Shod Feet

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; - Ephesians 6:15

THE FEET

Our feet give us two fundamental abilities in spiritual battle.

1. They are our connection to the foundation, the rock, that allows us to stand firm.
2. They give us the mobility to run in order to escape or pursue.
3. They give us mobility to push forwards.

There are times when we must stand and do everything we can to stand (Ephesians 6:13).  If we are standing on unstable ground, trusting in our own strength and wisdom, we are doomed to fall.  But, if on Christ the solid rock we stand, then we have assurance that we can and will overcome the enemy. 

 

When do we stand?

• We resist the lies of Satan (Satan's Lies)(James 4:7)
• We stand against cultural immorality
• We stand against enemies of Christ
• We stand against intimidation and persecution
• We stand against false teachers
• We stand against those who want to discredit the Word of God
• We resist the urge to be accepted and loved by the world
• We diligently protect our families from predators and worldy influences

 

Then there are times that we must flee, when we know that taking even being in the situation is dangerous. (Sometimes flight is the best fight) We see many times in scripture where the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles all escaped situations where they were threatened.  Not because of fear but because the Lord was directing them. We also must be able to discern when to stand and when to run. (1 Corinthians 10:12) 

 

When do we flee?

• We flee situations that create temptation (beaches ,gyms, nightclubs, bars, movies, etc)
• We flee the fellowship with those who would lead us into sin
• We flee isolation that leaves us vunerable (business trips, being home alone, etc)
• We flee boredom that awakens lust
• We flee substances that alter the mind and destroy inhibitions
• We flee relationships that tempt us (co-workers, friends, etc)

 

Then there are times when we must push forward.  These are the times when we must attack to protect ourselves and our families.  There are times when we must cut off relationships with friends, when we must fight for the truth, when we must purge our lives and environments of evil influences.  If we compromise and play with sin even a little bit our kids will notice and are sure to investigate those things. 

 

When do we pursue?

• We attack the temptations in our homes (smartphones, cable tv, internet, magazines, etc)
• We attack the lust in our hearts
• We pursue Christ and His kingdom
• We pursue holiness and righteousness