Tag: gospel

Romans 15:20 – Singular Ambition

Posted on by Will

And so I am eager to preach the gospel, where Christ was not named, lest I should build on another man's foundation,

Truth to Learn

All Christians are called and gifted to build the body of Christ.

 

Behind the Words

The expression “I am eager” is translated from the Greek verb philotimeomai. This word is made up of philos, meaning “a friend,” (expressing the fondness between good friends) and a form of time, meaning “honor.” Thus, we see this word literally means “a love or fondness of honor.” By application, it means “to make something an ambition” or “to aspire to something.” It is expressed here as a present participle so it might literally be translated, “making it my ambition.”

The words “preach the gospel” are from the Greek verb euangelidzō, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of angellō, meaning “to tell or to proclaim.” It means “to proclaim the gospel” or “to evangelize.”

“Build” is from oikodomeō, which literally means “to build a house.” The particular house that Paul is building is the body of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit.

 

Meaning Explained

It is clear from this verse that Paul was absolutely certain of the calling he had from God. As the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul was called to evangelize among the heathen who had not yet heard the gospel message. He said in the previous verse that he had fully preached the gospel from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum. And in the verse before that, he would take no credit for the work that that the Spirit had done through others. He now explains why.

Paul says, “And so I am eager to preach the gospel.” In other words, Paul was singularly focused on preaching the gospel, making it his greatest ambition. From the moment of his conversion he recognized God’s calling in his life, thus his ambition from that time was to proclaim the good message, or good news, about salvation through Jesus Christ.

And, he says that his ambition was to preach the good news to people who had never heard the name of Jesus Christ. His reason for doing this was because he was not called to build upon someone else’s work. God called Paul to proclaim Christ to those who had never heard the gospel and that is precisely what he wanted to do.

God has not called us all to this type of ministry. There are many different spiritual gifts that God has given to the members of the church through the Holy Spirit, and we each have a calling that is empowered by the gifts He has given us. God does not expect us all to travel to foreign lands and proclaim the gospel to those who have never heard it. Some, like Paul, are called to do that but others are specifically called to teach, to encourage, to be a helper, or to give generously from what God has blessed us with. However, we are all called to share our testimony with those around us, and we are all called to give of ourselves, our time, and our money. Where and how we do this depends on what God has called us to do and on how obedient we are willing to be.

 

Application

Do you know what God has called you to do within the body of Christ? Are you making it your singular ambition to know what that calling is and to fulfill it for God’s glory?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:15 – Listening and Ready

Posted on by Will

So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Truth to Learn

Paul was ready to risk his life to obey God’s call in his life.

 

Behind the Words

The expression “I am ready” is translated from prothumos, which is a compound word made up of pro, meaning “before or forward” and thumos, which refers to “a temperament, passion, or mindset.” This word means “predisposed, willing, or ready” to do what is expected.

“Preach the gospel” is from the Greek word euangelidzō. This is another compound word which is made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and angellō, meaning “to announce, proclaim, or tell.” Hence, euangelidzō refers to “proclaiming or telling the good news” that Christ has paid our sin debt for us by His death on the cross.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul continues on with the idea that was started in the previous verse. He is compelled to preach the Gospel to the Greeks and the barbarians, and now he is saying that he is also ready to preach the good news to the people in Rome. Paul was completely submitted to God and committed to whatever God wanted him to do! Keep in mind that this was written during the reign of Nero who hated Christians. Yet Paul was willing to risk his life to proclaim the gospel message.

In yesterday’s verse I asked you if you knew what God has called you to do and whether or not you feel compelled to do it. I’m sure that some of you responded with the question, “How do I know what God has called me to do?” That’s a question that many Christians wrestle with today.

The only way to know what God has called you to do (or what God is calling you to do) is to be in constant communication with Him. Now, I can already hear some of you saying, “But I pray to Him constantly!” and I’m sure some of you do. But you will notice that I said “communicate with” not “talk to.” Communication requires a two way conversation. Sometimes we Christians get so busy talking to God that He can’t get a word in edgewise and even if He did, we wouldn’t hear it because we are so busy talking.

