Standing Firm: The Power of Christ's Righteousness
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. 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. This righteousness is not our own integrity but the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us through faith. It is our 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, known as the accuser, often attacks us by reminding us of our unworthiness and sinfulness, especially when we approach God in prayer. He tries to convince us that we are not fit to pray or to be in God's presence. However, the breastplate of righteousness allows us to stand firm, knowing that our access to God is through the righteousness of Christ, not our own merits. This righteousness assures us that we are justified by faith and have peace with God.
When we fall into sin, the devil attempts to bring us into condemnation and despair. Yet, the breastplate of righteousness reminds us that our relationship with God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our own actions. We are justified by faith, and there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. This understanding helps us resist the devil's accusations and maintain our standing before God.
Even in the face of death, the breastplate of righteousness provides assurance. The devil may try to shake our confidence by reminding us of our past sins and failures, but we can rest in the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ. Our salvation is secure because of Christ's finished work, and nothing can separate us from His love.
Key Takeaways:
- 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 that our righteousness comes from Christ, not ourselves. [03:47]
- In prayer, the devil accuses us of unworthiness, but the breastplate of righteousness assures us that our access to God is through Christ's righteousness. This understanding allows us to approach God with boldness and confidence. [08:37]
- When we fall into sin, the devil tries to condemn us, but the breastplate of righteousness reminds us that our standing with God is based on Christ's righteousness. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. [21:37]
- Even in the face of death, the breastplate of righteousness provides assurance of eternal life. Our salvation is secure because of Christ's finished work, and nothing can separate us from His love. [34:52]
- Understanding and applying the doctrine of justification by faith is crucial for resisting the devil's accusations. Our relationship with God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our own actions, and this truth empowers us to stand firm in faith. [28:32]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to the Armor of God
[01:21] - The Importance of the Breastplate of Righteousness
[02:59] - Protecting the Heart and Emotions
[04:20] - Righteousness of Christ as Our Protection
[05:08] - The Devil's Accusations
[07:03] - Facing Accusations in Prayer
[09:09] - Justification by Faith
[12:04] - Boldness in Prayer
[14:31] - Assurance of Faith
[19:02] - Accusations When We Sin
[21:49] - Continuous Cleansing by Christ's Blood
[26:35] - No Condemnation in Christ
[30:13] - Standing Firm in Righteousness
[34:52] - Assurance in the Face of Death
[37:22] - Conclusion and Hymn
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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. John 5:24 - "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."
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 our emotions and conscience? [03:13]
3. According to the sermon, what are some of the devil's tactics when we try to pray, and how does the breastplate of righteousness help us? [07:03]
4. What assurance does John 5:24 provide to believers, and how does it relate to the concept of the breastplate of righteousness? [34:52]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the righteousness of Christ, as described in the sermon, differ from our own integrity, and why is this distinction important for our spiritual battles? [04:20]
2. In what ways does the doctrine of justification by faith empower believers to resist the devil's accusations, according to the sermon? [09:09]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between our standing with God and our actions, especially when we fall into sin? [21:37]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the breastplate of righteousness when facing the fear of death and the devil's accusations at that time? [34:52]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent time when you felt unworthy to pray. How can the understanding of the breastplate of righteousness change your approach to prayer? [08:37]
2. When you fall into sin, how do you typically respond to feelings of condemnation? How can the truth of justification by faith help you in those moments? [21:37]
3. Consider a situation where you felt discouraged or depressed. How might putting on the breastplate of righteousness provide you with confidence and assurance? [04:20]
4. How can you remind yourself daily that your relationship with God is based on Christ's righteousness and not your own actions? [28:32]
5. Think about a time when you feared death or the unknown. How does the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ provide you with peace and assurance? [34:52]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel the devil's accusations most strongly. How can you use the breastplate of righteousness to stand firm in that area? [05:08]
7. How can you practically apply the doctrine of justification by faith in your daily life to resist the devil's schemes and maintain your standing before God? [09:09]
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. This protection is not based on our own integrity but on the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us through faith. It provides us with confidence and assurance, shielding us from discouragement and depression. By understanding that our righteousness comes from Christ, we can stand firm against the devil's schemes, knowing that our spiritual security is not dependent on our own merits. [03:47]
Isaiah 61:10 (ESV): "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on Christ's righteousness rather than your own efforts for confidence and assurance?
