Embracing the Breastplate of Righteousness in Faith

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:14, Paul instructs us to put on the "breastplate of righteousness" as part of the whole armor of God. This armor is essential for Christians in their spiritual battle against the devil's schemes and the forces of darkness. The breastplate of righteousness is crucial because it protects the core of our being—our emotions, conscience, desires, and will—from the devil's subtle attacks. It provides us with confidence and assurance, shielding us from discouragement and depression by reminding us of the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to us through faith.

This righteousness is not our own integrity but the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ, which is imparted to us. It is our only protection against the devil's accusations, whether they come when we pray, when we fall into sin, or even when we face death. The devil, as the accuser, tries to remind us of our unworthiness and sinfulness, but the breastplate of righteousness allows us to stand firm, knowing that our access to God is through Christ's righteousness, not our own.

When the devil accuses us, especially in moments of prayer, he tries to convince us that we are unworthy to approach God. However, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, we can boldly approach the throne of grace, knowing that Jesus, our high priest, has made a way for us. This righteousness assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, as our standing before God is based on Christ's work, not our own.

Even when we fall into sin, the breastplate of righteousness reminds us that our relationship with God is secure. We are justified by faith, and God's love and forgiveness are always available to us. This understanding should not lead us to sin more but rather to live in gratitude and obedience, knowing the depth of God's love for us.

Finally, as we face death, the breastplate of righteousness gives us confidence that we have already passed from death to life through faith in Christ. We can stand boldly before God, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love.

Key Takeaways:

1. The breastplate of righteousness is essential for protecting our emotions, conscience, and will from the devil's attacks. It provides confidence and assurance, reminding us of Christ's righteousness imputed to us through faith. [03:47]

2. Our righteousness is not based on our integrity but on the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. This righteousness is our only protection against the devil's accusations, especially when we pray. [08:37]

3. When we fall into sin, the breastplate of righteousness assures us that our relationship with God is secure. We are justified by faith, and God's love and forgiveness are always available to us. [21:39]

4. The breastplate of righteousness allows us to boldly approach the throne of grace, knowing that Jesus, our high priest, has made a way for us. Our standing before God is based on Christ's work, not our own. [12:21]

5. As we face death, the breastplate of righteousness gives us confidence that we have already passed from death to life through faith in Christ. We can stand boldly before God, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. [35:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Armor of God
- [01:04] - The Necessity of the Armor
- [02:06] - The Foundation of Truth
- [02:59] - The Breastplate of Righteousness
- [03:47] - Confidence and Assurance
- [05:08] - Protection Against Accusations
- [07:03] - The Devil's Accusations in Prayer
- [09:09] - Justification by Faith
- [12:21] - Boldness Before the Throne of Grace
- [15:21] - Answering the Devil's Accusations
- [19:06] - Falling into Sin
- [23:02] - Continuous Cleansing
- [26:35] - No Condemnation in Christ
- [30:59] - The Prodigal's Return
- [34:52] - Facing Death with Confidence
- [37:22] - Conclusion and Hymn

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Breastplate of Righteousness

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 6:14 - "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place."
2. Romans 5:1-2 - "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand."
3. Hebrews 4:14-16 - "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean by the "breastplate of righteousness" in Ephesians 6:14, and why is it essential for Christians? [00:12]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the breastplate of righteousness in protecting us from the devil's accusations during prayer? [07:03]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the breastplate of righteousness when we fall into sin? [19:06]
4. How does the breastplate of righteousness provide confidence as we face death, according to the sermon? [34:52]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the breastplate of righteousness relate to the idea of justification by faith as discussed in Romans 5:1-2? [09:09]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the breastplate of righteousness helps us approach God with confidence, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:14-16? [12:21]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between the breastplate of righteousness and our standing before God, especially when we sin? [21:39]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of the breastplate of righteousness in overcoming the devil's accusations at the time of death? [35:07]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy to pray. How might the breastplate of righteousness change your approach to prayer in the future? [07:03]
2. When you fall into sin, how can the assurance of the breastplate of righteousness help you seek God's forgiveness and maintain your relationship with Him? [21:39]
3. Consider a situation where you felt accused or condemned. How can you remind yourself of your standing in Christ through the breastplate of righteousness? [08:37]
4. How can the understanding of the breastplate of righteousness influence your confidence in facing life's challenges, including the fear of death? [35:07]
5. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with feelings of unworthiness. How can you apply the truth of the breastplate of righteousness to this area? [10:59]
6. How can you use the knowledge of the breastplate of righteousness to encourage someone else who is struggling with feelings of condemnation or unworthiness? [16:50]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself daily of the righteousness of Christ that covers you? [18:18]

Devotional

Day 1: The Armor of Confidence
The breastplate of righteousness is a vital piece of the spiritual armor that protects the core of our being—our emotions, conscience, desires, and will—from the devil's subtle attacks. It provides us with confidence and assurance, shielding us from discouragement and depression by reminding us of the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to us through faith. This righteousness is not our own integrity but the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ, which is imparted to us. It is our only protection against the devil's accusations, whether they come when we pray, when we fall into sin, or even when we face death. [03:47]

"For the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." (Proverbs 3:26, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable to discouragement or doubt? How can you remind yourself of Christ's righteousness in those moments today?


