Armor of God: Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

 

Armor of God: Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

To have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace is a reference to being prepared to stand firm on the Gospel of salvation without being deceived by false doctrines. There are many groups that try to add their own works or false doctrines to salvation. We must use discernment and dismiss anything that does not line up with scripture. We are all commissioned by Christ to go out into the world and share the gospel of salvation with others. The good news is that Christ made peace between the Father and mankind through his death upon the cross. The Father is a holy God who cannot look upon sin. No person on earth could save himself by his own works because we are a fallen race. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was the spotless, perfect, lamb of God, who took our sins upon himself to wash us clean.

 We are justified in the eyes of God and saved by faith alone in the finished work of Christ upon the cross. However, we must repent of our sins and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out (sanctification). The Holy Spirit is also a free gift from God to those who are truly born again. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is also known as being filled with the Holy Ghost, sanctification, second blessing, or second act of grace. These terms all describe the immersion of power by God's Spirit in order to live an overcoming life and spread the gospel. There are nine gifts, as well as nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Every Christian should desire this second blessing from God.

It is important to understand the peace made upon the cross between the Father and mankind. Before Christ came the Hebrews were kept by God under the Law of Moses. There was not a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the people. The animal sacrifices were symbolic of the final sacrifice of God's Son upon the cross. The law was our tutor, to teach us about sin and the consequences of sin. Under the old covenant they were slaves of sin, as well as the law. But under the new covenant of grace, we are free men and sons of the living God.

 Christ fulfilled every letter and stroke of the law upon the cross and brought a better covenant through his shed blood. Many people confuse the law of Moses with the law of Christ. Christ said, "If you love me you will keep my commandments" and went on to say," this is my commandment that you love one another." The law of Christ was centered upon heart issues. Christ taught us to love one another, turn the other cheek, forgive one another seventy times seven, show mercy, be kind and hospitable, not to judge with hypocrisy, and for those without sin to cast the first stone. Christ was the light from heaven to teach us the true ways of God. The old covenant was referred to as a perpetual and everlasting covenant for all generations to the Hebrew people. In the Hebrew, this is defined as a final decree by God as long as the old covenant was in effect. 

However, the issue of whether or not the gentile believers were expected to keep the law of Moses was settled forever by the Jerusalem Decree (Acts 15: 4-30). All of the Apostles and Elders of the church were in agreement that gentile Christians were Not expected to keep the law of Moses.  

 (John 1:17) For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

 (Eph 2:14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

The Lord Jesus Christ made peace upon the cross by offering himself as the payment for all of our sins. When we were bankrupt in our debts he paid them in full and washed us white as snow in his precious blood. Let us stand firm in our faith and share it with a lost and dying world. 

 (Isaiah 52:7) How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth  good tidings that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

 (Ephesians 6:10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Armor of God: Belt of Truth (Written by my Wife)

 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil...  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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth... Ephesians 6:10-18

When getting ready to write this blog I learned that in Biblical times the belt was "worn at all times, even without the other pieces" of armor (From Logos Bible Software). I found that very profound!  We need to make sure we are walking in the Truths of the Bible in every single decision we make, to wear these Truths "at all times."  

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  1 John 4:1-3

Test all you hear from all pastors, teachers, or any one else who tries to give you spiritual advice (including me) against what the Bible says. If what they say does not line up with the Word of God, they are deceivers and should not be listened to.  Many may try to trick you by saying, "That's not what Jesus meant when He said..." or, "Well, in the original Hebrew it means..."  Do not let these manipulative tactics work! No one should be so arrogant as to try to tell you what Jesus, Peter, Paul, John, or James (etc.) meant other than what was written into scripture (commentaries are helpful, but trying to change the meaning of what is written is not).  Also, the New Testament was NOT written in Hebrew, but in Greek. However, some claim that the gospel of Matthew may have been written in Hebrew originally, but there is no evidence of that. Certain prophetic books of the Bible, especially Revelation, are cryptic for a reason, but usually what you read means what it says and says what it means!  Do not let anyone try to make the Word of God try to jump through their hoops to justify their false religion or their sinful lifestyle! 

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy. 1 Timothy 4:1-2

1 Timothy also states Christians will "depart from the faith" and give into the "doctrines of demons."

What are these false doctrines leading people astray? There are too many to list here, I will just focus on one:  

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude, Verse 4

This means that false teachers have perverted the Truths about holiness taught by Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and others and have twisted it to a false grace message saying we never need to repent because forgiveness is automatic.  Salvation and true grace are free gifts from God; we do not have to earn them.  However, Romans 6:1-2 states, we should not "continue in sin, that grace may abound."  We need to be "dead to sin" and love the Lord more than the world!

