Walking in Peace: The Power of Communion and Armor

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of communion and the spiritual armor of God, focusing particularly on the gospel of peace. Communion serves as a powerful reminder of the covenant we have with Christ, symbolizing the healing and forgiveness He offers through His sacrifice. It is a time to reflect on our lives, seek forgiveness, and renew our commitment to walk in His ways. This sacred act is open to all who are part of the body of Christ, emphasizing unity and remembrance of His love and sacrifice.

We also delved into the armor of God, specifically the shoes of peace, as described in Ephesians 6:15. These shoes are not just a metaphor for peace but a call to action, urging us to stand firm in our faith and move forward with confidence. The Roman soldiers' shoes, with their sturdy design and spikes, illustrate how peace can be both a defensive and offensive weapon. This peace, when firmly anchored in our lives, provides stability and strength to withstand spiritual battles. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds against fear and anxiety.

Moreover, we discussed the two types of peace a believer can experience: peace with God and the peace of God. Peace with God is a gift received upon accepting Christ, while the peace of God is a deeper, ongoing experience that requires daily commitment and spiritual discipline. This peace empowers us to face life's challenges without fear, knowing that God is in control and that we are more than conquerors through Him.

As we continue our journey, let us remember to keep our spiritual shoes tightly fastened, standing firm in the peace of God. Let us march forward with purpose, knowing that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet. We are called to be bold, to move in unison, and to let our faith be a testimony to the world around us.

Key Takeaways:

- Communion as Covenant Reminder: Communion is a sacred act that reminds us of the covenant we have with Christ. It symbolizes the healing and forgiveness He offers through His sacrifice, urging us to reflect on our lives and renew our commitment to Him. This act of remembrance is open to all believers, emphasizing unity and the profound love of Christ. [26:04]

- The Armor of God - Shoes of Peace: The shoes of peace, as described in Ephesians 6:15, are both a defensive and offensive weapon. They provide stability and strength to withstand spiritual battles, illustrating how peace can be a powerful force in our lives. This peace, when firmly anchored, allows us to stand firm in our faith and move forward with confidence. [47:39]

- Peace with God vs. Peace of God: Believers can experience two types of peace: peace with God and the peace of God. Peace with God is a gift received upon accepting Christ, while the peace of God is a deeper, ongoing experience that requires daily commitment and spiritual discipline. This peace empowers us to face life's challenges without fear. [01:06:50]

- Marching Forward with Purpose: We are called to march forward with purpose, letting the peace of God guide our steps. This peace empowers us to keep moving forward, even when the enemy tries to block our path. By standing firm in God's peace, we can crush the enemy under our feet and continue our journey with confidence. [01:32:45]

- Staying Prepared in Spiritual Battles: Life's battles are unpredictable, but we can prepare ourselves by staying grounded in God's peace. This peace is our firm footing, keeping us steady and victorious against any enemy. By fastening our spiritual shoes tightly, we can take a stand and move forward with the conquering peace of God. [01:40:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [26:04] - The Significance of Communion
- [29:56] - Preparing for Communion
- [38:42] - Introduction to the Armor of God
- [43:07] - The Gospel of Peace
- [44:34] - Roman Soldiers' Shoes
- [47:39] - Peace as a Defensive and Offensive Weapon
- [49:41] - Binding Peace Firmly
- [51:02] - The Importance of Proper Fit
- [53:05] - Walking in Personal Peace
- [55:17] - Staying Prepared
- [58:11] - The Firm Foundation of Peace
- [01:01:00] - Facing Life's Challenges
- [01:04:58] - Two Types of Peace
- [01:06:50] - Peace with God and Peace of God
- [01:10:42] - Listening to the Holy Spirit
- [01:17:31] - Praying Without Ceasing
- [01:20:10] - Peace as a Defensive Weapon
- [01:24:54] - Standing Firm in Trials
- [01:32:45] - Marching Forward with Purpose
- [01:40:40] - Staying Prepared for Battles

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:15
- Luke 22:14-20
- Philippians 4:7

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Ephesians 6:15 describe as the purpose of the "shoes of peace" in the armor of God? How does this relate to the Roman soldiers' shoes mentioned in the sermon? [44:34]

2. In Luke 22:14-20, what are the key elements of the communion that Jesus shared with His disciples, and how do they symbolize the covenant with Christ? [26:04]

