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

As discussed previously, Satan is a powerful enemy, but God has given us armour to withstand him. This includes divinely designed shoes and a shield; both pieces of armour help us stand confidently against the Devil’s attacks.

THE SHOES

Three features of the shoes are: 1) readiness, 2) the gospel and 3) peace.

Readiness reminds us to conduct our lives worthy of the gospel (Php 1:27). It also reminds us that as sinners saved by God’s magnificent grace, we belong to Him (Eph 2:8,9, 1Cor 6:19-20).

The gospel is God’s gift of unparalleled love (1 Joh 4:10), revealing how He made the ultimate sacrifice (Rom 8:32) and demonstrated His supreme power (1 Cor 6:14). It has saved millions, securing them eternal life (a never-ending relationship with God). Each of us has a wonderful privilege to share it, knowing it can give hope in the darkest of circumstances and to the most sinful of people (Rom 1:16, 10:15).

Finally, they are also a constant reminder that we have perfect peace with God. Remarkably, this peace with God was given to us by Him in grace (that is, we did not deserve it). It reassures us that no matter how difficult our lives might be, we will always have the true peace of God (Joh 14:27).  

THE SHIELD

No fiery dart can break through the shield because of whom we place our faith in. By faith we:

• accepted that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead (Rom 5:1).
• received eternal life and are children of God forever (Rom 8:15).
• pleased and continue to please Him (Heb 11:6).
• walk – not relying on human reasoning, but God’s leading (2 Cor 5:7), understanding He will never lead us into a situation that we cannot endure in His strength (1 Cor 10:13,2 Cor 12:9).
• confidently declare God is faithful (Deut 7:9, 32:4)

Note, this shield is large providing complete protection and was designed to be interlocked with other shields, this reminds us that whilst God calls us to a specific work, we serve alongside (knit together) with brothers and sisters in Christ (Col 2:2). We experience the full benefit of the shield when we thrust it forward together, in faith, with those who we labour with.

In summary, there is no safer footing than the gospel, and no dart can cause us harm when we stand (together) in faith!

To be continued…