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SHOES OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE
Ephesians 6:15
July 16, 2023, Sunday a.m. - MBC
Ephesians 6:15 “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”
Let us examine the shoes that we need to wear, this is the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
This is the third armor that made available to us by Christ, and through His strength enabled us to stand against Satan’s attack and spiritual forces that war against our soul. Let us focus in Paul theological view on this particular armor which is the shoes with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Thoughts of Paul about the shoes of the preparation of the gospel:
1. These shoes of the gospel of peace are the third piece of armor, and the means how the believer stands.
It is our great weapon to resist Satan and the dark forces of evil when they attack against us.
2. These shoes of the gospel of peace are only received by those who became followers of Jesus Christ.
3. These shoes of the gospel of peace are an eager preparation of God’s followers to do something.
4. These shoes of the gospel of peace are used whatever that eager readiness involves as grounded in the gospel of peace.
5. These shoes of the gospel of peace is the main focus of the Ephesians letter.
Ephesians 1:2 “Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:23 “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”
Ephesians 2:12-19 “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”
Ephesians 4:3 “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15 “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”
6. These shoes of the gospel of peace were worn by the Messiah of the Old Testament.
Isaiah 52:7-10 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! 8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. 9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.”
It is like the belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness who were also both worn by the Messiah of the Old Testament
How Jesus Christ wore this belt of truth? When Jesus came in the flesh, He wore the belt of truth. How? By His obedience to all the righteous laws of God completely. Our imperfect, partial obedience which is considered as our disobedience was replaced by Jesus perfect obedience that is credited to us.
How Jesus Christ wore the breastplate of righteousness? We as believers have now the perfect righteousness of Christ as a result of Christ perfect obedience to God’s righteous law. Christ breastplate of perfect righteousness replaced our own filthy righteousness.
When Jesus Christ became our substitute as a sacrifice to redeem us from our sins, His perfect obedience to God’s righteous law and perfect righteousness became our breastplate that unable to be attacked, or defeated which resulted to an indestructible perfect peace that was established between God and us.
7. These shoes of the gospel of peace were illustrated in the Old Testament when God sent message of judgement to Israel.
There are two consecrated servants of God and God sent them with a strong message of God’s judgement to Israel. Being one of those two sent servants of God, Isaiah warn the people of God of their disobedience and sins of unbelief.
Isaiah 6:8-13 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. 9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. 11 Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, 12 And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. 13 But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.”
8. These shoes of the gospel of peace worn by another God’s commissioned messenger with message of good news of peace and deliverance.
Forty-four chapters later, there was another commissioned and sent servant to the mountain of God with a very different message from that of Isaiah’s message of judgement because the message of this sent Messiah is a message bringing the good news of peace, hope and deliverance from God’s judgment.
Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
9. The shoes of the gospel of peace reminded us of the fulfilled prophecy concerning the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ.
After Isaiah was sent to bring the message of Judgment to the people of God, then we read 44 chapters later about another sent messenger with the message of good new of peace, hope and deliverance, then 800 years later, Luke records the account of the birth of a Son in Bethlehem of Judea. An Angel from heaven appeared the night when Jesus was born bringing the message of the gospel of peace.
Luke 2:10-14 “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
10. These shoes of the gospel of peace announced that those captives of darkness will be liberated and become members of the household of God.
Ephesians 2:13-19 “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God."
The baby Jesus was born and came at the very center of Satan’s territory to pronounce the good news that the Kingdom of God come to rescue those who were enslaved and captives by the evil forces of the kingdom of darkness, that these freed people may become sons and daughters of God and spiritually born into the family of God.
11. These shoes of the gospel of peace shows us that all power is given unto Christ to give the Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
According to Jesus the God of Israel reigns, so the Messiah, the Savior stands at the high mountain and said “All authority is given unto me” it is a highest authority that commanded us.
12. These shoes of the gospel of peace made us realize that Christ commissions His own disciples.
Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Christ sent His own disciples to preach the gospel that He preaches. All His disciples must be eager to bring the good news of peace to every corner of the kingdom of Satan that through hearing the word of truth the gospel of salvation anyone will believed and be saved like the Ephesians who are also saved by the same gospel of truth (Ephesians 1:3) that had been preached by those sent gospel messengers.
Romans 10:13-15 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
13. These shoes of the of the gospel of peace stated by Paul to challenge and motivate us with joy to take this gospel of peace and preach it everywhere around the world, reach every nation, share to every soul who were blinded spiritually by Satan, enslaved morally by evil darkness that Jesus defeated Satan and Jesus reigns. We must preach to these sinners that Jesus loves them and wanted them to be liberated from the captivity of the devil.
