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I. LET US EXAMINE THE SHOES.

1. They come from a blessed Maker. One who is skilful in all arts, and knows by experience what is wanted, since He has Himself journeyed through life's roughest ways.

2. They are made of excellent material - "the preparation of the gospel of peace." Well seasoned, soft in wear, lasting long.

(1)  Peace with God as to the past, the future, the present.

(2)  Peace of full submission to the Divine mind and will.

(3)  Peace with the Word and all its teachings

(4)  Peace with one's inner self, conscience, fears, desires, etc.

(5)  Peace with brethren in the Church and the family.

(6)  Peace with all man, kind (Romans 12:18).

3. They are such as none can make except the Lord, who both sends the gospel and prepares the peace.

4. They are such shoes as Jesus wore, and all the saints.

5. They are such as will never wear out; they are old, yet ever new; we may wear them at all ages and in all places.

II. LET US TRY THEM ON. Observe with delight -

1. Their perfect fitness. They are made to suit each one of us.

2. Their excellent foothold: we can tread with holy boldness upon our high places with these shoes.

3. Their marching powers for daily duty. No one grows weary or footsore when he is thus shod.

4. Their wonderful protection against trials by the way (Psalm 91:13).

5. Their pleasantness of wear, giving rest to the whole man.

6. Their adaptation for hard work.

7. Their endurance of fire and water (Isaiah 43:2).

8. Their fighting qualities.

III. LET US LOOK AT THE BAREFOOTED AROUND US.

1. The sinner is unshod. Yet he kicks against the pricks. How can he hope to fulfil the heavenly pilgrimage?

2. The professor is slipshod, or else he wears tight shoes. His fine slippers will soon be worn out. He loves not the gospel, knows not its peace, seeks not its preparation.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

WEB: and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace;