STAND FIRM

The Gospel of Peace - July 20, 2025

Pastor Ben Johnson

Ephesians 6:11 NLT - For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies…

Ephesians 6:13-15 NLT - Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News (The Gospel) so that you will be fully prepared.

FEELING THE PULL…

LOVE - deep care for the well-being of another

COMPASSION - awareness of another’s suffering

JUSTICE - fair treatment of all people

SPIRITUAL BROKENNESS - The need for the Gospel

Matthew 13:3-8 NLT - He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!

Matthew 13:18-23 NLT - “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

FULLY PREPARED

-       Gospel READINESS

2 Timothy 4:2 NIV - Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

-       Gospel POWER

Acts 1:8 NLT - “But, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

-       Gospel URGENCY

2 Corinthians 6:2b NLT - Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

We have become dangerously comfortable - believers ooze with wealth and let their addictions to comfort and security numb the radical urgency of the gospel.

- Francis Chan

Final Thought: The “Gospel of PEACE” begins with a SMILE

Life Group Discussion & Questions

BREAKING THE ICE: Ephesians 6:15 NLT - For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News (The Gospel) so that you will be fully prepared.

-       What does the image of having shoes for your feet, putting on the peace that comes from the Good News, bring to mind for you?

-       In what ways does having "readiness" connect with wearing shoes?

-       In what ways does this verse encourage you to be proactive in your faith rather than reactive?

DIGGING IN: Read – Matthew 13:3-8 & 18-23

-       What do the different types of soil in this parable represent in people's lives and their response to the Gospel? (A Hard Heart - A Preoccupied Heart - An Unmanaged Heart - A Cultivated Heart)

-       Jesus explains that some receive the word with joy but have no root, falling away when hardship comes. How can new believers develop deep roots in their faith?

-       Jesus emphasizes that the seed on good soil represents those who hear, understand, and produce fruit. What steps can be taken to be "good soil" for God's Word in your own lives?

BRINGING IT HOME: 

Christians are called to live with the joy of the Lord, a deep, abiding gladness that comes from knowing Jesus and His saving grace. That joy often shows up first in something as simple but powerful as a smile—a reflection of the hope and peace we carry. A smile is the first thing people notice; it welcomes conversation, opens hearts, and builds connection. As followers of Christ, we are always sharing the Good News of Jesus—not just with our words, but through our attitudes, actions, and even our countenance, inviting others to experience the same joy we have found in Him.