“OK,” you say, “what do I need to do to hear God’s message for me?” The first thing you need to do is to be quiet. Then you need to listen. Note that “listen” is an active verb not a passive verb. Listening is something that we do intentionally and it takes effort. We need to listen to God speaking to us when we hear a sermon. We need to listen to God when we read and study our Bible. We need to listen to God when we are praying. Sometimes, the best way to listen to God is to get away from all the distractions of life and just listen. It could be in a quiet, out of the way place outside somewhere, or it could be while you are sitting in the bathtub or standing in the shower preparing for the day ahead.

 

Application

Remember the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)? Martha was so busy she didn’t have time to listen to the Lord. Mary, on the other hand, sat at His feet and listened.

Are you busy, or are you listening?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:1 – Our Master’s Slave

Posted on by Will

Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God

Truth to Learn

All Christians need to recognize that they are God’s slaves.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “slave” is doulos, which means, “a slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another.”

The words “called an apostle” are translated from kletos apostolos. Kletos is an adjective meaning “one who is called, invited, or appointed.” The word apostolos means “one who has been sent with a message.” Hence, Paul is saying that he was specifically called out by God and sent with a message.

“Separated” is from aphoridzō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and horidzō, meaning “to define.” It means “to separate” or “to select to some office or work.” The Pharisees, the sect that Paul was part of before his conversion, got their name from this word. Paul is probably making a play on words here in the opening of this letter.

The word “gospel” is the Greek word euangelion, which is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good” and a form of angellō, which means “to proclaim a message.” Hence, the word translated “gospel” really means “good news” or “a good message.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul starts off his epistle (letter) in the manner which was customary for a teacher or person of authority, that is, by identifying who the epistle is from. Usually within the opening phrase, the writer and the intended audience were both identified. Paul deviates from this, however, by giving a thorough treatise on why he is the appropriate person to be sending this doctrinal letter. He doesn’t get to who this epistle is written to until verse seven.

You will notice that he uses his Greek name (Paul) rather than his Hebrew name (Saul). This is either because he wants to show that as a result of his conversion to Christianity he is a completely new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17), or because he is the recognized apostle to the Gentiles and he is writing to Christians in the Gentile world of Rome.

He, like other New Testament writers, refers to himself as a slave. We Christians all need to remember that we have been bought with a price and we are no longer our own, but we are the property of our Master. That’s easy to forget when we wander through this life seeking our own satisfaction, but we need to remember whose we are and constantly submit our will to His.

The thing that I want us all to take away from today’s verse is the fact that even the great Apostle Paul recognizes and makes a specific point of the fact that he is not the master but the servant. Our sin nature, along with the lustful “pride of life” stimulated so strongly by worldly advertisements, is constantly trying to make self the master, not the slave.

 

Application

Anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior not only receives salvation but, at the same time, gives Lordship to Jesus Christ. In other words, when we were saved from our sins, we became the permanent property of our Lord, and we should not be seeking our own desires and will but His. His will is that we obey Him and submit to Him.

Are you a submitted slave today?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 1:25 – Sowing the Eternal Gospel

Posted on by Will

But the word of the Lord endures forever." Now this is the word which by the gospel was proclaimed to you.

Truth to Learn

Those who share the gospel message are sowing incorruptible seed, which produces eternal life.

 

Behind the Words

“Endures” is translated from the Greek word meno, which is the same word that was translated “abides” in verse 23. When we looked at that verse we learned that this word means, “to remain, to stay, to live, or to endure.”

The word “forever” is translated from the Greek phrase eis ton aiōna. We learned previously that eis means “into” or “unto,” ton is the definite article (the), and aiōna, literally means “age, i.e. an indefinitely long period of time.” Hence, this expression literally means “unto the age.” It is an idiomatic expression that means “forever.”

