Living Out Righteousness: The Armor of God

In this session, we delve into Ephesians 6:14-17, focusing on the "breastplate of righteousness" as part of the armor of God. The central question is whether this righteousness refers to the imputed righteousness of Christ or to a practical, lived righteousness. Imputed righteousness is the perfect righteousness of Christ credited to us through faith, forming the foundation of our justification before God. However, the context of Ephesians suggests that Paul is referring to a practical righteousness—a way of living that reflects our new identity in Christ.

Ephesians emphasizes the transformation that occurs when we put on the new self, created in the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. This practical righteousness is about living in a way that pleases God, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and walking as children of light. It is the evidence of our faith and the outworking of the imputed righteousness we have received.

The demonic enemies we face aim to lead us into sin and unrighteousness, such as harboring anger and grudges. Paul warns that holding onto anger gives the devil a foothold in our lives, leading to spiritual destruction. Instead, we are called to forgive and let go of offenses, thereby thwarting the devil's schemes. This practical righteousness is a defense against the devil's attempts to destroy us through sin.

In essence, the breastplate of righteousness is about living out our faith through righteous actions, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is a call to embody the righteousness of Christ in our daily lives, resisting the devil's temptations and standing firm in our identity as children of God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Imputed righteousness is foundational, but the breastplate of righteousness in Ephesians refers to practical righteousness—living out our faith in daily actions that please God. This righteousness is the fruit of our new identity in Christ. [03:18]
• 2. Holding onto anger and grudges gives the devil a foothold in our lives. We are called to forgive and let go of offenses, which is a key aspect of practical righteousness and a defense against the devil's schemes. [06:39]
• 3. Practical righteousness involves living as children of light, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and walking in a way that pleases God. It is the evidence of our faith and the outworking of the imputed righteousness we have received. [05:01]
• 4. The devil seeks to destroy us through sin and unrighteousness. By putting on the breastplate of righteousness, we resist his attempts and stand firm in our identity as children of God. [09:10]
• 5. True righteousness is not just about knowing or believing the truth but living it out in our daily lives. This obedience of faith frustrates the devil's designs and fulfills God's purpose for us. [10:29]
  ** [10:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - Introduction to the Armor of God
• [00:33] - The Breastplate of Righteousness
• [01:19] - Imputed vs. Practical Righteousness
• [02:17] - Understanding Imputed Righteousness
• [03:45] - Theological Context in Ephesians
• [04:13] - Practical Righteousness in Ephesians
• [05:28] - Demonic Enemies and Their Strategies
• [06:11] - The Danger of Holding Grudges
• [07:40] - Forgiveness as a Defense
• [08:28] - The Devil's Designs
• [09:10] - Living Out Practical Righteousness
• [10:16] - Children of God Practice Righteousness
• [10:43] - The Obedience of Faith
• [11:19] - Frustrating the Devil's Designs
• [11:35] - Conclusion and Call to Action

1. Ephesians 6:14-17
2. Ephesians 4:24
3. Ephesians 5:8-10

1. What does Paul mean by the "breastplate of righteousness" in Ephesians 6:14-17, and how does it relate to the armor of God? [00:33]
2. How does Ephesians 4:24 describe the "new self," and what characteristics are associated with it?
3. According to Ephesians 5:8-10, what does it mean to "walk as children of light," and how is righteousness involved in this walk?
4. In the sermon, what is the connection between holding onto anger and giving the devil a foothold in our lives? [06:39]

1. How does the concept of imputed righteousness differ from practical righteousness, and why is practical righteousness emphasized in Ephesians? [03:45]
2. What role does forgiveness play in protecting ourselves from the devil's schemes, according to the sermon? [08:28]
3. How does the sermon suggest that practical righteousness serves as a defense against demonic enemies? [09:10]
4. In what ways does the sermon describe the evidence of our faith through practical righteousness? [05:01]

1. Reflect on a time when you held onto anger or a grudge. How did it affect your spiritual life, and what steps can you take to practice forgiveness in similar situations? [06:39]
2. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to live out your faith through righteous actions. What practical steps can you take this week to embody the righteousness of Christ in that area? [10:29]
3. Consider the people in your life who may have wronged you. How can you actively practice forgiveness and let go of offenses to thwart the devil's schemes? [08:28]
4. How can you cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your daily interactions, and what specific actions can you take to walk as a child of light? [05:01]
5. Think about a situation where you were tempted to act unrighteously. How can you prepare yourself to resist such temptations in the future by putting on the breastplate of righteousness? [09:10]
6. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How can you ensure that your actions align with your identity as a child of God, and what changes might be necessary to live out this identity more fully? [10:16]
7. What specific prayer or scripture can you use to remind yourself of your new identity in Christ and the call to live righteously when facing daily challenges? [04:44]