Get ready to put on two pieces of the armor of God today. The foot coverings of the gospel of peace and the shield of faith. Listen as Richaél Lucero explains the paradox behind the curious title of the gospel of peace. Because let’s face it, it sounds odd in the context of training for battle. You’ll also learn the striking reliance the shield of faith has on it, the belt of truth, and the breastplate of righteousness.

This series combines a bible study on the armor of God and spiritual warfare. Each episode goes over one of seven pieces of armor. This is armor piece number one. 

SHOW NOTES

Episodes referenced

Metanoia: You’re Not a Christian Without It

Scriptures referenced

The seven pieces of armor that make up the armor of God.

Stand therefore, having girded your loins with [the belt of] truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace;besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one.And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Ephesians 6:14-18

The third and fourth pieces of armor.

having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one.

Ephesians 6:15-16

Typology that links a prophecy of Isaiah and the language St. Paul uses for the gospel of peace.

How beautiful upon the mountains

    are the feet of him who brings good tidings,

who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good,

    who publishes salvation,

    who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

Isaiah 52:7

The purpose of the shield of faith.

 …with which you can quench the flaming darts of the evil one.

Ephesians 6:16

A further instance that faith is to be lived. This is the context St. Paul has in mind when referring to the shield of faith.

“he righteous shall live by faith.

Romans 1:17

The scriptural backing for the Churches profession that witness is necessary for salvation.

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 10:32-33

Motivation to witness the good news.

I am not ashamed of the gospel.

Romans 1:16

Quotes referenced

Faith is to be lived. Not just a belief system.

[by faith] man freely commits his entire self to God.

Dei Verbum

The three things required of faith. 1. Keep belief, 2. Let it elicit change in us, 3. Witness to others that your change is Jesus.

The disciples of Christ must not only keep the faith and live on it, but also profess it, confidently bear witness to it, and spread it.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1618

Why the third requirement of faith is so important: Witness to others that your change is Jesus.

“Service of and witness to the faith are necessary for salvation.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1618

What St. Paul means by the “gospel of peace”:

[this] war which we have against [the devil], puts an end to another war, namely, the war between us and God; if we are at war with the devil, we are at peace with God.

St. John Chrysostom, Homily 24 

podcast referenced

I co-hosted the Pints with Jack podcast talking thorough one on the chapters of the Screwtape Letters. David and I explored ways the enemy exploits our fatigue and high-stress situations to bring about our downfall. You can listen to it here.