Empowered by God's Righteousness in Spiritual Warfare

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:14, Paul instructs believers to put on the "breastplate of righteousness" as part of the whole armor of God. This armor is essential for Christians engaged in spiritual warfare against the devil's schemes. The breastplate of righteousness is not merely about personal integrity but is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This divine righteousness is both imputed to us and imparted within us through the Holy Spirit, providing a robust defense against the devil's attacks on our feelings, moods, and conscience.

The breastplate of righteousness offers protection against the devil's temptations, which are multifaceted and relentless. The devil seeks to ridicule God's plan by tempting believers into sin. The ultimate defense against these temptations is the righteousness of God, which shields us from the devil's accusations and the sense of condemnation that can lead to despair and further sin. This righteousness reminds us of our identity as children of God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and empowers us to stand firm against the devil's onslaughts.

The modern world often seeks solutions to moral decay through education, philosophy, and psychology, but these efforts fall short because they do not address the root problem: ungodliness. History shows that periods of moral elevation follow religious awakenings, while moral decline accompanies a departure from godliness. The breastplate of righteousness is essential because it aligns us with God's truth and empowers us to live righteously, not through our strength but through the transformative power of the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

- The breastplate of righteousness is essential for spiritual warfare, providing protection against the devil's attacks on our emotions and conscience. It is not our righteousness but God's righteousness through faith in Christ that shields us. [03:30]

- Temptation is a multifaceted attack from the devil, and the breastplate of righteousness is the ultimate defense. It protects us from the devil's ridicule and accusations, reminding us of our identity in Christ. [06:23]

- Modern solutions to moral decay, such as education and philosophy, fail because they do not address the root problem of ungodliness. History shows that moral elevation follows religious awakenings, emphasizing the need for godliness. [13:17]

- The breastplate of righteousness delivers us from a sense of condemnation, which can lead to despair and further sin. It reminds us of God's forgiveness and our identity as His children, empowering us to resist temptation. [30:14]

- Our identity in Christ, as symbolized by the breastplate of righteousness, reminds us of our calling to live like Him. This identity empowers us to stand firm against the devil's attacks and live a life of holiness. [33:41]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:14
[00:27] - The Whole Armor of God
[01:03] - Spiritual Warfare
[01:54] - The Breastplate of Righteousness
[03:12] - God's Righteousness Through Faith
[05:36] - Protection Against Temptation
[08:07] - Contemporary Relevance
[10:55] - Historical Evidence of Godliness
[13:17] - Moral Elevation and Religious Awakening
[16:37] - The Failure of Modern Solutions
[19:51] - The Inadequacy of Education Alone
[25:10] - The Profound Truth of Scripture
[30:14] - Deliverance from Condemnation
[33:41] - Our Identity in Christ
[39:39] - Conclusion and Practical Application

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Breastplate of Righteousness

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 6:14
- Romans 1:18
- Hebrews 4:15

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean by the "breastplate of righteousness" in Ephesians 6:14, and how does it relate to spiritual warfare? [00:10]

2. According to the sermon, how does the breastplate of righteousness protect us from the devil's attacks on our emotions and conscience? [03:12]

3. How does the sermon describe the devil's strategy in tempting believers, and what role does the breastplate of righteousness play in defending against these temptations? [06:23]

4. What historical evidence does the sermon provide to support the claim that moral elevation follows religious awakenings? [13:17]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the righteousness of God, as described in the sermon, differ from personal integrity, and why is this distinction important for spiritual defense? [03:30]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that modern solutions to moral decay, such as education and philosophy, fall short of addressing the root problem of ungodliness? [09:26]

3. How does the breastplate of righteousness help deliver believers from a sense of condemnation, and why is this important in resisting temptation? [30:14]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between our identity in Christ and our ability to stand firm against the devil's attacks? [33:41]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt spiritually attacked. How might putting on the "breastplate of righteousness" have changed your response? [03:30]

2. The sermon emphasizes the inadequacy of modern solutions to moral decay. How can you incorporate godliness into your daily life to address this issue personally? [09:26]

3. Consider a time when you felt condemned or unworthy. How can the truth of God's righteousness help you overcome these feelings and resist further temptation? [30:14]

4. How does your identity in Christ empower you to live a life of holiness, and what practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this identity daily? [33:41]

5. The sermon mentions that periods of moral elevation follow religious awakenings. How can you contribute to a spiritual awakening in your community or church? [13:17]

6. Identify a specific temptation you struggle with. How can the concept of the breastplate of righteousness help you prepare to face this temptation in the future? [06:23]

7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to put on the whole armor of God, especially the breastplate of righteousness, in their spiritual battles? [01:54]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Righteousness as Our Armor
The breastplate of righteousness is a crucial part of the spiritual armor that protects believers from the devil's attacks on their emotions and conscience. This righteousness is not of our own making but is the righteousness of God, given to us through faith in Jesus Christ. It serves as a shield against the devil's schemes, guarding us from feelings of condemnation and despair. By wearing this breastplate, we are reminded of our identity as children of God, clothed in Christ's righteousness, which empowers us to stand firm in spiritual warfare. [03:30]

Ephesians 4:24 (ESV): "And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable to the devil's attacks on your emotions and conscience? How can you actively remind yourself of your identity in Christ today?


