Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION:

In the past two studies we looked at two parts of the Believer’s Armour – The Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness. We learnt that it is the belt of truth that holds the other parts of the armour together. Unless we are motivated and directed by truth, we will be defeated by the enemy. If we permit any deception to enter our lives, we have weakened our position and cannot fight the battle victoriously. And that the breastplate of righteousness is vital in protecting our “hearts” from the deception of the enemy. Today we shall be looking at The Shoes of Readiness.

Ephesians 6:15 (NIV)

“and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

1. STRAP YOUR FEET

(a) The Physical

The Roman soldiers had a special sandal for battle which serves as a protection against sharpened sticks that had been buried upright in the ground with the points barely visible. If you would step on them bare-footed, you would be disabled. They were sort of the land mines of ancient warfare. Thus it was very important to have heavy soles on your feet when going into battle.

The sandal of the Roman soldier was mainly a sole with straps that went up around his ankles and calf holding the sandal tight to his foot. They typically were a half-boot with the toes uncovered and spikes coming out of the soles. They allowed the soldier to be ready to march, climb, fight, or do whatever else is necessary. The spikes specifically helped when hiking or on slippery surfaces.

(b) The Spiritual

Paul in asking us to strap our feet with the with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace was implying that we need to have a balanced life on solid footing. In the context of standing it is so important that we have solid footing. Many people are so wishy washy these days; talking out of both sides of their mouths in the name of political correctness that it is impossible to know where they stand on issues; willing to compromise the truth for the sake of “unity”. If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything. There are many today, who because they don’t have a sure footing are being carried about with every wind of doctrine, being deceived by the cunningness and wiles of the devil.

2. WITH READINESS / PREPARATION

It is important to note that we are NOT to fit our feet with the gospel. The gospel is the Word of God and the Word of God is our sword as we see in verse 17. What we are to fit (strap, shod) our feet with is the READINESS that comes with the gospel of peace. It implies that we should be ready to move with the Gospel!

The word readiness implies constant vigilance. Like the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). It implies that one is prepared for battle. Like a soldier who has studied his enemy’s strategy, and confident in his own strategy, and have his feet firmly planted so that he could hold his ground when the attacks came. When we are ready/prepared with the gospel of peace, we live with the understanding that we are continually under attack from Satan and therefore never let our guards down.

2 Timothy 4:2 says to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”

3. THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

Strange isn’t it? That peace is mentioned as a requirement for warfare! It is this Gospel of peace that prepares us and makes us ready. See Ephesians 6:15 (NIV) again

“and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

We cannot live a chaotic life and be able to offer peace to others. So it is important that we have

Peace with God (Romans 5:1).

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Peace within (Psalm 4:8). “In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Peace with others (Romans 12:18). "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men”

4. FACE THE ENEMY WITH FIRM-FOOTED STABILITY

Ephesians 6:15b AMP version says:

“. . . [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].”

To be firm footed is to be confidently standing on the Solid Rock. Not on sinking sand (Matt, 7:26) or slippery places (Psalm 73:18). Not shifty and uncertain like the sons of Sceva in Acts 18:13-16

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.”

Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

Having our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace serves both as defensive and offensive weapons. In order to defend ourselves against the “flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16), we must have confidence of our position in Christ and stand our ground. We must stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, regardless of how terrifying the circumstances may be (1 John 5:14).

In addition to standing our ground, shoes are also for moving. God expects us to go on the offensive and take the gospel of peace to others.  

1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

CONCLUSION

Let’s recall from verse 11b the main purpose of putting on the whole armour of God. “. . . that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Emphasis mine)

Sharing our faith is one of the best ways to maintain our own sure footing. When we are active in speaking the Gospel of peace to others, we not only charge into Satan’s territory (offensive), but we dig our shoes more deeply into truth and will be much harder to dislodge (defensive).