3. According to the sermon, what are the two types of peace a believer can experience, and how are they different from each other? [01:06:50]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of peace as both a defensive and offensive weapon in spiritual battles? [47:39]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the "shoes of peace" provide both stability and strength in a believer's life, according to Ephesians 6:15 and the sermon? [44:34]

2. What does the act of communion signify for believers, and why is it important to approach it with a pure heart, as discussed in the sermon? [29:56]

3. How can the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard a believer's heart and mind in daily life, as mentioned in Philippians 4:7 and the sermon? [01:06:50]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest believers can actively "march forward with purpose" in their spiritual journey? [01:32:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal experience with communion. How can you prepare your heart to fully embrace its significance the next time you partake in it? [29:56]

2. Consider a current challenge in your life. How can you apply the concept of the "shoes of peace" to stand firm and move forward with confidence? [44:34]

3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with fear or anxiety. How can you invite the peace of God to guard your heart and mind in that situation? [01:06:50]

4. Think about a time when you felt spiritually unprepared for a challenge. What steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually equipped for future battles? [01:40:40]

5. How can you actively cultivate both peace with God and the peace of God in your daily spiritual practices? [01:06:50]

6. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the enemy was trying to block your path. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time to "march forward with purpose"? [01:32:45]

7. Consider the importance of community in your spiritual journey. How can you support others in your small group to stand firm in their faith and move forward together? [38:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Communion as a Covenant of Healing and Forgiveness
Communion is a sacred act that serves as a powerful reminder of the covenant believers have with Christ. It symbolizes the healing and forgiveness offered through His sacrifice, urging individuals to reflect on their lives and renew their commitment to Him. This act of remembrance is open to all believers, emphasizing unity and the profound love of Christ. As participants partake in communion, they are invited to seek forgiveness and healing, acknowledging the grace that flows from Christ's sacrifice. This sacred moment is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recommit to walking in His ways, fostering a deeper connection with God and the community of believers. [26:04]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: As you prepare for communion, what specific areas of your life need healing and forgiveness? How can you actively seek to renew your commitment to Christ today?

Day 2: The Shoes of Peace as a Spiritual Weapon
The shoes of peace, as described in Ephesians 6:15, are both a defensive and offensive weapon in the spiritual armor of God. These shoes provide stability and strength to withstand spiritual battles, illustrating how peace can be a powerful force in believers' lives. The Roman soldiers' shoes, with their sturdy design and spikes, serve as a metaphor for how peace can anchor individuals, allowing them to stand firm in their faith and move forward with confidence. This peace, when firmly anchored, surpasses all understanding and guards hearts and minds against fear and anxiety, empowering believers to face life's challenges with courage and assurance. [47:39]

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: In what areas of your life do you need to put on the shoes of peace? How can you use this peace as both a defense and an offense in your spiritual journey today?

Day 3: Experiencing Peace with God and the Peace of God
Believers can experience two types of peace: peace with God and the peace of God. Peace with God is a gift received upon accepting Christ, signifying reconciliation and a restored relationship with the Creator. The peace of God, however, is a deeper, ongoing experience that requires daily commitment and spiritual discipline. This peace empowers individuals to face life's challenges without fear, knowing that God is in control and that they are more than conquerors through Him. By cultivating a life of prayer, meditation, and obedience, believers can experience the profound tranquility that comes from living in harmony with God's will. [01:06:50]

Colossians 3:15-16 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: How can you cultivate the peace of God in your daily life? What spiritual disciplines can you commit to in order to deepen your experience of this peace?

Day 4: Marching Forward with Purpose in God's Peace
Believers are called to march forward with purpose, letting the peace of God guide their steps. This peace empowers them to keep moving forward, even when the enemy tries to block their path. By standing firm in God's peace, they can crush the enemy under their feet and continue their journey with confidence. This call to action is not just about personal growth but also about being a testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of faith and peace in the face of adversity. As believers march forward, they are encouraged to do so in unison, supporting one another and advancing the kingdom of God with boldness and conviction. [01:32:45]

Romans 16:20 (ESV): "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to march forward with purpose in God's peace? How can you support others in your community to do the same?

Day 5: Staying Prepared for Spiritual Battles with God's Peace
Life's battles are unpredictable, but believers can prepare themselves by staying grounded in God's peace. This peace is their firm footing, keeping them steady and victorious against any enemy. By fastening their spiritual shoes tightly, they can take a stand and move forward with the conquering peace of God. This preparation involves being vigilant, prayerful, and rooted in the Word, ensuring that they are equipped to face whatever challenges come their way. As they remain steadfast in God's peace, they can navigate the uncertainties of life with resilience and hope, trusting in God's ultimate victory. [01:40:40]

Ephesians 6:13-15 (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, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace."

