The Spiritual Conflict PT4

INTRODUCTION

Roman soldiers, about whom Paul was writing, wore hob-nailed sandals.  They were specially designed to be surefooted in battle. They had a thick

            base, made of wood and leather, and often had short spikes imbedded in 

            them to give the soldier extra traction on inclines or in bad weather. Even

            on the slickest ground they could stand in hand-to-hand combat and not slip.

            Paul used this concept of Roman warfare, being properly shod going into battle, to remind us of the importance of having a firm foundation.

            The Bible teaches us that we are to be prepared with the good news of peace.

            The foundation of our fighting in the spiritual battle is the settled peace

            within us that God wants us to have. Satan is a destroyer of peace. His      purpose in coming to the earth was to bring division between man and          separation from God. When we do combat with him, we need to have an

            implement of warfare that will enable us to withstand that particular attack 

            of division and restlessness. The implements to use, according to 

            Ephesians 6:15, are the shoes of the gospel of peace.

I.         THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE SHOES TO THE ARMOR

             A.  The Progression of the Armor.

                        1.  First came the belt of truth (Jesus Christ), then the breastplate of

righteousness (living according to truth). Once we have done this, we   are no longer struggling to prove ourselves to God...and the result is peace!

            B.  The Place of Peace in the Soldier’s Life.

                        1.  Remember, we are not fighting against people. We must be equipped 

with inner peace from God. It is not the situation in which you find yourself that is critical, but how you look on that situation in the power of Christ. He is our peace! (Ephesians 2:14)

a.     Peace v. Fear. Luke 21:26 teaches us that fear runs rampant in

the last days. Our world is living with fear, stress, and violence all around them.

1)    As soldiers, clothed with HIS armor, we go into the world

with a different message...one of peace!

II.        THE REASONS FOR THE SHOES AS ARMOR  (Matthew 6)

             A.  Without Shoes, You Are Ungrateful.

                        1.  Ungrateful. Matthew 6:25

             B.  Without Shoes, You Are Unreasonable.

                        1.  Unreasonable. Matthew 6:26

            C.  Without Shoes, You Are Unproductive.

                        1.  Unproductive. Matthew 6:27

              D.  Without Shoes, You Are Unchristian.

                        1.  Unchristian. Matthew 6:31

             E.  Without Shoes, You Are Unprepared.

                        1.  Unprepared. Matthew 6:33-34 (Psalm 55:22, I Peter 5:7)

III.       THE REQUISITIONING OF SHOES FOR ARMOR

             A.  Meet the Author of Peace.

                        1.  God of Peace. Hebrews 13:20-21, II Thessalonians 3:16, 

     I Corinthians 14:33

             B.  Meditate on the Prince of Peace.

                        1.  Prince of Peace. Isaiah 26:3

             C.  Manifest the Spirit of Peace in Your Life.

                        1.  Holy Spirit of Peace. Galatians 5:22-23

            D.  Meditating On and Memorizing the Word of Peace.

                        1.  Word of Peace. Psalm 119:165

CONCLUSION

            You will find it difficult to find a time when Jesus was frustrated, or in        turmoil, or not at peace.  Even as Christ went to His death, there was a 

            calmness and sense of direction about the events. His life was secure, and

            He wants you to be standing firm...wearing the shoes of the gospel of peace.