The Way of Peace
We are at war whether we like it or not. When we are going through any form of conflict, our natural desire is to have to end so that we can experience peace. In today’s message, we learn that we need to take peace with us into the battle in order to win it. Like most of God’s wisdom, it is counter-cultural but profoundly accurate. When we seek peace before the battle, we are assured of victory. To prepare us for this peace, Paul tells us that we must put on the sandals of peace. In the ancient Meditteraen, the war sandals were a major advancement in modern warfare. They were studded with spikes to give them stability in battle. Yet they were light, allowing great mobility for the army. Let’s take a look at the spiritual implications of these two attributes of the sandals.
Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-15 - ESV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace
Bible Study Questions
Spreading the Gospel
Many pastors and scholars who teach on the sandals of peace teach that it is mostly about taking the Gospel into the world and spreading peace through the truth of Christ. Where does this idea come from and can you think of any reasons it may be flawed?
Romans 10:15 - ESV And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Isaiah 52:7 - ESV How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 - ESV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil
Stability
While it is always good to receive a message for the spreading of the Gospel of peace, it’s possible this message is not about spreading the Gospel. The armour of God is about defence under attack. How are we to stand firm when we are at war?
Romans 8:28 - ESV And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Mobility
So, while we need to be steadfast and stand in our faith in battle defensively, we also need to be mobile, agile on our feet, so that we can be responsive to the attacks of the enemy. Why is mobility crucial to the Christian soldier?
Genesis 3:1 ESV Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”
Revelation 12:9 ESV And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
Dead weights in battle
In contrast to mobility in battle, most of the Christian faith is suffering from immobility and stagnation. People get into their routines and church and the Christian life becomes a bore. Many of us backslide in our faith because we have become immobile. How can we change this?
Romans 12:2 ESV Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Matthew 6:33 ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
The Gospel of Peace
The good news is that for all of us who believe in Jesus Christ, we have the peace of Christ. Jesus Himself tells us that this is not as the world gives. What is the difference between the world’s peace and God’s peace?
John 14:27 ESV Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
2 Timothy 3:2 ESV For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
John 10:29 ESV My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
Standing firm
When we have the sandals of peace, we are ready to conquer the battle, no matter how terrifying. How can we be assured of victory when we go into battle in peace?
1 John 5:14 ESV And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
James 1:5 ESV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
1 Peter 3:12 ESV For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Putting on the sandals
If we confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him, then we have God’s peace. But sometimes as a result of sin, both our own and others, we are separated from God and can feel far from His peace. How can we put on the sandals?
Psalm 139:23-24 ESV Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 119:65 ESV You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word.
John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Isaiah 26:3 ESV You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Colossians 3:15 ESV And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.