Reflection: How can you ensure that you are spiritually prepared for the battles you face? What practical steps can you take to stay grounded in God's peace today?

Quotes

1. "Every situation, over everything that's going on There's no other name like Jesus, amen? Where every knee shall bow and every tongue confess That He is Lord, amen? But we've got to be bold about it Come boldly before His throne And speak over every situation you're going through No other name can calm anxiety Can calm fears Can heal sickness like His name, amen?" [00:23:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Because it takes us back to that covenant That remembering He said, remember, do this in remembrance of me And that word remember, that's a covenant word You know, Jesus told His disciples to partake in that new covenant In the cup of my blood In remembrance of me It indicates that that covenant is always To be in the forefront of our community In our consciousness Amen So we do this to remind ourselves What He did for each and every one of us You know, He took those stripes Those beatings for us So that we would be healed We are healed And we can walk in that healing He shed His blood for the remission Of each and every one of our sins Amen" [00:26:04] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And so that's why it's important not to walk around. If I was to go into battle, so those of you who have been in the military before, you'll kind of understand this. You know, I spent a year over in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. And anytime we stepped out anywhere, we were fully clothed in the full armor, right? We had the right proper boots on. We had our vest. The whole nine yards, we were decked out. Now, if I tried to step outside, of, you know, my room or whatever, wearing something that wasn't fitted properly, clown shoes, and I'm trying to perform the task at hand, it's going to be very difficult because this is very loose. I'm going to get tripped up, and I'm going to fall." [00:51:57] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And so if the enemy sees you fully, if he sees Gail over here fully clothed in the armor of God, but he sees Hunter over here who's got everything on except for the belt of truth, he's not going to want to mess with Gail. Right? She's fully clothed. But Hunter, he's going to try to pick a little way here, a little way there. He's going to try to get him to feel so uncomfortable that he takes off his armor. So you've got to continue to stay in that full armor of God so you're not moved by what you see, feel, or hear. Because we know that's all subject to change. Right?" [00:59:48] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And that's the reason that peace was given to us as that weapon, as an offensive and defensive weapon, because what it is, it's that protective peace. I mean, how often do we allow the worries and anxieties and fears to rule us? Like I shared earlier about the elections, right? So many people are worried about what candidate's going to win, what candidate's not going to win. You know, Galatian's going to go up, Galatian's going to go down, you know, what's happening." [01:13:50] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "And so as we trust in God, what he then does, what that allows us to do is he steadies our hearts and he anchors us in every situation. And when we do that, Satan can't play games with your emotions or mine. When you fully clothe yourself, I know I'm not talking about this part of it, but when you fully clothe yourself, I really like what Pastor Gail shared one Wednesday. She's like, before you put on any part of the armor of God, she said, you have to put one thing on first. Anybody know what that is?" [01:15:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "And so now we're talking about the pieces being a defensive weapon. Now let's look at the offensive side of it and how it could become an offensive weapon. You know, obviously it was the spikes that were on there. They weren't only used for defenses. Defense is stance. But they were used to trample the enemy, to crush the enemy. Whenever they were being attacked, they were able to step on whoever was in their way or kick them and cause some damage." [01:27:34] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And when you stomp on those grapes, there's no chance of them coming back together. There's no chance of reformation, right? Once you step on them, it's done. Like, it's smushed, and it's done, right? That's the same kind of victory we have over Satan. When we stand, in God's peace, with each step we move forward, with each stomp on the enemy, we're reducing his schemes to nothing. He has no chance of reformation." [01:30:41] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "And just like the rain that I shared earlier, it's going to be a little here, a little there, and it's going to add up. And he's wanting you to get off that path to distract you so you don't have the vision anymore and you take your eyes off what you're going to do. I mean, he tried to do that to me this morning. You know, I was sharing with some other people earlier that I got a call Friday night from my supervisor." [01:35:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "And that's what we need to do. When we, when the enemy stands in our path, don't ask for permission for him to move. Don't stop and say, Hey, please. I know we're from the South and we have manners and this and that, but this is one time you don't use manners. Okay. You don't sit there and tell, I said, can you please move pretty please with the cherry on top? No, run him over. We keep moving. We keep pressing forward with purpose, with purpose, letting the God of peace drive him back under our feet." [01:39:50] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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