Summary
Believers in Jesus Christ are instructed to “shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” in Ephesians 6:15 (NKJV). This often-overlooked piece of spiritual armor is critical in spiritual warfare, personal growth, and maintaining a firm foundation in your walk with Christ. The Gospel of Peace, the Good News, the Good Tidings is the truth that:
- Jesus Christ died for our sins
- Jesus Christ was buried and resurrected on the third day; defeating death
- Through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, we are now reconciled to God
The Gospel of Peace: Your Firm Foundation
To "shod" means to bind underfoot, like putting on strong, durable shoes. In Roman times, soldiers wore thick-soled sandals with nails for traction and stability—prepared to move quickly without slipping. Spiritually, having our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” means we are grounded and mobile, equipped with the message of peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ.
The gospel of peace is a readiness to stand and advance the Kingdom of God—unshaken by fear, anxiety, or confusion. Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace.” When we are rooted in God’s truth and His peace, no attack from the enemy can knock us off course.
Preparation: Spiritual Readiness for Battle
The word preparation (Greek: hetoimasia) refers to a firm foundation or readiness. This speaks of a lifestyle that is always alert and spiritually awake, prepared to share the gospel and to resist demonic attacks with unwavering peace. Philippians 4:7 describes this peace as surpassing all understanding, guarding both heart and mind.
Using the Gospel of Peace in Spiritual Warfare
Peace is power. In spiritual warfare, the enemy thrives on chaos, fear, and confusion. But Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” When your feet are anchored in peace, your walk with Christ becomes unshakable. You don’t panic—you persevere. You don’t retreat—you advance.
Having your feet shod with the gospel of peace means you walk confidently into battle knowing the Prince of Peace goes before you. It enables you to tread on serpents and scorpions (Luke 10:19) and to crush anxiety, fear, and every lie of the devil underfoot.
In Ephesians 6:15 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace" as part of the full armor of God. This verse is often overlooked but contains deep spiritual significance. In a world filled with chaos, anxiety, and spiritual warfare, understanding what it means to walk in the readiness of the gospel of peace can be the key to victory and stability.
What Does "Shod Your Feet" Mean?
The phrase "shod your feet" refers to putting on footwear—specifically, strapping on the type of shoes that Roman soldiers wore. These sandals were reinforced with thick soles and metal studs to give soldiers grip and protection on any terrain. Spiritually, this imagery shows us that believers must have a firm footing, ready to stand against the enemy and advance with confidence.
To shod your feet with the gospel of peace means to walk in spiritual stability and preparedness. You are not stumbling through life, but moving forward in assurance, anchored in God’s truth and peace.
The Gospel of Peace: Your Foundation in Battle
The gospel of peace is the message of reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a deep, abiding sense of wholeness and alignment with God’s will.
When your feet are grounded in this peace, you are not easily shaken. The enemy may throw lies, fear, or confusion at you, but you remain firm. Isaiah 26:3 declares, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."
The Gospel of Peace is a spiritual peace that conveys a message of hope and transformation. The Gospel is a call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ which leads to a new life covered in God's grace. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, God, our Father in Heaven, has offered us forgiveness of our sins and a new life with Him; eternal life to those who believe in Christ. Jesus Christ, the risen Messiah, took the punishment for our sins and paid the penalty for that debt through His death on the cross and His resurrection.
It is the message of salvation, forgiveness, deliverance, and eternal life. A few aspects of the gospel are:
- Salvation
- Redemption
- Sanctification
- Restoration
- Faith
- Love
- Repentance
- the 2nd coming of Christ
Preparation: Readiness in the Spirit
The word "preparation" comes from the Greek hetoimasia, meaning readiness or establishment. This speaks to a life that is not only rooted in the gospel but also actively prepared to share it, defend it, and live it. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to always be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us.
Being prepared with the gospel of peace equips us to face trials, spiritual attacks, and demonic strategies without falling into fear or compromise. You become unmovable, standing firm on the promises of God.
The Gospel of Peace in Spiritual Warfare
Peace is a weapon. The kingdom of darkness thrives on fear, unrest, and spiritual instability. But Colossians 3:15 commands, "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts." When peace rules, fear flees. When you're anchored in the gospel, demonic attacks lose their foothold.
Luke 10:19 says, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy." With your feet shod in peace, you can walk boldly over the traps and snares of the devil without being moved.
How to Shod Your Feet Daily
1. Stay in the Word – Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Let the gospel saturate your heart daily.
2. Practice Peace – Choose to forgive, surrender anxiety in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), and create space for God’s peace to reign in your life.
3. Be Gospel-Ready – Look for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus. Peace multiplies when it is given away.
4. Pray for Readiness – Ask the Holy Spirit to make you alert and steady so you're not thrown off by the storms of life.
Having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace isn’t just a defensive posture—it’s an offensive strategy. It means you're ready, armed with truth, and immovable in the battle. The gospel of peace gives you solid ground to stand on when everything else is shaking. Don’t neglect this vital part of your spiritual armor.
In every step, let peace be your foundation and your forward momentum. Stand firm. Walk boldly. Advance the Kingdom.
