Ephesians Part 38

Paul transitions from the breastplate to the feet because a soldier may have strong convictions and right desires, but if his footing is unstable, he cannot endure the pressures of the battle. Three times in the opening lines of Ephesians 6, Paul calls believers to “stand.” That emphasis is not accidental. The word he chooses describes the firm stance of a soldier refusing to yield ground to the enemy’s advance. Before there can be any forward movement in the mission of God, there must first be an unshakable ability to stand where God has placed us. Standing requires stability, readiness and preparation. Paul writes that our feet must be fitted with the preparation of the gospel of peace. 

A Roman soldier understood the importance of footwear. History tells us that their sandals were reinforced with studded soles, gripping the earth with confidence even on rugged terrain. A soldier who loses his footing is already at a disadvantage, not because he lacks courage or strength, but because without stability, a defensive stance collapses under pressure. Spiritually, the Gospel provides that stability. The good news of God’s coming Kingdom becomes the foundation that resists the lies and intimidation of the enemy. When believers forget the Gospel—when they take their eyes off the hope that anchors their soul—they become vulnerable to spiritual fatigue, discouragement and compromise. 

Scripture consistently calls us to stand firm. Paul tells the Corinthians to “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). He also urges the Galatians to, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). He warns the Thessalonians to hold tightly to the true teachings they received. And he calls the Philippians his joy and crown, urging them to stand fast in the Lord. The Christian walk is not drifting or casually wandering through life. It is a deliberate stance against the currents of this age. 

Yet Christ also warned that not all will stand. He spoke of a time when pressures would increase and the love of many would grow cold. Some will become offended, discouraged and spiritually numb, losing their footing long before the battle is over. The struggles we face now may be internal, but Scripture suggests that external pressures may intensify. If we are not grounded in the Gospel, trials will shake us loose. Only those who stand to the end will be saved. 

But this footwear is not only for standing still. The Gospel shoes are also designed for movement. Christ did not ask His followers merely to defend a small piece of ground. He sent them into the world to proclaim a Kingdom that is coming—to walk into darkness carrying light, to step into confusion carrying truth, to move with purpose wherever God opens the way. We may not all cross oceans or travel internationally to preach, but we are all called to walk faithfully into the daily environments God has placed us in—to let the Gospel be present when our feet are present. Wherever we go, the message of God’s peace and purpose goes with us. 

Peter reminds us to always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about our hope. Many believers came to faith because someone else, wearing the shoes of preparation, was willing to walk toward them and share the truth. God gives distinct roles within the Church—apostles, evangelists, pastors, shepherds, teachers—but every believer is called to be a witness to represent the character and message of Christ. Paul himself described his ministry as serving as an ambassador even while in chains, asking for boldness to speak the mystery of the Gospel openly and without fear. An ambassador represents a King in territories where a different authority governs. That is who we are! Through us, Christ still calls out to the world, offering peace with God before the war of rebellion ends. 

Isaiah wrote that the feet of those who bring good news are beautiful upon the mountains because those feet carry a message of peace, salvation and the reign of God. The Gospel answers the deepest anxieties of human existence—the longing for identity, purpose, forgiveness and a future beyond the limits of this temporary life. Many live with a quiet fear that their days are meaningless. The Gospel declares that God has a plan for humanity, that He has invited us into His family, and that Christ’s Kingdom will bring solutions the world cannot create for itself. 

The Gospel of peace is not merely information we believe—it should become a part of who we are. It should shape our walk, direct our steps, and steady our hearts. The future that God promises is worth holding our ground for and worth walking toward. To stand, to endure, and to move with purpose, we must have our feet fitted with the preparation that comes from the Gospel of peace. 

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three principal areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.