"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:10-15
The gospel which brings peace is to be the touchstone, yardstick, benchmark, litmus test in the life of the Christian. The gospel brings peace with God, peace in daily living and relational peace with others.
Peace with God:
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
Peace in Daily Living (existential peace):
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
Peace with Others:
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Romans 12:18-19
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
“But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, ‘If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?’” Galatians 2:14
Believers are called upon to contend for the faith (to struggle in behalf of) Jude 3, and simultaneously to be kind, approachable and grace-filled (2 Timothy 2:22-24). In order to live out this reality, you must be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and continue to make distinctions between:
1. Central issues
2. Important issues
3. Issues of indifference (issues to die for, opinions to be held, and matters of indifference)
"…the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight…Shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness and delight—a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom he delights. Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be." Cornelius Plantinga, Not the Way it's Supposed To Be
When the gospel that brings peace is central in our lives we move from shame, fatigue, and relational strife to loving out of the overflow of our relationship, to the overflow (John 7:37-39).
Themes:
1. How does the cross answer the accusation of “you don't measure up” simultaneously diffuses the statement of “define your own success”?
2. We must preach the gospel to ourselves every day.
3. Are you living in a state of readiness (emotionally, existentially, and relationally)?
4. We should take a biblically informed, Holy Spirit empowered inventory…
5. Move more and more items to the “indifferent category” in light of acting in line with the gospel.
6. “The sky is falling." Chicken Little (after being hit on the head by an acorn).
7. Trench foot can immobilize for a week or if left inattentive, or if left unattended, can permanently immobilize (no watching and no repentance).
8. From fury to delight.
“Duty is only a substitute for love (of God and of other people), like a crutch, which is a substitute for a leg. Most of us need the crutch at times; but of course it's idiotic to use the crutch when our own legs (our own loves, taste, habits etc.) can do the journey on their own!” C.S. Lewis, Letter to a Young Child (1957)