in this moment is the holy spirit and this proclamation of peace over their lives almost like he's saying this is what you need if you're going to be ready to go and be sent is peace" [00:34:23] (123 seconds)
"this moment these disciples are fearful they don't have their shoes of peace on and they're so worried about themselves and what's going to happen it's just nothing peaceful about this situation put yourself in their shoes for a moment for three years jesus was the one that was calling all the shots jesus was the leader he gave them purpose he gave them direction throughout the days he was the one that offered them security they were certain he was untouchable and now they've watched him die can you imagine the thoughts that were racing through their heads as they go to that room what do we do do we continue do we hide what what's life even going to look like now i mean not to mention they're swarmed in grief they have so much fear their anxiety must have been off the charts in their minds god is not making any sense what if you know in just two minutes the door is getting knocked on and and we're we're we're toast they're overwhelmed they're unsure if god is with them does that ever sound like you you ever get overwhelmed you ever get unsure where god is at and all of this are you actually with me lord are you not without peace in this moment they have taken some themselves out of the game they are out of the mission they can't see beyond themselves they're out of the game they're spending their They've literally locked themselves in a room just hoping this battle passes." [00:36:23] (87 seconds)
"Peace, true peace. is found in Jesus. And I want to emphasize this. Peace is found in Jesus and nowhere else. Any small sliver of peace that you can find apart from Jesus is fleeting and shallow. But Jesus can bring peace both to your mind and to your soul. Pastor Dave has a sticker on the back of his truck. I love it. It says, and this isn't exactly what Dave's looks like, but would you mind putting it up on the screen, Brandon? It says, Know Jesus, you know peace. Or, in the red, Know Jesus, know peace." [00:38:12] (52 seconds)
"So allow me to remind you again of the peace that you can ground yourself in because of Jesus. Just think about it. You don't have to worry about your eternal life. Of what's coming next. You don't have to just walk through life crossing your fingers and hoping that you've been good enough. Jesus seals you, marks you, and promises you and says, I have prepared a place for you." [00:39:10] (27 seconds)
"Your past wrongs can be used even as a testimony towards God's grace. You know that even terrible hurts that you've had in your past, they can be mended through the power of Christ. And you have a shepherd that will sit with you, that will cry with you, and will walk with you. And a Savior that loves you enough to call you out of your foolishness at sin at times." [00:40:50] (24 seconds)
"And it's a peace that leads to boldness while you live for the Lord. I mean, peace is a fruit of the Spirit. We know that. And you can see this. I mean, think about what peace does, what the gospel of peace does for these disciples. These disciples are grown men hiding in a room, just afraid to even have the door unlocked. And after they receive the gospel and Jesus says, peace with you, and he breathes the Spirit on them, we see just moments later, days later, they are out proclaiming." [00:41:48] (37 seconds)
"jesus christ is lord before thousands thousands of people are coming you know becoming saved there's a boldness that comes when the spirit moves when peace happens in christians lives boldness comes it's just a byproduct of peace is boldness read through the book of acts and you will see this watch every nearly every time when it says when the spirit moved there's boldness then they walked out boldly then they speak boldly then they whatever it was peace spirit boldness you're starting to see as we put on the readiness our shoes from the gospel of peace it makes us ready to fight it gives us a boldness to fight to know jesus is to know peace but no jesus no peace to have peace is to have jesus on the throne of your life" [00:42:59] (68 seconds)
"If the throne of Jesus has turned into a love seat in your life, you're never going to have the fullness of peace because you're still going to be putting your trust in something in addition to Jesus Christ. Something that can't offer you peace like the prince of peace can. And the enemies that work with this, that all the time, Satan wants to destroy peace. He wants to destroy peace between you and God. Wants to have you be, you know, cause doubt that, you know, you and God, you know, you're at odds actually." [00:44:59] (31 seconds)
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