The Armor of God - Day 8 (The Gospel of Peace - Session 5 - Part 2C)

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Outline

I. Introduction – Sessions 1 & 2 - Parts 1A-1 to 1B

II. The Whole Armor of God

• A. Belt of Truth – Session 3 - Parts 2A-1 to 2A-3
• B. The Breastplate of Righteousness – Session 4 – Part 2B
• C. The Gospel of Peace – Session 5 – Part 2C
• D. The Shield of Faith – Session 6 – Part 2D
• E. The Helmet of Salvation – Session 7 – Parts 2E-1 to 2E-3
• F. The Sword of the Spirit – Session 8 – Part 2F

III.  The Whole Armor of God Study Guide

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II. The Whole Armor of God – Sessions 3-8 – Parts 2A-1 to 2F

C. The Gospel of Peace – Session 5 – Part 2C – Ephesians 6:15 says, "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." Peace and a sense of wellbeing are two of the greatest blessings of this life. If we live in peace with others and ourselves we can withstand almost anything life throws at us. But if that peace is disturbed, we are tormented. The parable of the rich man in Matthew 18:21-35 illustrates this very well.

The Greek word for "shod" means "to bind under" or "to strap on." How do we strap on our spiritual shoes to protect us from spiritual land mines? How do we put on "the preparation of the gospel of peace?” The Greek word for "preparation" means, "to be prepared in readiness."  It suggests making peace with God before the battle begins, being ready to meet Him. It also means having a solid foundation, a readiness of mind, flowing from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a message of peace. Paul used the word "peace" in other verses in Ephesians as well. Paul uses the soldier's shoes to teach us about the Gospel of Peace. The best equipped and most highly trained soldier will lose the battle if he is unable to stand on his feet. Roman soldiers wore sandals that were bound by thongs over the instep and the ankle, and the soles were thickly studded with nails. A common military practice of their day was to put sharpened sticks in the ground, concealing them — their version of land mines. A soldier who stepped on one of these ran the risk of receiving a severe, debilitating puncture. Unable to walk, he was effectively removed from battle.

Ephesians 2:14-17 says, "For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh."

Paul teaches that our relationship with God should be one of peace. We should also live in peace with other Christians and with ourselves. Peace is required to be able to stand and fight. Living in peace with God and others assures me of withstanding the spiritual land mines that threaten to take me out of the battle. Do you have any unresolved anger in your heart? Unresolved anger results from unforgiveness and leads to resentment, bitterness and depression. This is a very high price to pay for sin. Ask God to show you if you any unresolved anger is still lurking in your spirit; confess it, renounce it, and resolve the issues that spawned it.

To gain peace you must give your anger to God, asking and receiving His forgiveness; ask Him to heal you of that memory or hurt. Then you can break Satan's power over you regarding this memory. Speak out loud telling Satan that in the name of Jesus his power over you is broken. Ask the Holy Spirit to come and heal the memory and the hurt. When you stand and resist the devil in this manner, he will flee. God promises it! Healing begins when we are willing to forgive!

You will have no peace until you are willing to submit everything, including your life, to God. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and then you will receive His peace, a peace that passes all understanding. You receive the Gospel of Peace by being obedient to God's Word.

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May the peace of God guard your hearts and minds ALWAYS!!!
Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks

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