The expression, “by the gospel was proclaimed” is translated from the single Greek word, euangelisthen, which literally means, “was being good messaged”, or if it were transliterated it would say, “was evangelized.” In other words, This is the word which was evangelized to you. From this, we can see that someone who evangelizes is someone who proclaims or declares the good news (the gospel) about Jesus Christ.

 

Meaning Explained

Again, Peter is providing some additional explanation to what he said in verse 23. We were born again not of corruptible seed but by the word of the Lord. He told us in yesterday’s verse that our flesh is temporary and will pass away like flowers in the garden, but the word of the Lord (the source of our spiritual life) lasts forever. Since his word lasts forever and we were born through this word, our new birth will also last forever.

Now, lest his readers try to spiritualize the expression “the word of the Lord,” Peter tells us that this word is the very message that is contained in the gospel which was proclaimed to us when we were saved.

So what exactly is the gospel? Paul tells us precisely what it is in 1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-5:

And, brothers, I make known to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand … For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.

This is the good news of the word of God. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived a perfect, sinless life then freely offered his life as payment for your sins and mine. He died in our place! And, He was buried as proof of His death. But He didn’t stay dead, He rose again from the dead and was seen as proof of His resurrection.

 

Application

Anyone who believes the gospel message has been born again through the word of God. He or she has eternal life. When we share the gospel message with others we are literally sowing the spiritual seed of our heavenly father. We carry the power of eternal life in what we say. Think about it!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 2:14 – Let Your Light Shine!

Posted on by Will

to which He called you by our gospel, unto the acquisition of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

In heaven we will shine with the brilliant glory of God.

 

Behind the Words

The word “called” is translated from kaleō, which means “to invite someone to come or to go somewhere or do something.”

“Gospel” is from euangellion, which is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of angello, meaning “to proclaim” or “to tell.” Thus, euangellion literally means “good news.”

Peripoiēsis is the Greek noun translated “acquisition.” This word is composed of peri, meaning “around,” indicating acquisition, and poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” Thus, the noun peripoiēsis literally means, “the things gathered around oneself.” It is a picture of someone gathering possessions all around himself or herself. The verb form of this word is most often translated as “gather, acquire, or purchase.”

The word “glory” is from the Greek noun doxa, which primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion.” In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, or splendor.” Doxa is often used to refer to the splendid appearance or brightness of God’s Shekinah glory. This seems to be the sense in which it is used here.

 

Meaning Explained

Once again we have a verse that is linked to a previous thought, so we have to look back at a previous verse to see what the connection is. The words “to which” are a reference to “salvation” in the previous verse. Not only were we chosen by God for salvation, as we learned in yesterday’s verse, but He then called us to this salvation by the gospel message.

This is a good verse for those who claim that if God chose who would be saved, then we don’t have to worry about witnessing to others. After all, if God chose them, then they’ll get saved without us having to do anything. However, according to Paul in this verse, it is through the proclamation of the gospel message that we are called to salvation. This should be very familiar to those who have carefully read the eighth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome. There he said,

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

Also notice that both in Romans 8:30 and in today’s verse, the ultimate consummation of our salvation will be that we will have the same magnificent glory as God. I believe that the reason Adam and Eve suddenly knew that they were naked after eating the forbidden fruit is because they lost this glory. In the future, when we are completely justified (without sin) we will have the same Shekinah glory as God. When Adam and Eve sinned, they were no longer justified and lost that glory. And, the prophet Daniel alluded to this glory when he said,

Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)

 

Application

Some day we will shine as brightly as the stars. Until that day, let your gospel light shine and share the good news with everyone you meet.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 1:5 – Holy Spirit Enlightenment

Posted on by Will

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, even as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

Truth to Learn

The Holy Spirit enables us to understand the gospel message.

 

Behind the Words

The word “gospel” is translated from euangellion, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, meaning “a message.” Thus, quite literally, the word euangellion means “a good message” or “good news.”

