The Breastplate of Righteousness

Introduction

Good morning, Church! Today, we continue our series on the Armor of God by focusing on the Breastplate of Righteousness, as described in Ephesians 6:14:

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17FV0XXXmr4

The breastplate is an essential piece of armor for a soldier, protecting the vital organs, especially the heart. In spiritual terms, the Breastplate of Righteousness guards our hearts against the attacks of the enemy. Let's explore its significance and how we can effectively wear this breastplate in our daily lives.

1. Understanding Righteousness

Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justifiable. For Christians, it means being in right standing with God. This righteousness is not based on our own merits but on the righteousness of Jesus Christ, which is imputed to us through faith.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

2. Protecting the Heart

The heart is central to our spiritual life, symbolizing our will, emotions, and intellect. The enemy often targets our hearts with accusations, guilt, and condemnation, trying to weaken our faith and relationship with God. The Breastplate of Righteousness protects our hearts from these attacks by reminding us of our righteous standing in Christ.

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

3. Living Righteously

While we are made righteous through Christ, we are also called to live out that righteousness in our daily lives. This means striving to live according to God’s standards, pursuing holiness, and reflecting Christ in our actions.

Ephesians 4:24 says, "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

4. Standing Firm Against Accusations

The enemy, often referred to as the accuser, tries to burden us with feelings of unworthiness and shame. By wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness, we can stand firm against these accusations, knowing that our righteousness is based on Christ’s work, not our own.

Romans 8:33-34 says, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."

5. Confidence in Spiritual Warfare

Wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness gives us confidence in spiritual warfare. It assures us of our secure position in Christ and empowers us to face the enemy without fear. This confidence is rooted in the understanding that we are covered by the righteousness of Christ.

Philippians 3:9 says, "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."

Application

How can we live out the truth of the Breastplate of Righteousness in our daily lives?

1. Accept Christ’s Righteousness: Acknowledge that your righteousness comes from Christ and not from your own works. Embrace this truth and let it guard your heart.
2. Guard Your Heart: Protect your heart by staying grounded in God’s Word and by rejecting the enemy’s accusations and lies.
3. Pursue Righteous Living: Strive to live in a way that reflects the righteousness of Christ. Make decisions that honor God and align with His standards.
4. Stand Firm in Confidence: Face spiritual battles with the confidence that comes from knowing you are covered by Christ’s righteousness. Do not let fear or doubt weaken your resolve.

Encouragement

The Breastplate of Righteousness is a powerful piece of spiritual armor. By wearing it, we protect our hearts from the enemy’s attacks and stand firm in our identity in Christ. Let us embrace this gift of righteousness and live confidently, knowing that we are secure in God’s love.

Call to Action: Reflect on areas in your life where you need to embrace Christ’s righteousness more fully. Ask God to help you guard your heart and to live out His righteousness daily. Share this message with others who need encouragement, and let’s support each other in our spiritual journey. Please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more inspiring content.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of righteousness through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to wear the Breastplate of Righteousness every day, protecting our hearts from the enemy’s attacks. Empower us to live in a way that reflects Your holiness and to stand firm in our identity in Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.