Sunday Worship 11.00 am and 6.30 pm Minister: Dr William (Bill) J M Parker
11. Readiness that Comes from the Gospel of Peace – Ephesians 6:15 - 15/04/18 (am)
Spiritual Warfare
Sermon Date: 15/04/18 (am)
Readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace – Ephesians 6:15
Main Teaching Point:
Stand firm with feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.
The first thing to notice about Ephesians 6:15 is that a piece of armour is not mentioned! But the Apostle is alluding to armour worn by a Roman Soldier so it is reasonable to assume that to maintain the analogy he is referring to a soldier’s footwear.
The Caliga of the Roman Foot Soldier
The caliga was a half-boot consisting of a sturdy, studded, spiked sole fastened to the foot/shin by leather straps. Its function was threefold:
- Stability. Gave a good grip for quick footwork in combat.
- Protection. From spikes hidden in the ground.
- Mobility. Sturdy footwear for rapid marches.
For all these reasons the soldier’s footwear gave him confidence in conflict.
The Christian’s Footwear – Readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace
The Christian is to be prepared for spiritual battle by wearing the shoes of the readiness of the Gospel of Peace. The Gospel of Peace is the good news of Jesus’ death, resurrection and the benefits they bring to Christians. But what is the Christian’s readiness?
1. To announce
the Gospel of Peace (Isaiah 52:7; Colossians 4:5-6)?
2. To stand against the Devil because of
the Gospel of Peace?
Which view is correct? The context of spiritual warfare makes the second more likely.
Readiness Produced by the Gospel of Peace for Spiritual Warfare
Preparation for, and stability in, battle.
If a Christian knows (s)he has peace with
God (Romans 5:1), peace of
God, and is at peace with others, it gives stability that is difficult for the Devil to shake.
Protection in battle.
The Devil cannot alter your peace with God. He cannot get at your heart or mind if it is garrisoned with the peace of God (Philippians 4:6-7). The Devil cannot cause division in the ranks if peace exists among soldiers of Christ.
Mobility in battle.
You can enter the Devil’s territory with the message of salvation.
Powerful Message in Battle
(Romans 1:16). [although this is not the emphasis in 6:15!]. It brings glory to God and greatly harms the enemy because it reminds him of his defeat and has the potential, as God moves, to take his possession as well as to remove hostility between Christians and bring peace/unity (John 17:11; Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 4:4).
Shod with preparation of Gospel of Peace generally gives confidence for the fight and in the fight.
Conclusion – Putting on the Boots
Are you a Christian who is buffeted by the Devil because you are unsure of your standing before God? Is the peace of God absent in your life? Are you at variance with someone? Don’t help the Devil do his work! You must put on spiritual caliga. How?
- Realise what you are in Christ – at peace with God (Ephesians 2:14)
- Believe Romans 8:28. Obey Philippians 4:6-7; 1Peter 5:7; Colossians 3:15 for peace within
- Ensure you are at peace with all, particularly Christians (John 13:35; Romans 12:18)
- Stand on God’s Word and always be willing to witness (1 Peter 3:15)
Are your feet fitted with the readiness of the Gospel of Peace? Put on the spiritual caliga and as they carry you into battle you will be protected, confident, unshakable, victorious.
© Dr Bill Parker, 2018