“Power” is the translation of dunamis, from which we get our English word dynamite. It refers to “power” or “a great force.” This is probably a reference to the power of the gospel message rather than the power of any miracles that Paul may have performed because Paul never uses this particular word to refer to miracles. He used dunamis in a similar manner in reference to the kingdom of God in 1Corinthians 4:20.

The word “assurance” is translated from plērophoria, which is made up of plerēs, meaning “completely full” and a form of phoreō, which means “to repeatedly bring.” Initially this word meant “an act which is fully completed over and over again.” Later it came to mean “a proof or assurance that something would happen just as it has in the past.”

“Know” is from the Greek word eidō, meaning “to see with perception.” As in English, the idea of seeing carries the notion of understanding with the mind. This particular form of the verb means “to have seen and perceived,” thus it takes the meaning of “to know.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul has told the members of the church in Thessalonica that he prays for them and praises God for them on a regular basis. His praise was for their deeds of faith, their labor of love, and their patience, based on their hope of spending eternity with God. His reason for praise is based on the fact that he has seen (evidenced by their works and patience) that they are certainly among God’s elect.

We talked in the previous verse about the fact of God’s choosing those who will be saved. The other side of that coin, however, is the responsibility of man. Only those who believe the gospel message, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will be saved. How these two doctrines can both be true is nearly impossible for us to understand. However, both are clearly taught in the Bible, and it is the gospel message, through which salvation comes, that Paul talks about in today’s verse.

The gospel, or good news, that Jesus Christ died to pay for the sins of the whole world and rose from the grave to prove that He is the Son of God, is not just a bunch of words. There is power in the gospel, the power to save souls from Hell, the power to change a sinner into a saint, the power to reconcile filthy sinners with a holy God.

Paul also tells us that the gospel is somehow energized by the Holy Spirit. We know from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians that Satan blinds the minds of people so that they cannot believe the gospel (2Corinthians 4:4). We also know from the same letter that the veil of blindness is removed when one believes the gospel (2Corinthians 3:14-16). Paul implies here that it is the Holy Spirit who opens the minds of those who believe.

 

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, can you remember the day that you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? If so, can you identify what it was that finally allowed you to understand the gospel and believe it in your heart? It was the Holy Spirit!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:15 – Stand Firm!

Posted on by Will

and having shod the feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Truth to Learn

We have a firm standing in our salvation.

 

Behind the Words

“Having shod” is translated from the verb hupodeō, which is a compound word made up of hupo, meaning “under” and deō, meaning “to bind.” So literally, this word means “to bind under.” This verb means “to fasten sandals to your feet” or “to put on shoes.”

The word “feet” is translated from the Greek word pous, which means “foot.” The plural of pous is poda. Many medical terms are based on Greek, so a doctor who specializes in feet is called a Doctor of Podiatry.

“Preparation” is from the Greek word hetoimasia, which is based on the verb hetoimadzō, meaning “to prepare” or “to make ready.” However, in early Greek this word referred to “a foundation” or “a solid base.”

“Gospel” is translated from euangelion, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of the verb angellō, meaning “to proclaim, announce, or tell.” Thus, euangelion refers to “a good message” or “good news.”

 

Meaning Explained

In these past few verses the Apostle Paul has been instructing us regarding the daily battle that we are engaged in with the spiritual forces of evil. As God’s children we are also God’s soldiers fighting these one-on-one wrestling matches with things we cannot see. Paul’s purpose in telling us about these battles is to prepare us for them so that we can know daily victory in our Christian walk.

He already told us to stand fast against the enemy forces, and in order to win the battles we need to have our armor in place. Yesterday we learned about the importance of knowing the truth contained in God’s word. This truth acts as a foundation garment to support the rest of our armor. The other thing we learned yesterday was to put on righteousness as a breastplate. This is not our own righteousness, for we have none in and of ourselves. However, because we have Christ’s righteousness, God sees us as with the righteousness of Jesus Christ Himself.

