Series on Spiritual Warfare

In this series of posts, we will discuss spiritual warfare and how it influences and impacts us as family members who have difficult situations in our families.

Part 8

We discussed in the last few posts the first two pieces of Armor. Now we will look at the next piece of armor Paul tells those in Ephesus to put on. This piece of armor is called the gospel of peace which is put on the feet.

“…and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation (to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news.)” (Ephesians 6:15 AMP)

Literally, as believers, we are to carry this gospel of peace to people everywhere inviting them to receive His peace through the power of the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Isaiah puts it this way: “How beautiful and delightful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace, who brings good news of good (things), who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 AMP)

The gospel is the message of the good news of peace with God and among men because of what Jesus did at Calvary for you and me.  “Our faith in Jesus transfers God’s righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us.” (Romans 5:1 TPT)

Remember the good news is Jesus died to take away our sins, he rose and ascended into heaven to give us His new life. His life now lives in everyone who believes in Him. He has given you and me the power to live a resurrected life because the resurrected Christ lives in you and me.

Those of us who believe in Christ have died with Christ and His life is hidden in us.  It is a life of freedom and peace because sin no longer has its hold on you and me. We are no longer slaves to sin but we are free to live a life of love and peace and joy. (see Romans 6)

Jesus, Himself, said to His disciples “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)

God now tells you and me to go out and spread the good news of the gospel of peace to people everywhere. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

Hence, our feet need to be ready to go and spread this good news of peace to everyone we meet everywhere starting with our own families. “Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15 TPT)

How can we apply this to our families? Here are a few ways we can consider the application of bringing the gospel of peace to our families:

1. Always be prepared to give an answer to them when they ask the reason, we have the hope that we do. We do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
2. We can set an example for them by our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
3. Let our light shine before them so that they may see our good deeds and glorify God in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
4. Let our love be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good. And be devoted to our family in love. Honor them above ourselves. (Romans 12:9-10)
5. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you and me, live at peace with all our family members. (Romans 12:18)

We are told to wear the gospel of peace on our feet and bring the good news of peace to others.

Sometimes it is hardest to do this within our own families. How else might we practice bringing the gospel of peace to our own families? I would love for you to share with me your ideas. How have you brought the gospel of peace to your family?

I am praying you and I will have opportunities to bring this gospel of good news to our family members. I am praying that God will use you and me to be His representatives to them and that they will in turn find peace with Jesus.

Next time, we will talk about the shield of faith.

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)