II Corinthians 4:3-4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
14. These shoes of the gospel of peace will be preach by the sent gospel warriors who were given peace of Christ as He promised them.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you. my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Since Jesus overcome and conquered the world, there is no way that Satan could remove or disturb the peace that Christ promised to those who wear the shoes prepared for preaching the gospel of peace. Satan is totally unable to erase that peace even when Satan persistently, continuously and merciless attacks the gospel messengers of peace.
Two things we can do by the help of the gospel shoes:
1. Be unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Stand firm as a faithful, committed servant of Christ opposing various Satanic assault no matter what.
1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
2. Move forward purposely for Christ throughout the Satanic kingdoms of this evil world.
Romans 1:14-17 “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
What required us to do?
I – POSSESSION OF PEACE – John 14:27
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you. my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
We must personally possess this peace of Christ. Jesus said, “my peace” Then He said “I leave with you”, “I give unto you” (2x).
Notice carefully what Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” The Lord Jesus said to His disciples that He give them different kind of peace from the mentality of peace common view held by unsaved people. The world’s concept of peace is without conflict and trouble or the concept of lost people based on having good circumstances and having abundant earthly possessions.
When Jesus said John 14:27 “my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth.” His peace is different because His peace is present in spite of external trouble like persecution and His peace present in spite of internal fear like turmoil. Jesus Himself experienced His own peace when He came to this earth to establish peace in the midst of intense of severe persecution and turbulence due to the attack of Satan and his evil forces.
Jesus undeniably had said to His followers that they would experience trouble, affliction and persecution in spite that they possess peace from God. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
How can we obtain the peace that Christ provided?
A. Acknowledging the source of the Peace – Ephesians 2:14-17
Ephesians 2:14-17 “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh."
As we realize it is required for us to personally possess this peace, we must also remember the source of this peace, how this peace was obtained.
1. Christ is our permanent personal peace – Ephesians 2:14
Ephesians 2:14 “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
We should not think that we have peace of God just because God provided and offered peace to us but the truth is Christ Himself is that peace, Christ Himself is our peace.
The peace treaties made by societies, nations, governments rest on man’s integrity, declared purpose, and set duration of those men who implement those peace treaties. Sadly, when men passed away, there is no more peace existing.
Since Jesus Christ Himself, the second member of the God head is our peace and the source of our peace, so obviously this peace is abiding peace, it is permanent peace for our possession.
God Himself set up this peace by sending His only begotten Son Jesus on earth to establish permanent peace personally in every believer who were once the enemies of God as unsaved lost sinners.
2. Christ made peace for us through His blood – Ephesians 2:15-16
Ephesians 2:15-16 “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:”
Colossians 1:20 “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
Not only Christ is our personal and permanent peace but we who were before an enemy of God, now received total forgiveness through the blood of His cross, that reconciled us unto God so we have peace of God.
How the Lord accomplished this peace? By voluntary, violent and vicarious death of Jesus Christ for those who were enemies of God, He accomplished the making of this personal permanent peace.
3. Christ preached peace and offers salvation to all men – Ephesians 2:17
Ephesians 2:17 “And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.”
The Lord and Savior Jesus preached peace to the Jews who were near and to the gentiles who were far away.
Acts 10:36 “The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)”
The Lord is slow to fulfill his promise and not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
The Father sent the Lord Jesus Christ to preach peace to everyone Jews and Gentiles and to be the Savior of the world.
I John 4:14 “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”
Jesus Himself preaches peace to everyone because Jesus offers salvation to all men, as Paul said to the Jew first who were near and also to the Gentiles who were far away. That is why Jesus commands all men everywhere to repent.
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
If Jesus Himself is our peace and obtained that peace through His blood at the cross, then He preaches peace and offer salvation to the Jew first and also to the Gentiles, so God commanded all men everywhere to repent be saved.
Acts 17:30 “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”
B. Accepting the Provision of the Peace – Romans 5:1
Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
How could we recognize the Provision of Peace:
1. According to a new standing. – v.1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2. Attaining the new access – v.2a “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand”
3. Acclaiming in a new assurance – v.2b “and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
As we acknowledge the source of peace and accept the provision of peace, Paul is saying we are now confident expecting being with God and becoming like Christ in our character. C. Abiding in the Power of Peace – II Thessalonians 3:16
II Thessalonians 3:16 “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.”
We can personally possess the peace of Christ by resting in implied various things about this peace.
The peace that Christ has given us is a solid, strong support to sustain us in every circumstance of our lives.