The next part of our armor is our shoes. A Roman soldier had heavy sandals which had nails, or spikes, protruding from the bottom. This gave him a firm footing so that he could effectively leverage his power against the enemy. This is probably Paul’s meaning. Yes, we need to be prepared to share the Gospel message with others, but that is an act of peace and reconciliation, not an act of war. What Paul is referring to here is for us to have a firm standing in our understanding that because we have believed the good news about Christ’s death on the cross, we are at peace with God. All of our sins have been forgiven and we will not experience His wrath. Instead, we will know His eternal love.

 

Application

If you have confessed Christ as your Lord and Savior and have accepted His blood as payment for your sins, you are at peace with God. As we have said elsewhere, that salvation can’t be taken away from you and you can’t give it back. If you are saved, you are eternally secure. Without that knowledge, you are an easy mark for the enemy. With that knowledge of security, you can stand firm in the gospel of peace!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 2:14 – Let Your Light Shine!

Posted on by Will

to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

In heaven we will shine with the brilliant glory of God.

Behind the Words

The word “called” is translated from kaleō, which means “to invite someone to come or to go somewhere or do something.”

“Gospel” is from euangellion, which is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of angello, meaning “to proclaim” or “to tell.” Thus, euangellion means “good news.”

Peripoiēsis is the Greek word translated “obtaining.” This word is composed of peri, meaning “around,” indicating acquisition, and poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” Thus, peripoiēsis literally means, “gathering things around oneself.” It is a picture of someone gathering possessions all around himself or herself. It is most often translated as “gather, acquire, or purchase.”

The word “glory” is from the Greek noun doxa, which primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion.” In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, or splendor.” Doxa is often used to refer to the splendid appearance or brightness of God’s Shekinah glory. This seems to be the sense in which it is used here.

Meaning Explained

Once again we have a verse that is linked to a previous thought, so we have to look back at a previous verse to see what the connection is. The words “to which” are a reference to “salvation” in the previous verse. Not only were we chosen by God for salvation, as we learned in yesterday’s verse, but He then called us to this salvation by the gospel message.

This is a good verse for those who claim that if God chose who would be saved, then we don’t have to worry about witnessing to others. After all, if God chose them, then they’ll get saved without us having to do anything. However, according to Paul in this verse, it is through the proclamation of the gospel message that we are called to salvation. This should be very familiar to those who have carefully read the eighth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome. There he said,

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

Also notice that both in Romans 8:30 and in today’s verse, the ultimate consummation of our salvation will be that we will have the same magnificent glory as God. I believe that the reason Adam and Eve suddenly knew that they were naked after eating the forbidden fruit is because they lost this glory. In the future, when we are completely justified (without sin) we will have the same Shekinah glory as God. When Adam and Eve sinned, they were no longer justified and lost that glory. And, the prophet Daniel alluded to this glory when he said,

Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)

Application

Some day we will shine as brightly as the stars. Until that day, let your gospel light shine and share the good news with everyone you meet.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Thessalonians 1:5 – Holy Spirit Enlightenment

Posted on by Will

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

Truth to Learn

The empowering Spirit

Behind the Words

The word “gospel” is translated from euangellion, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, meaning “a message.” Thus, quite literally, the word euangellion means “a good message” or “good news.”

“Power” is the translation of dunamis, from which we get our English word dynamite. It refers to “power” or “a great force.” This is probably a reference to the power of the gospel message rather than the power of any miracles that Paul may have performed because Paul never uses this particular word to refer to miracles. He used dunamis in a similar manner in reference to the kingdom of God in 1Corinthians 4:20.

The word “assurance” is translated from plērophoria, which is made up of plerēs, meaning “completely full” and a form of phoreō, which means “to repeatedly bring.” Initially this word meant “an act which is fully completed over and over again.” Later it came to mean “a proof or assurance that something would happen just as it has in the past.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has told the members of the church in Thessalonica that he prays for them and praises God for them on a regular basis. His praise was for their deeds of faith, their labor of love, and their patience, based on their hope for spending eternity with God. His reason for praise is based on the fact that he has seen (evidenced by their works and patience) that they are certainly among God’s elect.

