And Having Done All, Stand [a study of Ephesians 6:10-20] part 6

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In previous studies of this series, we talked about the importance of recognizing that we are in a real battle against unseen forces of evil and the nature of that battle.  We considered the value of being inwardly empowered by the DUNAMIS of God and how to go about it.  Two studies ago, we looked at putting on the belt of truth, and most recently we talked about the breastplate of righteousness.  Today we turn our attention to having our feet shod "with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's scheme.... Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then... with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [Eph. 6:11,13,14a,15, NIV]

The real issue is not about the analogy of dressing our feet but the promise of a supernatural peace that is part and parcel of the good news. That said, there is one primary point to take away from the analogy, which the Amplified Version expresses very well:

 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

What is peace?

• EIRENE- essentially means peace and tranquility; a condition free from disturbance, whether outwardly, as of a nation from war or enemies, or inwardly, within the soul

According to Scripture, the EIRENE of God impacts the believer's life in three dimensions:

• Peace with God because our conscience is assured of salvation through Christ (Rom. 5:1)
• Peace that is to affect our relationships with other people (Eph. 2:13-14; 4:1-3)
• Peace within, a state of freedom from anxiety and inner turmoil regardless of outward circumstances

[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.

This third dimension, I believe,  is the point Paul is addressing in Ephesians 6:15.

The peace of God is tangible, meaning it can be experienced emotionally, physically and spiritually... and it can be given and received.

• Someone walks into a hospital room where bad news has just been delivered and their very presence shifts the atmosphere from fear and panic to hope and a quiet trust.  That is the peace of God.
• Someone facing seemingly insurmountable financial problems has been in emotional turmoil all week, but as they walk into the church building they immediately feel at rest.  That is the peace of God.
• Someone facing the strain of a crisis in their marriage relationship is unable to shake overwhelming feelings of confusion and hopelessness, but when they go into their prayer closet and sit in the presence of the Lord faith rises in their heart and they can think clearly.  That is the peace of God.

[Matt 10:11-13, ESV] And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.  ¹² As you enter the house, greet it.  ¹³ And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 

[Luke 10:5-6, ESV] Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!'  ⁶ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. 

[John 20:19-21, ESV] On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."  20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."

[John 20:26, ESV] Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 

[2 Thess 3:16, ESV] Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Why is peace important to spiritual warfare?

While most of the worry and anxiety we experience is a natural response to life circumstances, if anxiety becomes chronic it can open a door through which the enemy can establish a stronghold of fear. That said, the opposite is also true. Knowing our weak points, the enemy can orchestrate circumstances designed to produce worry and anxiety within us, then release a spirit of fear to inflame our hearts with anxious thoughts and panicky emotions. Either way, worry and anxiety are important weapons in Satan's arsenal because they hinder our ability to trust God and our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and fellowship with the Lord. Science has also proven that chronic anxiety is a major cause of many sicknesses and diseases.  

Consider the following Scriptures from a "schemes of the devil" perspective:

[Luke 10:41-42, ESV] But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary.  Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." 

[Luke 8:14, ESV] "And as for what fell among thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature." 

[Luke 21:34, ESV]"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap."

Read Matthew 6:19-34.  Jesus is not addressing greed in the passage, but the very human tendency to worry about material provision.  It is in this context that we understand verse 21: "For where your treasure is there your heart will be also."  Worry (in this case, worry about material things) can cause our heart to shift away from treasuring first the kingdom of God, which has always been Satan's primary objective.

How do we get the peace of God?

First  we must recognize that it is promised to us as a kingdom provision.  If we do not know that it belongs to us, we will not confidently access it.

[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." 

[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." 

[Rom 14:17, ESV] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Knowing that peace is ours to access, we very simply and practically make an exchange through prayer - the issue that is causing anxiety for God's promised peace.

[Phil 4:6-7, ESV] ... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

[1 Pet. 5:7, NIV] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

[Ps. 55:22, NIV] Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

How do we keep the peace of God?

[Col 3:15a, ESV] And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts....

• BRABEUO- to act as an umpire, hence to arbitrate, decide, rule; to control the activity of someone, based presumably upon correct judgment and decision

[Isa 26:3-4, ESV] You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.⁴ Trust in the Lord forever,for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. 

[Rom 8:5-6, ESV] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 

[Phil 4:8-9, ESV] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.