Young People's Group

THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

by Pastor Mitch
July 25, 2004

The Spiritual Battle For Man’s Heart

One of the greatest battles that is being fought today is not in this physical world. It is taking place in the invisible realm of the hearts of men. It is a war that has been carried out since the beginning of time between Satan and the Spirit of God. Satan will cunningly do all he can to control the lives of sinners.

“… who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…” 
Ephesians 2:1-2

Many today are living according to the ways of the evil one and they do not know it. There are demonic powers at work in the hearts of those who are living in disobedience. The only way for us to win the hearts of men is through the power of the gospel.

The Shoes Of The Gospel Of Peace

The third piece in the armor of God is the shoes of the gospel of peace.

“Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace…” 
Ephesians 6:15

It represents the need for us to share the gospel of peace. Paul was explaining how the Lord Jesus came to bring about peace for both the Jews and the Gentiles.

“For He himself is our peace, who has made both one… that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” 
Ephesians 2:14, 16

There was enmity between God and man. It was through the Lord Jesus’ death on the cross that He brought about peace between God and us. He was able to reconcile both Jews and Gentiles back to God. It brings great joy to our hearts to know that we have peace with God. It is through sharing this gospel that people can come to find this peace. How can people hear about the gospel of peace unless we go and tell?

“And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!'” 
Romans 10:15

Our challenge is to bring this glad tidings to the world. When we bring such wonderful news to people, they will consider even our feet as beautiful.

Always Ready With The Gospel Wherever We Go

“Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace…” 
Ephesians 6:15

The word “preparation” has the idea of being ready. Wherever we go, the obvious need is for us to wear shoes. In a similar way, wherever we go, we need to be ready to share the gospel of peace. The challenge is for us is to know how to share the gospel well. It takes great skill and wisdom to bear witness of the Lord Jesus and to make an impact on people’s lives. Sometimes, we are afraid to bear testimony for the Lord because we fear failure or rejection. Brethren, the evil one is going all out to win the hearts of men. Let’s not stand by and watch him do this. Let’s do our part in battling for the heart and souls of our loved ones and friends who still do not know the Lord. When we do our part, it is the Spirit of God who will fill their heart. Let’s do all we can to bear witness for the Lord wherever we go.

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