Embracing Righteousness: The Armor of God

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:14, Paul exhorts us to put on the "breastplate of righteousness" as part of the whole armor of God. This armor is essential for withstanding the devil's schemes. The breastplate of righteousness is crucial because it protects the most sensitive parts of our being—our emotions, conscience, desires, and will. The devil often attacks us in these areas, attempting to lead us into temptation, disobedience, and ultimately, condemnation. The world’s attempts to teach morality without this divine armor are failing, as they rely on mechanical rules and regulations that cannot withstand the devil's wiles.

To understand what it means to put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must look to Jesus. His life exemplifies the righteousness that is imputed and imparted to us. His extraordinary humility, obedience, and endurance of suffering and temptation are the essence of this righteousness. By looking unto Jesus, we see how He resisted the devil and remained obedient to God, even unto death. This is the righteousness that satisfies the law of God and delivers us from the law, Satan, and all enemies.

Moreover, understanding why Jesus did all this is crucial. He did not merely die to save us from hell, but to make us good, to transform us into a peculiar people zealous for good works. This transformation is the positive aspect of putting on the breastplate of righteousness. It involves realizing that we are new creations in Christ, with a new nature and life hidden with Christ in God. This realization empowers us to live righteously, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and striving against sin.

In summary, putting on the breastplate of righteousness involves an active realization of who we are in Christ and why He did what He did. It is a call to live a life of righteousness, following the example of Jesus, and striving against sin with the assurance that our lives are hidden with Christ in God.

Key Takeaways:

- The breastplate of righteousness is essential for protecting our emotions, conscience, desires, and will from the devil's attacks. It is not about following mechanical rules but about embodying the righteousness of Christ. [01:39]

- Looking unto Jesus is crucial for understanding and putting on the breastplate of righteousness. His life of humility, obedience, and endurance is the pattern we must follow to resist the devil and live righteously. [08:05]

- Jesus did not die merely to save us from hell but to transform us into a people zealous for good works. This transformation is the positive aspect of putting on the breastplate of righteousness. [23:13]

- Realizing that we are new creations in Christ, with a new nature and life hidden with Christ in God, empowers us to live righteously and strive against sin. This is the essence of putting on the breastplate of righteousness. [35:14]

- The Christian life involves an active realization of who we are in Christ and why He did what He did. It is a call to live a life of righteousness, following the example of Jesus, and striving against sin with the assurance of our identity in Him. [40:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Armor of God
- [01:04] - Importance of the Breastplate of Righteousness
- [02:11] - The Devil's Attacks and Temptations
- [03:39] - Understanding the Breastplate of Righteousness
- [05:14] - Realizing Our Death to Sin and the Law
- [07:34] - Positive Aspects of Righteousness
- [08:23] - Looking Unto Jesus
- [10:01] - Jesus' Humility and Obedience
- [12:02] - Endurance of Temptation and Suffering
- [14:23] - Continuous Struggle Against Sin
- [16:40] - The Agony in Gethsemane
- [18:41] - The Cross and Its Significance
- [22:04] - Why Jesus Endured It All
- [24:33] - Transformation Through Christ's Sacrifice
- [29:17] - Living as New Creations in Christ
- [35:14] - Our New Identity in Christ
- [40:12] - The Call to Righteous Living

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Breastplate of Righteousness

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:14
- Hebrews 12:2-3
- Titus 2:11-14

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean by the "breastplate of righteousness" in Ephesians 6:14, and why is it essential for Christians? [00:13]

2. How does the sermon describe the areas of our lives that the breastplate of righteousness protects? [01:39]

3. According to the sermon, what are the negative aspects we must realize about our old selves before putting on the breastplate of righteousness? [05:14]

4. What examples from Jesus' life are given in the sermon to illustrate the righteousness we are to embody? [09:41]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does looking unto Jesus help us understand and put on the breastplate of righteousness, according to the sermon? [08:23]

2. The sermon mentions that Jesus did not die merely to save us from hell but to transform us. What does this transformation entail, and how is it related to the breastplate of righteousness? [23:13]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that realizing our new identity in Christ empowers us to live righteously? [35:14]

4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between Jesus' endurance of suffering and our call to strive against sin? [16:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where your emotions or conscience were under attack. How might putting on the breastplate of righteousness have changed your response? [01:39]

2. The sermon emphasizes looking unto Jesus as a model for righteousness. What specific aspect of Jesus' life can you focus on this week to strengthen your spiritual armor? [08:23]

3. Consider the idea that Jesus died to make us zealous for good works. What is one good work you feel called to pursue, and how can you take a step towards it this week? [23:13]

4. The sermon discusses the importance of realizing our new identity in Christ. How can you remind yourself daily of this new identity, especially when facing challenges? [35:14]

5. Think about a time when you felt discouraged in your spiritual journey. How can the example of Jesus' endurance inspire you to persevere in your faith? [16:06]

6. The sermon suggests that the Christian life involves an active realization of who we are in Christ. What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding of your identity in Christ this month? [40:12]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with ungodliness or worldly desires. What action can you take this week to deny these and live more righteously? [27:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Protecting the Heart with Righteousness
The breastplate of righteousness is a vital piece of the armor of God, designed to protect the most sensitive parts of our being—our emotions, conscience, desires, and will—from the devil's attacks. Unlike the world's approach to morality, which often relies on mechanical rules and regulations, the righteousness of Christ offers a divine protection that withstands the devil's schemes. This righteousness is not about following a set of rules but about embodying the character and virtues of Christ, allowing His righteousness to guard our hearts and minds. [01:39]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively embody the righteousness of Christ in your daily interactions, allowing it to protect your heart and mind from negative influences?


