What does this even mean? Part of our armor are “shoes of peace?” How can peaceful shoes help us win this battle that we are caught up in? Listen to this week’s mini-podcast, and discuss with your life group.
Lifegroup Discussion Questions Below!
Don’t forget to remind your group that they will be able to participate much better, and learn a lot more by listening to the mini-podcast above.
Ephesians 6:15 ESV
As shoes for your feet… put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
Do you know what it feels like to be knocked down a time or two?
Sometimes things happen to make us feel unstable, shaky, and defeated. It happens to all of us, doesn’t it?
The purpose of this passage is to remind us that it doesn’t have to be that way. The shoes of peace can provide a level of stability that even Satan can’t undo.
The word “readiness” in the verse above means to be promptly, speedily ready. We get a similar instruction in 1 Peter…
1 Peter 3:15 ESV
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…
So, this verse is telling us to always be ready. DO you feel like you are always ready to handle the attack of the enemy in your life? Have there been times when he has just knocked you over, pushed you around? What does that feel like? How do you tend to respond? Okay… You might not want to answer that one out loud.
The Wrong Shoes
1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
We are called to stand firm in the faith. But we tend to step in other things instead. We tend to walk in the world’s steps, rather than in God’s, don’t we? Why is it that we are so given to stepping in the wrong patterns? The wrong shoes?
What happens to our battle strength when we are stepping in darkness, despair, and evil?
(if we all know the answers to this… Why do we still walk in spiritual weakness?)
The World’s Version of Peace
What did you think about the contrast between the World’s version and God’s version of peace?
I have a friend who self-medicates. He always stresses over the various problems in his life… So he gets drunk. He stays that way much of the time. It is his avoidance tactic. He finds “peace” by being out of it all together. Why is this a trap for him? What will the inevitable results in his life be?
Jesus informs us that God’s version of peace is different.
John 16:33 ESV
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Our peace with God… Lasting peace… Only comes through the Good News of Jesus pressing deeper into our lives. That is why we always preach through the lens of the Gospel. It brings peace. You will never find it through self-medication, self-help, or self-improvement… It only comes from Jesus.
What are some steps we each need to take to walk in the peace of God? What about when there is conflict at work? When the car is totaled? When your kids are fighting non-stop?
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 ESV
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.