Sermon Central
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Shoes Of The Gospel
Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 11, 2013 (message contributor)
Summary: armor of God
Shoes of the Gospel
http://gbcgracenotes.podbean.com/2013/12/11/shoes-of-the-gospel/
Remember, this is a prison epistle. Paul wrote it while in Rome under house arrest, awaiting trial and execution. He was to be beheaded. History asserts that he would have been chained to a Roman guard 24 hours per day. They worked in 6 hour shifts. I have to believe that as he winds down this letter and writes about the whole armor of God, He's looking at a Roman soldier.
Perhaps God used this as He led Paul to write about putting on the girdle of truth, and 'having on' the breastplate of righteousness.
Next, Paul looks at that unique sandal that guard is wearing, and says what he says in v. 15.
Before we get into that, look at v. 13 'the evil day.' THE is a definite article, referring to a particular day. This is all about being prepared in advance for what is coming. In the moment when you least expect it, the devil will make his fiercest attack. We are to be preppers!
The devil has a plan for you to make a really bad decision...and in one fell swoop...one brief moment, your life changes forever!
That moment happened to David, who wasn't prepared against the day of evil. He would never be the same, though forgiven, it carried lasting consequences.
That moment happened to Moses, called of God to lead His people to the Promised Land. But in a weak moment of anger he twice smote the Rock which symbolized Christ, our once smitten Savior, and 40 years of work went down the drain and he wasn't allowed to enter Canaan, the abundant life.
That moment happened to Peter, who denied Christ, and forever in the annals of history it can never be undone or redone. He is the guy.
Only the armor of God can withstand the onslaught of Satan. America has a missile defense system, and Christians need a fiery dart defense system.
We are in a spiritual battle as individuals, and also as a church. What are the signs of real spiritual victory? Souls saved, discipleship happening, attendance, giving, answered prayers, what?
Even tougher days could be upon us at any time. We need to be able to withstand the evil day.
Shoes of the gospel
v. 15 The Roman soldier wore thick leather sandals, attached to his feet with thick straps. On bottom were hobnails, which were sort of like cleats. They were very important. Just as one of the top priorities for our soldiers at war is good, dry shoes, because your whole body is built upon them.
'Preparation' in v. 15 means foundation. 4 times in this passage we are told to stand. A soldier who cannot stand, cannot fight.
Our foundation is the gospel! What is the gospel? [1 Cor. 15] The good news of Christ! And Satan tries to pollute and dilute the gospel.
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
If you are wrong on the gospel, you will be wrong on everything else in life, for it is the firm foundation...sure footing!
These shoes of the gospel provide:
1. Stability.
The hobnails helped him keep his footing, and keep from being knocked over.
Some churchgoers will believe anything they hear, as long as a preacher says it. Any great quote online they will like, share, and live by if it tickles their fancy, regardless of whether it is Scriptural or not!
They aren't like the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily, to see if it was so. They are more like the children in...
... tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
I can get my children to believe about anything. Sometimes I kid and tease. You've never seen it from me, but it is so!
ill.--smokestacks = cloud making machines. I had them believing that for a while. I had my wife believing that for a while!
ill.--make it rain, daddy [window washer] / make light turn green [watch other side]
Sadly, many believe what the media says, or Christian radio says...they're that gullible. And desperate people with health or financial problems get sucked in first.