Day 2: Following Jesus' Example of Righteousness
Looking unto Jesus is crucial for understanding and putting on the breastplate of righteousness. His life of humility, obedience, and endurance serves as the pattern we must follow to resist the devil and live righteously. By studying His life and actions, we learn how to navigate temptations and challenges with grace and strength. Jesus' unwavering commitment to God's will, even in the face of suffering, provides a powerful example of how to live a life of righteousness. [08:05]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: How can you incorporate Jesus' example of humility and obedience into your life today, especially in situations where you face temptation or adversity?


Day 3: Transformation Through Christ's Sacrifice
Jesus did not die merely to save us from hell but to transform us into a people zealous for good works. This transformation is the positive aspect of putting on the breastplate of righteousness. It involves recognizing that we are new creations in Christ, with a new nature and life hidden with Christ in God. This transformation empowers us to live righteously, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and striving against sin. [23:13]

Titus 2:11-14 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Reflection: What specific changes can you make in your life to reflect the transformation that Christ's sacrifice has brought about in you?


Day 4: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
Realizing that we are new creations in Christ, with a new nature and life hidden with Christ in God, empowers us to live righteously and strive against sin. This is the essence of putting on the breastplate of righteousness. By embracing our new identity, we gain the strength and motivation to live according to God's will, resisting the temptations and pressures of the world. [35:14]

Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: How can you actively embrace and live out your new identity in Christ today, especially in areas where you feel challenged or tempted?


Day 5: The Call to Righteous Living
The Christian life involves an active realization of who we are in Christ and why He did what He did. It is a call to live a life of righteousness, following the example of Jesus, and striving against sin with the assurance of our identity in Him. This call requires intentionality and commitment, as we seek to align our lives with the values and principles of God's kingdom. [40:12]

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to live more intentionally in alignment with your identity as a member of God's chosen people, proclaiming His excellencies in your daily life?

Quotes

"To understand what it means to put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must look to Jesus. His life exemplifies the righteousness that is imputed and imparted to us. His extraordinary humility, obedience, and endurance of suffering and temptation are the essence of this righteousness. By looking unto Jesus, we see how He resisted the devil and remained obedient to God, even unto death. This is the righteousness that satisfies the law of God and delivers us from the law, Satan, and all enemies." [00:09:59]

"Moreover, understanding why Jesus did all this is crucial. He did not merely die to save us from hell, but to make us good, to transform us into a peculiar people zealous for good works. This transformation is the positive aspect of putting on the breastplate of righteousness. It involves realizing that we are new creations in Christ, with a new nature and life hidden with Christ in God. This realization empowers us to live righteously, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and striving against sin." [00:23:04]

"Realizing that we are new creations in Christ, with a new nature and life hidden with Christ in God, empowers us to live righteously and strive against sin. This is the essence of putting on the breastplate of righteousness. The Christian life involves an active realization of who we are in Christ and why He did what He did. It is a call to live a life of righteousness, following the example of Jesus, and striving against sin with the assurance of our identity in Him." [00:35:14]

"The breastplate of righteousness is essential for protecting our emotions, conscience, desires, and will from the devil's attacks. It is not about following mechanical rules but about embodying the righteousness of Christ. The world’s attempts to teach morality without this divine armor are failing, as they rely on mechanical rules and regulations that cannot withstand the devil's wiles." [00:01:39]

"Looking unto Jesus is crucial for understanding and putting on the breastplate of righteousness. His life of humility, obedience, and endurance is the pattern we must follow to resist the devil and live righteously. Jesus did not die merely to save us from hell but to transform us into a people zealous for good works. This transformation is the positive aspect of putting on the breastplate of righteousness." [00:08:05]

"Jesus did not die merely to save us from hell but to transform us into a people zealous for good works. This transformation is the positive aspect of putting on the breastplate of righteousness. Realizing that we are new creations in Christ, with a new nature and life hidden with Christ in God, empowers us to live righteously and strive against sin." [00:23:13]

"The Christian life involves an active realization of who we are in Christ and why He did what He did. It is a call to live a life of righteousness, following the example of Jesus, and striving against sin with the assurance of our identity in Him. This is the essence of putting on the breastplate of righteousness." [00:40:12]

"To put on the breastplate of righteousness means to consider him to look at him living agonizing dying buried Rising again you look at him and you deduce these greater that's putting on the breast pit of righteousness that's how the New Testament does it it's the only way to do it." [00:30:17]

"To put on the breastplate of righteousness means to consider him to look at him living agonizing dying buried Rising again you look at him and you deduce these greater that's putting on the breast pit of righteousness that's how the New Testament does it it's the only way to do it." [00:30:17]

"To put on the breastplate of righteousness means to consider him to look at him living agonizing dying buried Rising again you look at him and you deduce these greater that's putting on the breast pit of righteousness that's how the New Testament does it it's the only way to do it." [00:30:17]

"To put on the breastplate of righteousness means to consider him to look at him living agonizing dying buried Rising again you look at him and you deduce these greater that's putting on the breast pit of righteousness that's how the New Testament does it it's the only way to do it." [00:30:17]

"To put on the breastplate of righteousness means to consider him to look at him living agonizing dying buried Rising again you look at him and you deduce these greater that's putting on the breast pit of righteousness that's how the New Testament does it it's the only way to do it." [00:30:17]

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Transcript
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