Stand therefore, having fastened the belt of truth, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Ephesians 6;14 ESV

There are two types of righteousness; self-righteousness and God’s righteousness. Self-righteousness is based on works, and God’s righteousness is based on grace. Self-righteousness will brag or can be puffed up and is based on all that person perceives they do or how they perform. God-based righteousness will brag on the goodness of God and love Him for the covering of His righteousness on one’s life. The first piece of the armor was truth, and it is imperative that you have truth before you put on the breastplate. Just as all the armor is protective in nature, God’s righteousness has benefits that self-righteousness doesn’t have.

PROTECTION:
No one is a match for all the attacks the devil will make in life. The breastplate, as all pieces of the armor, is important for its protection of all the vital organs, especially the heart. If protection is not given to the heart, you become an easy target for Satan to destroy. Remember, the heart and the mind as a Christian are linked together. Depending on the translation, concerning the heart, Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard, watch, or keep the heart above all else. Why? For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their THINKING, and their foolish HEARTS were darkened. Romans 1:21 ESV If you would place Jesus’s name with each piece of armor you might be able to visualize better the importance of putting on this armor for protection. (i.e. Jesus’ truth, Jesus’ righteousness, Jesus’ shoes, Jesus’ shield…etc) The armor of God is available to every Believer/ Christian, but there is a personal responsibility to … put it on….. daily.

SECURITY:
Attempting to be righteous in our own strength will create the burden on guilt when failing. This makes a person feel insecure, for this is a works-based righteousness. Jesus’ righteousness will grow you to love Him more, for you did nothing to earn it….. it is a gift given by grace and mercy . Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. Romans 4:4-5 ESV…..
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 ESV….. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing, it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

CONFIDENCE:
And now little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you many be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. 1 John 2:28-29 ESV
To put on the breastplate of reghteousness is to have Christ in your heart/life. If you have the breastplate of reighteousness, you will live on purpose for God because of his imputed righteousness. It is impossible to sin successfully as a Christian. Sin, yes…. successfully, no.

APPLICATION:
This week reflect upon an area in your life that always seems to be where the Devil attacks you. He sees a weakness in you, and you need to protect that area with the breastplate of righteousness. Make much of Jesus and give no place for the Devil…. STAND in the strength and protection Jesus gives. In every situation of life be … more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:327 ESV …. Know and believe you can ….. do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 Find a verse or scripture passage that will help you focus upon God and use it to not sin against Him. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 ESV Have a blessed week because of Jesus’ love, grace and mercy.

Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David