Day 2: Boldness in Prayer
When we approach God in prayer, the devil often accuses us of unworthiness, trying to convince us that we are not fit to be in God's presence. However, the breastplate of righteousness assures us that our access to God is through Christ's righteousness, not our own merits. This understanding allows us to approach God with boldness and confidence, knowing that we are justified by faith and have peace with God. By embracing this truth, we can resist the devil's accusations and maintain a strong prayer life. [08:37]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of Christ's righteousness when you feel unworthy to pray, and how might this change your approach to prayer today?
Day 3: Standing Firm in Grace
When we fall into sin, the devil attempts to bring us into condemnation and despair. Yet, the breastplate of righteousness reminds us that our relationship with God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our own actions. We are justified by faith, and there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. This understanding helps us resist the devil's accusations and maintain our standing before God, even when we stumble. By focusing on Christ's finished work, we can find the strength to stand firm in grace. [21:37]
Micah 7:8-9 (ESV): "Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication."
Reflection: What is one sin or failure that the devil uses to accuse you, and how can you use the truth of Christ's righteousness to stand firm against these accusations today?
Day 4: Assurance in the Face of Death
Even in the face of death, the breastplate of righteousness provides assurance. The devil may try to shake our confidence by reminding us of our past sins and failures, but we can rest in the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ. Our salvation is secure because of Christ's finished work, and nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance allows us to face the end of life with peace and hope, knowing that our eternal destiny is secure. [34:52]
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (ESV): "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal life through Christ's righteousness change your perspective on death and the legacy you want to leave behind?
Day 5: Empowered by Justification
Understanding and applying the doctrine of justification by faith is crucial for resisting the devil's accusations. Our relationship with God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our own actions, and this truth empowers us to stand firm in faith. By embracing this doctrine, we can live with the confidence that we are justified and at peace with God, regardless of our circumstances. This empowerment allows us to live boldly for Christ, knowing that our identity and worth are secure in Him. [28:32]
Galatians 2:20-21 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose."
Reflection: In what ways can you apply the truth of justification by faith to a current challenge or decision in your life, and how might this change your approach?
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. This righteousness is not our own integrity but the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us through faith. [00:03:04]
The devil is defined as the accuser of the Brethren, one of the names attached to him. He is not only the accuser of the Brethren but he is the adversary, and he not only accuses us to God but he accuses us to ourselves. It is essential and vital that we should know how to protect ourselves against it. [00:05:16]
The moment we get Upon Our Knees, the devil begins, and what he does is to suggest that we are no people to pray to God. We are in no condition to pray to God. He reminds us of our unworthiness, reminds us of our sinfulness, wakes up perhaps from a dim distant past something we did and holds it before us. [00:07:12]
The only way to answer the devil when he comes in that way is to say this: therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand. That is a final, conclusive, complete answer. [00:09:47]
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Then again in the first two verses of the second chapter: my little children, these things write I unto you that ye sin not, but if any man does sin, we have an advocate with the Father. [00:22:33]
There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. What that means is this: there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus now and never will be and never can be. Why? Well, because the Christian, as he's been demonstrating so abundantly, is out of the whole realm of law. [00:27:32]
When God made me his child, he made me his child, and I am his child, a very sinful and a very unworthy one, but still his child. I haven't sinned against law; I've sinned against love. Now, like the prodigal, I go back to my father and tell him, "Father, I'm not worthy to be called thy son." [00:30:45]
The breastplate of righteousness is more than sufficient. This isn't excusing sin in a believer. Indeed, if we understand this doctrine truly, it is more calculated than anything else to keep us from sin. It's when we know the love of God to us and when we love him as we ought, that's the thing that keeps us from sin. [00:32:54]
The accusations of the devil when we come to die. Now, you read the biographies of the Saints, and you'll find that some of the greatest Saints have had a terrible conflict with him on their very deathbeds. Let him that think he standeth take heed lest he fall. [00:33:38]
Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is already passed from death unto life. It's all right. Yes, there you are with nothing to recommend yourself. You say, "It's all right. I rest upon his word." [00:34:49]
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own son but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God himself that justifies. [00:35:32]
Jesus, thy robe of righteousness, or as I believe it should be, thy blood and righteousness, my beauty are my glorious dress. Midst flaming worlds, in this arrayed with joy shall I lift up my head. Bold shall I stand in thy great day, for who or to my charge shall lay fully absolved through Thee I am from sin and fear. [00:36:40]
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