The Armor Series, Part 2

The Breastplate of Righteousness – Ephesians 6:14

In our study of the Ephesians 6:14-17, we have discovered the belt of truth is the first piece of armor.  No matter how effective the rest of our armor is, we are useless without our belt.  To the Christian soldier a belt of truth means God’s Word transforms every part of our life into “honesty,” “truthfulness,” “integrity,” and “sincerity.” So the Scriptures surround every part of our life: private and public, sacred and secular, business and church, recreation and worship. All of our life is under the Lordship of Christ and the authority of His Word.    

With that in mind, let us take a look at the second piece of armor, the breastplate of righteousness. The Bible instructs us to “put on” this armor, which implies that we do not automatically wear it all the time.  Putting on the armor of God requires us to make a decision. To put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must first have the belt of truth firmly in place. Without truth, our righteousness is based upon our own attempts to impress God.

The breastplate was a heavy piece of armor that completely surrounded the body. To the Christian soldier this means a pursuit of personal, daily righteousness. We “put it on” by seeking God and His righteousness above everything else (Matthew 6:33).  We maintain it only by confession and repentance of sin.  At the point where we say “no” to God, we open a little crack in the armor where Satan’s arrows can get through (Ephesians 6:16).

When we abuse the armor or wear it incorrectly, it can malfunction. Likewise, there are several factors that can interfere with the effectiveness of our spiritual breastplate. Carelessness (1 Peter 5:8), unbelief (Hebrews 3:12), abusing grace (Romans 6:1–2), or disobedience (1 John 3:4; Hebrews 4:6) can hinder our ability to stand firm and defeat the enemy in our lives.

When we tolerate sin, refuse to forgive (2 Corinthians 2:10–11), rely on personal righteousness (Titus 3:5), or allow earthly concerns to crowd out time for an intimate relationship with God, we, in effect, take off the breastplate of righteousness, minimizing its power to protect us.

What purpose does a breastplate serve?   The breastplate was a central part of the Roman soldier’s armor—it provided protection for the torso, which contains vital organs like the heart, lungs and so on.  As Proverbs 4:23 tells us: “Above all else guard your heart; for out of it are the issues of life”

What is righteousness?   To be righteous is to do what is right in God’s eyes. God’s commandments are righteousness. In contrast, lawlessness is sin, and sin is the opposite of righteousness. So to be righteous is to obey God’s laws of love.

Whose righteousness should we be wearing?  Jeremiah 23:6 True righteousness comes from God. It is God’s righteousness, and not our own, which must serve as our breastplate and defense against Satan.  Also consider scriptures such as Job 36:3; Psalm 5:8; 23:3; 24:5; and 71:16.

 How to put on the breastplate of righteousness?

• Putting on the breastplate of righteousness is something we do consciously. Become aware of who you are in Christ Jesus.
• Come boldly into His presence (Hebrews 4:16).
• Don’t cringe in His presence.
• Accept the truth that Christ has made you a pleasure in the presence of God.
• Expect Him to hear your prayer.
• Change your attitude and relationship with God in the light of what Christ has done for you.

Next, allow Christ to work His life and Will in you. Allow His Holy Spirit to give you the power to live above sin. Do this and you wear the breastplate of righteousness?  It is through a continuing and dedicated adherence to both the letter and spirit of God’s law that we can defend ourselves with His righteousness.   The “letter of the Law” is a matter of physical action, while the “spirit of the Law” involves an attitude of the mind.  Example:  Christ showed that to merely refrain from adultery is obedience to the “letter of the Law,” but to obey both the spirit and letter of the Law, one must also exercise self-control and not even lust after someone (committing “adultery in his heart”).

Once we have put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must be sure not to remove it. Wearing righteousness is not a one-time event; rather, it requires a lifetime of action.

 There is a message to the overcomer,

He who has ears let him hear….

Rev. Rosita