Armor of God: Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15

Dear youth, today we embark on a journey through the Word of God to explore the significance of the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace as an integral part of the Armor of God. Our focus will be on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch found in Acts 8:26-40, where we witness the transformative power of sharing the gospel with others.

Setting the Scene: Philip’s Divine Encounter (Acts 8:26-29):

Philip, a faithful disciple of Jesus, was obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, who directed him to go south to the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza. Meanwhile, an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home, seated in his chariot, reading from the prophet Isaiah.

Philip’s Witness to the Ethiopian (Acts 8:30-35):

As Philip approached, he heard the eunuch reading aloud from Isaiah the prophet. Sensing an opportunity, Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

The eunuch replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” Philip then proceeded to explain the passage, beginning with Isaiah 53, and preached Jesus to him.

Moved by Philip’s message, the eunuch desired to be baptized then and there, proclaiming his faith in Jesus as the Son of God. Philip baptized him, and they rejoiced together.

Lessons on Sharing the Gospel of Peace:

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Just as shoes provide stability and protection for our feet, the Gospel of Peace equips us to walk confidently and securely in the mission of sharing God’s love and salvation with others. Sis. Ellen G. White emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel, stating, “The gospel commission is the great missionary charter of Christ’s kingdom” (The Desire of Ages, p. 822).

B. Obedience to the Holy Spirit: Philip’s obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit enabled him to be in the right place at the right time to share the gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch. As young Adventists, we must be attuned to the promptings of the Spirit and willing to step out in faith to share God’s truth with others.

Philip’s willingness to engage the eunuch in conversation and meet him where he was spiritually paved the way for the gospel message to be received. Similarly, we must be willing to engage with those around us, listening to their questions and concerns, and sharing the hope that we have in Christ.

Application to Youth Today:

Boldness in Witnessing: Let us be bold and courageous in sharing the gospel of peace with those around us, recognizing that we have been called and equipped by God for this purpose.

Compassion for the Lost: Like Philip, let us have compassion for those who are searching for truth and meaning in their lives, and let us be willing to meet them where they are and share the love of Christ with them.

Prayerful Dependence on God: As we seek to be faithful witnesses for Christ, let us depend on the power of prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us to those who are receptive to the gospel message.

Dear youth, as we reflect on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian, may we be inspired to walk in the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, boldly sharing God’s love and salvation with those around us. Let us be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit, willing to engage with others in compassion and love, and prayerfully dependent on God to guide us in our witness. And may our lives be a shining testimony to the transformative power of the gospel, drawing others into the kingdom of God. Amen.

Activity/Group Discussion:

Reflecting on the sermon, how does the story of Philip and the Ethiopian challenge us to step out in faith and share the gospel with those around us, even when it may seem daunting or uncomfortable?
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace symbolize our readiness to share God’s love and salvation with others. In what ways can we actively cultivate a heart of compassion and a willingness to engage with those who may be searching for truth and meaning in their lives?
Discuss the role of obedience to the Holy Spirit in Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian. How can we cultivate a greater sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit in our own lives, and how might this impact our effectiveness in sharing the gospel?
Philip’s engagement with the Ethiopian was marked by a willingness to listen, engage, and meet him where he was spiritually. How can we apply these principles in our own interactions with friends, family, classmates, and coworkers who may have questions about faith or who may be seeking spiritual truth?
Consider the significance of baptism as a response to the gospel message. How does the Ethiopian’s immediate desire for baptism challenge us to respond wholeheartedly to the call of discipleship?
Share a time when you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel with someone, and reflect on the outcome of that encounter. What lessons did you learn from that experience, and how has it shaped your approach to evangelism?
Discuss practical ways we can actively pray for and support one another as a youth group in our efforts to share the gospel with others. How can we encourage and hold each other accountable in our witness for Christ?
Reflect on the role of prayerful dependence on God in our witness for Christ. How can we deepen our reliance on God’s guidance and empowerment as we seek to be faithful witnesses in our communities?
Consider the diverse contexts in which we find ourselves as young Adventists, such as school, work, and social settings. How can we adapt our approach to sharing the gospel in these different contexts while remaining faithful to the message of God’s love and salvation?
As a group, commit to praying for opportunities to share the gospel with those around us and for the courage and boldness to seize those opportunities when they arise. How can we support and encourage one another in this endeavor?