Feet of Peace
Read other parts of this study:
Overview - Lesson 1 - Lesson 2 - Lesson 3 - Lesson 4 - Lesson 5 - Lesson 6 - Lesson 7 - Bonus
Read the Minecraft Version of Lesson 4
Reminder: This is intended to be a small group discussion. Ask the leading questions to the group and invite discussion. For questions with Bible verses, read the verses to help answer the question. Potential answers and key takeaways are provided as a leader’s guide.
We learned in Lesson 3 the breastplate provides protection for our vital organs. The breastplate of righteousness helps protect our heart when we put off our old self (sin) and put on our new self (righteousness). This helps us resist sin and pursue God. The next piece of armor covers the feet: we need to fit our feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. That seems like a long phrase compared to the other pieces of armor. In this lesson, we’ll break down each concept.
Ephesians 6:14-15: Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Major Concepts
Ephesians 6:15: ...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
What are the major words in this verse?
Feet
Readiness
Gospel
Peace
Feet
What does the Bible say about feet without God?
Proverbs 6:16-19: There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
Isaiah 59:7-8: Their [sinners’] feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.
Psalm 25:15: My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Psalm 73:2-3: But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Key takeaway: Feet without God are quick to rush into evil. They are likely to slip or get caught in a snare.
What does the Bible say about feet with God?
Psalm 56:13: For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Isaiah 52:7: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Psalm 37:31: The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.
Key takeaway: Feet with God are beautiful. They do not slip or stumble, and they proclaim peace and salvation.
Readiness
What does God say about readiness?
1 Peter 5:8: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Ephesians 6:10-11: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
1 Peter 3:15-16: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Key takeaway: We have to be alert and prepared in order to take a stand against Satan. We should also be prepared to share our faith in all circumstances.
Gospel
What is the gospel?
Matthew 9:35: Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4: Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
Ephesians 1:13: And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.
Key takeaway: Gospel literally means “good news.” The gospel refers to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. For those who believe, this good news provides salvation.
Peace
What does the word peace mean?
Freedom from disturbance
No conflict with anyone
Who is the source of peace?
John 16:33: [Jesus said] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Colossians 3:15: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Key takeaway: Jesus is the source of peace.
How does peace help us?
John 14:27: “Peace I [Jesus] 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.”
Psalm 119:165: Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
Key takeaway: If we have the peace of Jesus, we will not stumble or fear.
Feet Ready with the Gospel of Peace
How do we put on feet ready with the gospel of peace?
Colossians 1:19-20: For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Jesus], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Proverbs 4:26-27: Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
1 Peter 3:10-11: For “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
Romans 12:17-21: Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Key takeaway: The gospel, the good news of Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins, provides peace by reconciling people to God. Once we are reconciled, he guides us to intentionally choose the path that is consistent with God’s Word and that does not cause conflict with others. He helps us choose to turn from evil and pursue good.
Final Application
What does it mean to you to have feet that are ready with the gospel of peace?
What can you do today to put on feet of peace?
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