Day 2: Righteousness Beyond Self
Our righteousness is not based on our integrity but on the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. This righteousness is our only protection against the devil's accusations, especially when we pray. The devil, as the accuser, tries to remind us of our unworthiness and sinfulness, but the breastplate of righteousness allows us to stand firm, knowing that our access to God is through Christ's righteousness, not our own. When the devil accuses us, especially in moments of prayer, he tries to convince us that we are unworthy to approach God. However, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, we can boldly approach the throne of grace, knowing that Jesus, our high priest, has made a way for us. [08:37]

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: When you pray, do you find yourself doubting your worthiness to approach God? How can you shift your focus from your own righteousness to Christ's righteousness today?


Day 3: Assurance in Sin
When we fall into sin, the breastplate of righteousness assures us that our relationship with God is secure. We are justified by faith, and God's love and forgiveness are always available to us. This understanding should not lead us to sin more but rather to live in gratitude and obedience, knowing the depth of God's love for us. Even when we fall into sin, the breastplate of righteousness reminds us that our relationship with God is secure. We are justified by faith, and God's love and forgiveness are always available to us. [21:39]

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a sin you struggle with that makes you doubt your relationship with God? How can you embrace His forgiveness and live in gratitude today?


Day 4: Boldness in Grace
The breastplate of righteousness allows us to boldly approach the throne of grace, knowing that Jesus, our high priest, has made a way for us. Our standing before God is based on Christ's work, not our own. This righteousness assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, as our standing before God is based on Christ's work, not our own. We can stand boldly before God, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. [12:21]

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)

Reflection: What holds you back from approaching God with confidence? How can you remind yourself of the access you have through Christ today?


Day 5: Confidence in Life and Death
As we face death, the breastplate of righteousness gives us confidence that we have already passed from death to life through faith in Christ. We can stand boldly before God, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance is not just for the end of life but for every day, as we live in the reality of eternal life now. The breastplate of righteousness gives us confidence that we have already passed from death to life through faith in Christ. [35:07]

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21, ESV)

Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal life through Christ change the way you live today? What steps can you take to live more fully in this confidence?

Quotes



The breastplate of righteousness is crucial because it protects the core of our being—our emotions, conscience, desires, and will—from the devil's subtle attacks. It provides us with confidence and assurance, shielding us from discouragement and depression by reminding us of the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to us through faith. [00:03:47]

Our righteousness is not based on our integrity but on the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. This righteousness is our only protection against the devil's accusations, especially when we pray. The devil, as the accuser, tries to remind us of our unworthiness and sinfulness, but the breastplate of righteousness allows us to stand firm. [00:08:37]

When we fall into sin, the breastplate of righteousness assures us that our relationship with God is secure. We are justified by faith, and God's love and forgiveness are always available to us. This understanding should not lead us to sin more but rather to live in gratitude and obedience, knowing the depth of God's love for us. [00:21:39]

The breastplate of righteousness allows us to boldly approach the throne of grace, knowing that Jesus, our high priest, has made a way for us. Our standing before God is based on Christ's work, not our own. We can stand boldly before God, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. [00:12:21]

As we face death, the breastplate of righteousness gives us confidence that we have already passed from death to life through faith in Christ. We can stand boldly before God, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance is rooted in the righteousness of Christ. [00:35:07]

The devil accuses us, especially in moments of prayer, trying to convince us that we are unworthy to approach God. However, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, we can boldly approach the throne of grace, knowing that Jesus, our high priest, has made a way for us. [00:12:21]

Even when we fall into sin, the breastplate of righteousness reminds us that our relationship with God is secure. We are justified by faith, and God's love and forgiveness are always available to us. This understanding should not lead us to sin more but rather to live in gratitude and obedience. [00:21:39]

The breastplate of righteousness is essential for protecting our emotions, conscience, and will from the devil's attacks. It provides confidence and assurance, reminding us of Christ's righteousness imputed to us through faith. This righteousness is our only protection against the devil's accusations. [00:03:47]

Our righteousness is not based on our integrity but on the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. This righteousness is our only protection against the devil's accusations, especially when we pray. The devil, as the accuser, tries to remind us of our unworthiness and sinfulness. [00:08:37]

When we fall into sin, the breastplate of righteousness assures us that our relationship with God is secure. We are justified by faith, and God's love and forgiveness are always available to us. This understanding should not lead us to sin more but rather to live in gratitude and obedience. [00:21:39]

The breastplate of righteousness allows us to boldly approach the throne of grace, knowing that Jesus, our high priest, has made a way for us. Our standing before God is based on Christ's work, not our own. We can stand boldly before God, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. [00:12:21]

As we face death, the breastplate of righteousness gives us confidence that we have already passed from death to life through faith in Christ. We can stand boldly before God, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance is rooted in the righteousness of Christ. [00:35:07]

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Transcript
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