Philippians 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
That is the great assurance and blessing of being now at peace with God, in spite of all the stresses and difficulties in life, nothing can defeat and touch the peace of God that has given to us when we received that peace, the moment we believed Christ as our Savior (Romans 5:1). D. Amazing joy in the victory of peace – Romans 16:20
Romans 16:20 “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
The source of peace who obtained His peace through the blood at the cross, offered anyone that reconciliation to God by Himself, assured us of access faith to Him, and provided us the peace that even Satan’s attack can never touch that peace, so we are now confident enough with Joy and grace to share to other lost souls this available peace of Christ because Jesus Himself victoriously crush the arch-enemy of peace, the old dragon, which is Satan. Therefore, let us rejoice in this triumphal peace of Jesus Christ.
- - - - - TO BE CONTINUED - - - - -
II – PROTECTION OF PEACE – Ephesians 4:1-3
Ephesians 4:1-3 “I Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 Wtih all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
We must persistently protect this peace of Christ with others. To protect our Christlike testimony Paul said "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" Then instead of hating and grudging Paul said "forbearing one another in love" then instead of troublemaker and strife Paul add "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Paul exhorts us to maintain our worthy walk as a key in the midst of conflicts with all our best as we can by maintaining to “keep” or protect, preserve “the unity of the Spirit” in something acknowledge as the “bond of peace.” In our dealing with other as we worship and serve God together.
Paul emphasizes the importance of unity in the Body of Christ which is the church in the sight of God. It is the peace of God that serves as the glue that grips the unity of the body together. There are some factors to consider when we worship and work with other imperfect believers to keep the peace maintained.
A. Protecting the peace by developing the character of Jesus Christ
1. by having lowliness of mind – v.2a
Ephesians 4:2a “With all lowliness”
This refers about our need to use a biblical thought about ourselves (personal humility)
The Greek word here is “tapeinophrosynēs” Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular which means Humility, lowliness of mind.
Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Our lives will be a blessing to many and the lives of others will be benefited by our humility of mind like of Christ.
2. by having gracious gentleness – v.2b
Ephesians 4:2b “and meekness”
This refers to our need in developing a biblical disposition within ourselves
The Greek word here is “prautētos”, Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular which means mildness, gentleness. From praus; mildness.
B. Protecting the peace by developing the responses of Jesus Christ.
This is about the humility of mind and gentleness of Christ character looks like as viewed visibly.
1. by exercising longsuffering – v.2c
Ephesians 4:2c “with longsuffering,”
This noun in Greek “makrothumia”, translated in this verse as longsuffering that comes from “makros” means long and “thumos” means temper is usually rendered longsuffering (although makrothumia can also be used for forbearance and patience in other passages).
Note: Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; it is the opposite of anger, and is associated with mercy, and is used of God. God suffers or endures the animosity and offenses that sinful people do against Him for a long, long period of time. (Exodus 34:6 (Sept.); Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:20). That is why when we exercise longsuffering, we endure and tolerate those who are constantly irritated with us and who aggressively act against us. While patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency and is associated with hope, and it is not used of God. (I Thessalonians 1:3) (Vines expository Dictionary - From Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 183,184.)
2. By exercising forbearing – v.2d
Ephesians 4:2d “forbearing one another in love;”
The word "forbear" or "forbearing" is a verb, present participle middle or passive voice in New Testament, nominative masculine plural. The Greek "anecho" from "ana" means "up"; "echo" means to have or hold. The verb "anecho" signifying "to bear with, endure" and is rendered "forbearing one another" here in our study text Ephesians 4:2.
Now, the noun “forbearance” in Greek “anoche” means “a holding back” denotes a delay of God’s punishment with men. In Romans 3:25 the forbearance of God is the ground not the forgiveness of God but of God’s withholding punishment. Also, this forbearance is connected with the passing over of sins in times past, previous to the atoning work of Christ. In Romans 2:4 the forbearance of God represents a suspense of wrath which must eventually be exercised unless the sinner accepts the condition of God.
Now, the noun “epieikeia” translated clemency in Acts 24:4 and gentleness in (II Corinthians 10:1. Synonymous with the noun “epieikeia” are the nouns “makrothumia” translated longsuffering and “hupomone” translated patience.
We can see the combination of makrothumia (longsuffering) and hupomone (patience) together in Colossians 1:11
Colossians 1:11 “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
The noun huponone expresses patience with regard to adverse things, the noun makrothumia patience with regard to antagonistic persons.
We can see this combinatioin of the nouns Anoche (forbearance) and makrothumia (longsuffering) in Romans 2:4.
Romans 2:4 “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
We can see the combination of verbs anecho (forbearing) and makrothumia (longsuffering) in Ephesians 4:2.
