A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. Ephesians 6:10-14 (NLT)
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. Ephesians 6:15 (NLT)
Apparently, the brand of battle shoes necessary for our victory is
The armor of God is spiritual life-saving equipment, and the shoes needed for an abundant life in Christ are special, and the only place to get this brand of shoe is through the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus Christ!
We must be prepared for all kinds of environments and situations. The only way we can operate in all situations is for us to live in the peace that comes from a life lived according to the Gospel.
(singular: caliga) were heavy-soled, military boots worn by Roman soldiers, particularly legionaries and auxiliaries, during the Roman Republic and the early Roman Empire. Caligae were designed for durability and practicality, with a sturdy leather upper and a thick sole studded with iron hobnails to provide grip and protection.
These boots were essential for soldiers who marched long distances across various terrains. The open design with straps allowed for ventilation, which was important for preventing foot problems like blisters and infections. Caligae became a symbol of Roman military life and are often associated with the disciplined and rugged nature of Roman soldiers.
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)
Our great King made these statements! Jesus! So, when we walk in a divine realationship with the Creator God, who has overcome it all is marching with us: He offers us His Shoes for our battles!
Did you notice how many times this passage we are studying tells us to
: peace, prosperity, and harmony. [Something banded together to not fall apart.] Freedom from worry.
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.
For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:1-11 (NLT)
Did you catch that? There is an initial battle we all face: we start life as of God!
It is only because of His grace and mercy that we have been able to receive forgiveness for our sins. If we are not in Christ we are not saved! If we are not saved we are living as God’s enemies! If we are God’s enemies, we are lost…But Pastor, I don’t want to be god’s enemy, I don’t want to be lost! Beloved, desire has nothing to do with it. is Everything.
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1 (NLT)
Oh, thank God for Jesus!
Like the laces of the shoes:
We are no longer enemies of God.
We are no longer outside of God’s love.
We are bound together with God.
We are moving forward in alignment with God’s word.
We have unity with God.
When we have Peace with God we receive the Peace of God!
A life with the peace that comes from God is a life that’s ready to !
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 (NLT)
Courage comes from knowing that God is on your side and He will take care of us. He will ride with us into the biggest storms and problems. He will not allow us to lose…He always causes us to triumph! We will go through…but we will
Don’t be surprised that God uses you! You live in the expectation of victorious battles when your feet are shod with the peace of God.
Your enemy hates it when you put your faith in Jesus…and He really hates the
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:20 (NLT)
We are marching in unity.
We are moving by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
We are fighting spiritual foes with the tools and tactics of God.
AND…
We are crushing the works of Satan everywhere!
Hatred
Lying
Injustice
Pornography
Infidelity
Theft
Corruption
Racism
Unfaithfulness
Dishonor
Our repentance kills the sin in us, our testimony knocks the enemy down in others, and reliance on the Lord stomps the enemy out of our conflicts through divine peace!