Always Be Ready to Share the Gospel?

　　One of the benefits of having a relationship with Jesus Christ is peace. The New Testament repeatedly ties peace and salvation together. The message of salvation is even known as the gospel of peace because the gospel and peace are connected. The Bible reminds us we have peace with God and the peace of God. Aside from being part of our salvation journey, the gospel of peace is also part of your spiritual armor. Since it is a weapon, you should know how to apply it in your life.

　　

Where Does the Bible Talk about the Gospel of Peace?

In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about the armor of God; it is here he uses the phrase “the gospel of peace.” God has fitted your feet with the gospel of peace. Let me expound on the two ways this applies to your life. As mentioned earlier, You have peace with God, and you have the peace of God. You have peace with God because of your righteousness in Christ. You also have the peace of God, which comes from knowing you are secure in him regardless of what is happening around you. One reason these two aspects of peace matter is that they settle your heart before God. We live in a world void of peace, so when peace reigns in your heart, you automatically set yourself apart from everyone else in the world.

　　

Why Must Our Feet Be Fitted with the Gospel of Peace?

The reason our feet must be fitted with the gospel of peace is that the gospel is meant to be shared. We have this responsibility to make it known to others. The late Warren Wiersbe said, “A victorious Christian is a witnessing Christian.” Since the message of the gospel is alive in you then you need to share it with others.

　　Greg Laurie tackles this subject of feet fitted with the gospel of peace:

　　“‘And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace’ (Ephesians 6:15).

　　In the original Greek, the word preparation used in Ephesians 6:15 can be defined as ‘firm-footing; a strong foundation.’ We need to have a firm foundation in God’s Word.

　　This word preparation could also be translated as ‘readiness.’ The idea is to be ready at all times to share the gospel

　　Scripture tells us that we as believers “should be on duty at all times.” You never know when an opportunity will arise for you to share the gospel with someone.

　　Again, it’s the idea of being ready and willing to move at a moment’s notice, for those opportunities to share the gospel often come when we least expect them.

　　This is how we gain ground for the Kingdom of God.

　　When is the last time you looked for an opportunity to share the gospel? When is the last time you prayed for an unsaved person by name to come to Christ? When is the last time you personally brought a nonbeliever to church with you?

　　Remember, the primary way that God reaches people is through people—people like you and me.

　　Paul writes in Romans 10:13-15:

　　‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ (NIV)

　　Ask the Lord for an opportunity to share the gospel with someone today!”

　　Taken from “Get Your Gospel Shoes On!” by Harvest Ministries (used by permission).

　　

What Makes it a Gospel of Peace?

So, we have peace with God and the peace of God. Let’s unpack these ideas a little more because this is critical to understanding this gospel of peace. In John 14, Jesus comforts his disciples with these words.

　　“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

　　These words strike to the heart of what the gospel is all about. Jesus is promising his disciples peace in the face of the realities of life. This gospel promise supersedes everything in your life and can produce peace in your heart. The reason peace comes is that the gospel addresses your living and your dying. When we live, we have the peace of knowing our sins are forgiven, and we stand in a right relationship before God. We live knowing we have a Heavenly Father who will care for us and provide for us. We have a God who won’t forsake us, who will be with us through life’s most difficult challenges. We can cast every fear, worry, and anxiety we could ever face in this life upon him, and in exchange, he gives us peace. That’s why Philippians 4:4-7 is such a remarkable verse because it encompasses the entirety of the gospel of peace.

　　“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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　　However, the gospel of peace doesn’t just stop with living. The gospel settles what happens after you die, also producing peace in your heart. Knowing that your eternity is secure and the moment you breathe your last breath on earth, you will be with the Lord, also produces peace in your heart. Ultimately it is this peace that frees you to live. Since the gospel takes care of your living and dying, when you settle those two things, peace is the result. Is there any wonder why Paul refers to it as the gospel of peace?

　　

How Does a Gospel of Peace Fit with the Other Spiritual Armor?

Hope Bolinger’s article “How Do I Put On The Gospel Of Peace As Spiritual Armor?” highlights the importance of the gospel of peace.

　　“Readers should take note that historically, Roman battle shoes, otherwise known as caligae or calcei, had spikes or textured soles. Not only would the comfortable, breathable structure allow the soldiers to march several miles without pain, but these spikes would help them stand their ground and stamp on the fallen enemy.”

　　This detail further highlights the power of peace. The gospel of peace helps you stand your ground in the face of anything the enemy throws at you. I think you would agree our world has gotten a little crazier. Regardless of world events or how the enemy tries to attack you, you don’t have to be shaken because you stand secure in the peace of the gospel.

　　

How Can We Put on the Gospel of Peace Today?

There are two ways you can put on the gospel of peace today. The first way is to anchor your soul in the peace of God. So often, we carry around the worries and anxieties of life (I know I am guilty of this), and God doesn’t want you to do this. He wants us to walk in the peace the gospel provides. The only way to anchor your soul in this peace is by making a practice of casting your cares upon the Lord. When you follow what Paul says in Philippians, you will experience peace.

　　The other way to put on the gospel of peace is to be ready to share it. The gospel was never something to horde but something to spread and share liberally. Our job is to prepare ourselves and pray for opportunities to share this gospel with others so they can experience the peace only found in the hope of the gospel. I guess I am saying it is time to put those gospel shoes on because we have some walking to do.

　　“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

　　Further Reading:

　　What Is the Armor of God?

　　What Is the Belt of Truth in the Armor of God?

　　What Is the Shield of Faith in the Armor of God?

　　What Is the Sword of the Spirit in the Armor of God?

　　What Is the Helmet of Salvation in the Armor of God?