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Believers and unbelievers alike have solidly plugged up their ears to the holiness message of daily repentance (Luke 9:23).  They do not think there is any need to change or become a "new creation" by giving up "the old things" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16

In today's modern church, pastors have quit preaching the Truth on lessons of repentance and holiness.  I am not saying every single pastor out there is preaching a lukewarm message, but sadly, the majority are. 

Even the once on-fire holiness preachers have begun speaking less on righteousness and more on praying and getting blessed, not on how we should be blessing God.  While prayer is vital to our walk with God, our actions outside of the prayer closet matter even more.  Our cups need to be clean on the outside AND on the inside (Matthew 23:25-28).  

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.  Romans 1:18-22

This is speaking of those who were well aware of God's power, but rebelled.  God was absolutely going to hold them accountable because they knew better.  In fact, the Bible says God holds us more accountable when we know the Truth and trade it for a lie than when our sins are more ignorant (Hebrews 6:6 & 2 Peter 20-22).  They knew better and justified their actions with false logic, and therefore, became foolish.   

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Revelation 2:5

I see a lot of people who choose to do wrong still going to church, calling themselves Christians, and reading their bibles.  But there is good news for those that have rebelled and chosen to backslide.  The hope lies in prayers. We can pray they take up the belt of Truth and throw away the chains of Satan's lies once and for all.  Pray God will ultimately open their eyes, or re-open as the case may be.  Or if it is you who has fallen away, it is never too late to repent and start over.

Armor of God: Breastplate of Righteousness

 

Armor of God: Breastplate of Righteousness

We are told, to put on the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness does not mean perfection, but it does mean that we are to live right, and this is a reference to sanctification (being purified by God’s Spirit, as well as set apart from the sinful world). Salvation is a free gift based on faith in Christ, accompanied with repentance of our old nature. When a person is truly saved by Grace alone, their debts are forgiven, and their garments are washed white in the blood of the Lamb. Christ's righteousness is imputed to the saved believer. However, after we are saved, we must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us how to walk in the Spirit and allow Him to bear good fruit through us. A person cannot walk the strait and narrow path, or bear good fruit, by their own merit. It is only by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit that we can put down the old nature and be truly born again. We must surrender all to the Lord and allow His Spirit to transform us from the inside out. God gives us grace to learn to walk, however, our salvation is based upon the finished work of Christ upon the cross.     

 The breastplate is the most important part of the warrior’s armor because it guards the heart, lungs, as well as other vital organs. God’s Word teaches us, that without holiness no man shall see the Father. Satan’s desire is to give a spiritual death blow to the Christian by enticing him with the lusts of the world, that is why the breastplate of righteousness is the most vital piece of armor for our survival.

(Ephesians 6:10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Matt 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

2 Tim 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  

Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

The Sword of the Spirit: Written by my Wife

 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil...  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. Stand therefore... and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God... Ephesians 6:10-18

In the above verses, "The Sword of the Spirit"  is described as "the Word of God," which we are to take up daily and use as a weapon against Satanic forces.  We are to be proactive by reading God's Word and using it to arm our minds, hearts, and souls so that we may live lives Holy and acceptable, as pleasing unto the Lord (I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2)

The Bible is not just any book, it is literally the inspired Word of God.  It is a history and a science book.  It is prophecy fulfilled and prophetic of things to come.  It is a morality guide - it is your compass.  We can plug into it and gain accesses to the very Power of God.  Isn't that amazing!

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15 

I am a firm believer in reading the Bible every day.  Yes, I may skip a day here and there, but overall, I love to dive into God's Words on a daily basis.  Studying God's Words will not only benefit me spiritually and emotionally, but it proves to God how much I love Him and want to get to know Him better.  It also greatly influences my daily walk.  God's Word helps me make the best choices in every day situations.  If I am holding a grudge, for example, I can stop and reflect on God's Word and know how this displeases the Holy of Holies. I can remind myself what the Bible says on forgiveness and be able to let my heart heal as I let go of bitterness. 

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4 

God's Word is our daily bread.  It is all we need to sustain us. After reading a particularly powerful bible verses, do you ever feel like you have partaken of a wonderful feast?  God's Words make you feel alive and will satisfy you to the very core of your being.  It will help you find and maintain joy even during the dark times of your life.

Speaking of, Matthew chapter 4, verses 1-11 are another reminder of how powerful the Sword of the Spirit is in fighting off Satan.  When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus was able to make Satan leave by quoting scripture. We have access to the same scriptures as well as those written after Jesus' death and resurrection.  The more we read the Bible, the greater our arsenal of scripture verses becomes, and the bigger and stronger our sword will grow.  We will be armed with more knowledge on God's Truth versus Satan's (and man's) lies and it will be easier to argue with the devil (an man) by quoting scripture and sending all deceivers fleeing.  