Day 2: The Ultimate Defense Against Temptation
Temptation is a multifaceted attack from the devil, aiming to lead believers into sin and away from God's plan. The breastplate of righteousness serves as the ultimate defense against these attacks, protecting us from ridicule and accusations. It reminds us of our identity in Christ and the power we have through His righteousness to resist temptation. By standing firm in this truth, we can overcome the devil's attempts to lead us astray and remain steadfast in our faith. [06:23]

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Reflection: Identify a specific temptation you are currently facing. What practical steps can you take today to rely on God's righteousness as your defense against this temptation?


Day 3: The Root Problem of Ungodliness
Modern solutions to moral decay, such as education and philosophy, often fail because they do not address the root problem of ungodliness. History shows that moral elevation follows religious awakenings, emphasizing the need for godliness in society. The breastplate of righteousness aligns us with God's truth and empowers us to live righteously, not through our strength but through the transformative power of the gospel. By embracing this righteousness, we can contribute to a moral revival in our communities. [13:17]

Isaiah 32:17 (ESV): "And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever."

Reflection: How can you actively promote godliness in your community today? What specific actions can you take to be a catalyst for moral elevation around you?


Day 4: Deliverance from Condemnation
The breastplate of righteousness delivers us from a sense of condemnation, which can lead to despair and further sin. It reminds us of God's forgiveness and our identity as His children, empowering us to resist temptation and live in freedom. By embracing this truth, we can overcome feelings of guilt and shame, standing firm in the knowledge that we are forgiven and loved by God. This understanding enables us to live a life of holiness and purpose. [30:14]

Hebrews 10:22 (ESV): "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt condemned or guilty. How can you remind yourself of God's forgiveness and your identity in Christ to overcome these feelings today?


Day 5: Living Out Our Identity in Christ
Our identity in Christ, symbolized by the breastplate of righteousness, reminds us of our calling to live like Him. This identity empowers us to stand firm against the devil's attacks and live a life of holiness. By embracing who we are in Christ, we can resist the pressures of the world and remain faithful to our calling. This understanding transforms our daily lives, enabling us to reflect Christ's love and righteousness to those around us. [33:41]

Colossians 3:10 (ESV): "And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

Reflection: What specific aspect of your identity in Christ do you struggle to embrace? How can you take steps today to live out this identity more fully in your daily life?

Quotes



The breastplate of righteousness is to cover that particular portion of our life, feelings and sensibilities, moods and so on, and the conscience and the will and the desire. And he says that the only adequate protection is what he calls here the breastplate of righteousness, which isn't just our own integrity. [00:03:12]

The devil tempts the children of God in order that he may ridicule God's plan of salvation. Obviously, therefore, this is a matter which is of the most urgent importance. Now we shall see later on that the shield is also provided to deal with this. [00:06:23]

The ultimate defense against temptation is undoubtedly this breastplate. The shield will help us against many of them, but they come from so many different directions that sometimes when you're holding your shield in this direction, the attack may come from that direction. [00:07:25]

The only adequate defense against this is the breastplate of righteousness. Surely the whole modern position proves this to the hilt. Why is this problem becoming an increasing problem? You see the graph of the problem. It's perfectly clear. It's going up. It's getting worse and worse. [00:09:26]

History alone gives abundant proof of the truth of the Apostle's statement. What do you find as you look back across the course of human history? Take the very history of this own country of ours, and don't you find this invariably? There have been certain good moral elevating periods in the history of this country. [00:13:17]

Those good periods have always been the periods that have followed a religious awakening, a reformation, or a revival invariably. And even before the Protestant Reformation, you get evidence of this selfsame thing. And it's not only been true of this country; it has been true of other countries. [00:14:48]

The greatest enemies to society and to the moral welfare of the masses of the people have been those good, moral, personally upright men who have taught with such confidence that they now had come to shed the doctrines of Christianity but were still holding on to its ethic. [00:16:50]

The problem is the problem of man in sin, with his mind and heart and conscience defiled, twisted, perverted. And the more you educate him, the more you encourage the evil that is in him. You increase his cleverness, his ingenuity at doing it all, as if to have knowledge could solve the problem of temptation. [00:28:49]

There is only one protection against the temptations of Satan. It is the breastplate of righteousness. You'll never get righteousness without godliness. You can multiply your police force, you can build better prisons, you can staff them with psychiatrists, you can try and uplift people and educate them. [00:29:39]

The breastplate of righteousness helps us at this point by delivering us from a sense of condemnation. Now, that's, of course, linking up with what we were saying last week, but I have to bring it in again because it's the most important part of this matter. [00:30:14]

The breastplate of righteousness helps us in this matter also by reminding us of who we are and what we are. Now, this is something to me very wonderful. This is the New Testament way of preaching holiness. This is the New Testament way of presenting the doctrine of sanctification. [00:33:41]

You put on the breastplate of righteousness, and you remind yourself of this. You see, I don't live to myself. What matters is not what I feel or what I do. I belong to this family. I'm a child of God. I belong to Jesus Christ. I'm clothed with his righteousness. [00:35:38]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?