Ephesians 4:2 “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”
Sometimes we are irritated or affected personally at times, as we tolerate the flaws of others in that way, we experienced and expressed forbearance. We mind the welfare of others than ourselves. It shows that the unity of the body of Christ, the believers is more than thinking for ourselves “being right”, “getting our own way”, “getting even” or do not allow others to be on top of us. When we focus and maintain protecting the unity of the Body of Christ, the Church, by working hard just to keep or maintain the bond of peace, we will not be knock out when Satan attacks us as a church dwell in unity.
III – PROPAGATION OF PEACE – Ephesians 6:19-20 Ephesians 6:19-20 "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak".
We must passionately propagate this peace of Christ in the world. To propagate the Words given to Paul by God in opening his mouth as Christ ambassador, he must proclaim with boldness the mystery of the gospel into the world.
A. Propagating the peace by speaking the Gospel – v.19
Ephesians 6:19 “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly”.
1. With the Word of grace – v.19a
Ephesians 6:19a “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me,”
Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
I Peter 3:15 “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you”
2. With boldness – v.19b
Ephesians 6:19b “that I may open my mouth boldly,”
B. Propagating the peace by submitting to the Gospel – v.19c
Ephesians 6:19c “to make known the mystery of the gospel,”
Your behavior in personal life should match with your belief. Your personal behavior or conduct must adorn the gospel
Titus 2:10 “Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.”
Philippians 1:27 “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”
C. Propagating the peace by suffering for the Gospel – v.20
Ephesians 6:20 “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak”.
1. Extreme suffering of Paul – v.20a
Ephesians 6:20a “For which I am an ambassador in bonds”.
II Corinthians 11:16-33 “I say again, let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. 17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. 19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. 32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.”
I Corinthians 9:23 “And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”
(Ephesians 3:13-21)
Paul mentions his suffering for the Lord, but more importantly, why he was willing to undergo that suffering. He was suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Over his ministry, he was beaten, imprisoned, and eventually killed. Paul was hated for the Gospel of Jesus, but he counted it worthy of suffering for.
Paul testified that many who preaches the gospel experience suffering, imprisoned, tortured and even killed because many that do not obey the gospel, Paul still described those who bring the gospel of peacel have beautiful feet in the eyes of God, the Lord was pleased.
Romans 10:13- “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?”
2. Exposure in soulwinning of Paul – v.20b
Ephesians 6:20b “that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak”.
Acts 21-23. One of the most difficult lessons to learn in mortality is that service in the kingdom of God is not always easy. Even the most faithful of God’s servants must endure hardship and trials. Paul suffered a great deal for the cause of Jesus Christ. After his return to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey, he was arrested and imprisoned for several years by Roman authorities. Through all of this the Lord sustained and protected him and gave him the opportunity to preach the gospel before kings and rulers.
Paul was in prison for many times because people “loved darkness instead of light” (John 3:19) and they “suppress the Gospel of truth by their wickedness” (Romans 1:18). Paul’s accusers did not want to hear the message of salvation, so they imprisoned and eventually killed the messenger. Jesus warned us that we should not be surprised when the world hates Christians because it hated Him first (John 15:18; 1 John 3:13). May we all embrace suffering for Christ with the grace and humility that the apostle Paul showed.
When believers have suffered well, the gospel has advanced!
Challenge:
God sent His Son Jesus Christ in the very heart of territory and kingdom of Satan to make a peace and to announce the good news that He has defeated Satan by His death, burial and resurrection and that God reigns through King Jesus!
Jesus Christ came and, after He finished this mission, Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel over which Satan still rules and His disciples proclaimed that salvation has come through the Savior Jesus Christ. And Jesus will still be saving many.
Questions:
What would happen to those Christ’s disciples who obeyed the great commission, preaching to every Jews that they may know that their Messiah the King of the Jews was Jesus of Nazareth? And was crucified and had suffered brutality through the death of the cross.
What would happen to those Christ disciples, who obeyed the great commissioned, preaching to every Greek the resurrected Christ? And how would the high-ranking officers and rulers of Rome respond to the announcement that this Jesus was the true Lord of Lords, King of kings, the creator and ruler in heaven and earth?
How would these gospel soldiers be sustained and strengthened as they sacrificially offer their lives and went into unfavorable and opposing force of darkness that is full of ruthless and relentless attacks? What would encourage and console these gospel’s commissioned Christ’s disciples who gave up houses, lands and suffered loss of family, and even to the point of shedding their blood, and losing their own lives? (Matthew 19:27; Luke 18:28; Luke 14:25-33; Hebrews 10:32-36).
Answers:
Jesus sustained and comfort those Gospel preachers with His promised in John 16:33
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
May all of us wear the shoes of the gospel of peace and stand in our ground. Be careful not to lose your footing at home and in the world by having wrong kind of peace of the world. Are you ready, eager to share the gospel of peace when opportunity knocks?
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