The Good Fight Part 3

Shoes of peace

“And with your feet fitted with the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:14

• What do shoes of the “gospel of peace” protect?

My ability to stand fast

In the Bible, when we read the phrase “foot” or “feet” it represents the power possessed by a person; that which is under his foot is in submission to him.

1. Joshua - Taking of captives“Open the mouth of the cave, and

bring out those five kings to me…so it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war…

‘Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.”

Joshua 10:24

2. Ark of the Covenant

“Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever.” Ezekiel 43:7

3. Splitting the Mount of Olives“On that day his feet will stand on

the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.” Zechariah 14:4

4. Jesus – The New Earth

“…and seated him (Christ) at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given,

not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet…” Ephesians 1:20-22

I. How to gain peace into your life

• My enemy is actively, aggressively and passionately working to destroy my inner sense of peace.

1. Peace must begin with a relationship with Jesus

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

• God is not angry with me. He loves me.

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

2. Experiential peace will come when I have decided:

A. Peace is both a defensive and offensive weapon in the arsenal of a Christian.

B. Living at peace involves deciding that I do not have a problem that is too big for God.

C. Peace is NOT the absence of conflict, but the presence of faith in my heart.

II. How to put your foot on the devils neck

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

Romans 16:20

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

• The peace of God is meant to bring peace to our EMOTIONS.

1. Rejoice in the Lord always.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

2. Let your gentleness/patience be evident.

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

• How? Share Jesus with others.• After all it is called the “Gospel of

peace”.

3. Don’t worry.

“Do not be anxious about anything,”

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

4. Cultivate a life of prayer.

“…but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

• Start praying for others.

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7

A word of warning:

“There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked.” Is 48:22