3. The shoes of the gospel of peace:
Roman soldiers had to march everywhere they went over rough terrain because there were few roads. Their shoes were actually leather sandals which were usually impregnated with bits of metal or nails to give them better traction and stability as they fought. Shod with these sandals the Roman soldier could go anywhere on a moments notice and be effective in battle. Christians must also be prepared to go anywhere on a moments notice. For the believer, our spiritual footwear, our firm foundation, is the “the “good news” that believers are at peace with God through faith in Jesus.
When our feet are grounded in the preparation of the gospel message we can go anywhere and witness for Christ to anyone at any time. We are called upon to know the gospel message thoroughly and to go forth and fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus to witness to the nations of the world. Because of the gospel we are at peace with God and we are one with Jesus. We can be confident in God’s love for us, God’s union with us, and God’s commitment to fight for us. We need fear no enemy, even Satan himself, as long as our feet are firmly rooted on the solid ground of the gospel of peace.
To summarize, the three critical pieces of God’s armor that believers must always have on are knowledge of God’s Word, obeying God’s commands, and witnessing for Christ. As we emulate Christ we must reach out to lost souls and try to save them for God’s kingdom. They are our brothers and we must have compassion for them. If we don’t share the “good news” of God’s kingdom with lost souls then who will? Someone saved us and God leaves us here to pass the “good news” on to others. As disciples of Christ we are to do the work of Jesus and that is primarily to save souls. The three essential pieces of armor for the Christian are knowledge, obedience and action. Let us resolve to be good soldiers for Christ and persevere to the end.
2 Corinthians 5:20 – Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.