We talked in the previous verse about the fact of God’s choosing those who will be saved. The other side of that coin, however, is the responsibility of man. Only those who believe the gospel message, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will be saved. How these two doctrines can both be true is nearly impossible for us to understand. However, it is that very gospel message that Paul talks about in today’s verse.

The gospel, or good news, that Jesus Christ died to pay for the sins of the whole world and rose from the grave to prove that He is the Son of God, is not just a bunch of words. There is power in the gospel, the power to save souls from Hell, the power to change a sinner into a saint, the power to reconcile filthy sinners with a holy God.

Paul also tells us that the gospel is somehow energized by the Holy Spirit. We know from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians that Satan blinds the minds of people so that they cannot believe the gospel (2Corinthians 4:4). We also know from the same letter that the veil of blindness is removed when one believes the gospel (2Corinthians 3:14-16). Paul implies here that it is the Holy Spirit who opens the minds of those who believe.

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, can you remember the day that you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? If so, can you identify what it was that finally allowed you to understand the gospel and believe it in your heart? It was the Holy Spirit!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:15 – Stand Firm!

Posted on by Will

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Truth to Learn

We have a firm standing in our salvation.

Behind the Words

“Having shod” is translated from the verb hupodeō, which is a compound word made up of hupo, meaning “under” and deō, meaning “to bind.” So literally, this word means “to bind under.” This verb means “to fasten sandals to your feet” or “to put on shoes.”

The word “feet” is translated from the Greek word pous, which means “foot.” The plural of pous is poda. Many medical terms are based on Greek, so a doctor who specializes in feet is called a Doctor of Podiatry.

“Preparation” is from the Greek word hetoimasia, which is based on the verb hetoimadzō, meaning “to prepare” or “to make ready.” However, in early Greek this word referred to “a foundation” or “a solid base.”

“Gospel” is translated from euangelion, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of the verb angellō, meaning “to proclaim, announce, or tell.” Thus, euangelion refers to “a good message” or “good news.”

Meaning Explained

In these past few verses the Apostle Paul has been instructing us regarding the daily battle that we are engaged in with the spiritual forces of evil. As God’s children we are also God’s soldiers fighting these one-on-one wrestling matches with things we cannot see. Paul’s purpose in telling us about these battles is to prepare us for them so that we can know daily victory in our Christian walk.

He already told us to stand fast against the enemy forces, and in order to win the battles we need to have our armor in place. Yesterday we learned about the importance of knowing the truth contained in God’s word. This truth acts as a foundation garment to support the rest of our armor. The other thing we learned yesterday was to put on righteousness as a breastplate. This is not our own righteousness, for we have none in and of ourselves. However, because we have Christ’s righteousness, God sees us as with the righteousness of Jesus Christ Himself.

The next part of our armor is our shoes. A Roman soldier had heavy sandals which had nails, or spikes, protruding from the bottom. This gave him a firm footing so that he could effectively leverage his power against the enemy. This is probably Paul’s meaning. Yes, we need to be prepared to share the Gospel message with others, but that is an act of peace and reconciliation, not an act of war. What Paul is referring to here is for us to have a firm standing in our understanding that because we have believed the good news about Christ’s death on the cross, we are at peace with God. All of our sins have been forgiven and we will not experience His wrath. Instead, we will know His eternal love.

Application

If you have confessed Christ as your Lord and Savior and have accepted His blood as payment for your sins, you are at peace with God. As we have said elsewhere, that salvation can’t be taken away from you and you can’t give it back. If you are saved, you are eternally secure. Without that knowledge, you are an easy mark for the enemy. With that knowledge of security, you can stand firm in the gospel of peace!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.