There are so many wonderful things that God's Word brings, that I cannot possibly name them all.  I'll just focus on a few more areas.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Romans 1:16

God's Word is our teacher on all areas concerning our salvation.  It tells us that Jesus shed his blood on the cross and died for our sins.  It also tells us that, if we repent of our sins, and choose Christ as our Savior, that we will be saved.  We do not have to earn God's love or the death of His son on the cross, these are the free gifts of True grace.  We are loved by an amazing God!

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4

But remember, God's Word does not exempt us from living a life of sin.  We are not to use God's grace as an excuse to do what we know is wrong.  God's Word is also great at convicting us of our sins. When in doubt if something goes against God's will, do not ask your buddies, read the Bible! I especially recommend reading and memorizing Galatians 5:16-26 & Revelation 21:7-8.  

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:1-5

If we abide in the Word (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1) and do our best to live by God's instructions, God's Word will keep us honest.  If we set aside our egos and allow it, God's Word will show us where we need to improve, as well as showing us when we are on the right path.  Here is one of my favorite verses:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12


When you read God's Word daily, it will really sink in to where you memorize scripture (even if you cannot remember the the exact reference).  It is a good moral guide that you can and should keep with you wherever you go. 

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

God's Word is a reality check.  When you read the gospels and Jesus' own Words, you will realize that Christ never sugar-coated things.  He was very honest and told His listeners that life would be hard, some will be persecuted for their beliefs, and some will never find true happiness in this life. (These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33)

We live in a fallen world full of people not living a Godly life, and those people do not care how their actions affect others.  Because of such people, most of us will experience unpleasant things in life.  Living in a fallen world also means that diseases are allowed to exist and cause pain to the sufferer as well as to family members that endure loss.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

Yet, if we endure, God's Word promises those who have repented of their sins, accept Christ as their Savior, and are striving to live holy lives, will gain eternal glory. (You can also read the beatitudes in Matthew 5 & Luke 20)

Ephesians 6:10-18 is an amazing section of scripture that should be carefully studied many times over.  The Sword of the Spirit, God's Word, alone in those verses offers up excellent advice on how to survive in this world. 

God's Words will bring you peace, joy, love, awe, conviction, and an overall honest look at life and make you take an honest look at yourself.  But do not ever take my word for it, read it for yourself

The Shield of Faith

 

The Shield of Faith

 (Ephesians 6:10-18) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

It is very important for the Christian to understand spiritual warfare, since we have an adversary seeking our destruction. God’s Word tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Satan is also referred to as, the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. One of Satan’s tactics is to stir people up in anger towards God. Many people blame God for the problems that they experience in this life, and they are oblivious to the fact, that there are two opposing kingdoms at work in the earth. Ephesians 6:12 states that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

 The truth is that we live in a war zone, and the battle is over the souls of men. If you belong to Christ, then you are in the Lord’s army, and Satan’s kingdom has declared all-out war against you. However, the good news is, greater is he that is within you than he that is in the world, and if you are truly saved, you will inherit eternal life. If you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, then you have the power to live an overcoming life, as well as the authority to put the devil to flight. In these last days, it is crucial that all Christians receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, in order to be able to stand firm in Christ, against the many snares of the devil.

We are also, told to take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Fear is the opposite of faith and fear can quite often empower Satan’s attacks against us. That is why faith is vital for our protection against the many on slots and snares of the evil one. In battle, the shield repelled the blows of the enemies weapons, and the same is also true in spiritual warfare, it is the shield of faith that stops the attacks. If we have faith that our Lord is bigger, as well as stronger than any of our enemies, then our prayers will be answered, and victory will be the result. Faith is the key for many breakthroughs in the Christian walk. Healings, deliverance from demonic activity, as well as everyday life situations, require faith to get results. 

(James 4:7) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. 

Many Christians have open doors to the enemy's oppression in their lives. We are saved by faith in the finished work of Christ alone, as long as faith is accompanied with repentance of our old nature. However, we need to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit to close the doors to the enemy who desires to oppress us .You cannot walk in the Spirit, or bear good fruit, by your own merit. It is the Holy Spirit who works in you to purify and set you apart from the sinful world. You must surrender your will by obedience to Scripture and give the Spirit the reins of your heart and soul. Only when you are in submission to God do you have the authority to put the enemy to flight. Faith will repel the fiery darts of the enemy if you have submitted your life to God.