Understanding Righteousness: Our Authority and Identity in Christ

The enemy’s greatest strategy is to distort our understanding of the gift of righteousness. Righteousness is not something we earn, but a gift given through Jesus Christ, and it is the foundation from which all of God’s blessings, victory, and answered prayers flow. Many believers live beneath their calling, not reigning in life, because they do not grasp the reality of this gift. The spiritual realm, referred to as “heavenly places,” is not a distant future or a physical location, but a present spiritual reality where God’s authority and power operate. In Christ, we are seated in these heavenly places, sharing in His authority, access, and rest.

Being seated with Christ means we have authority over all the power of the enemy, access to God’s wisdom, provision, and presence, and a position of rest—no longer striving for acceptance or favor, but reigning through the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. Spiritual warfare takes place in this realm, but we are positioned above all spiritual forces of wickedness. Our words, prayers, and declarations activate the blessings stored for us in heavenly places.

The devil is called the “enemy of all righteousness” because he knows that if he can undermine our sense of righteousness, he can keep us from reigning in life. Righteousness is the taproot of all God’s blessings: favor, healing, victory over sin, wisdom, spiritual growth, deliverance, peace, protection, boldness, and success. The breastplate of righteousness protects our spiritual and emotional “vital organs”—our heart, mind, and will—guarding us from condemnation, guilt, and shame. When we understand and receive this gift, we are empowered to live as kings and priests: building wealth (not just financially, but in influence and peace) and building the church.

Our identity as loved, washed, and anointed children of God is the key to reigning in life. The enemy’s main tactic is to keep us ignorant of this truth, chaining us to inferiority and self-condemnation. But as we renew our minds to the reality of our righteousness in Christ, we step into the fullness of God’s blessings and authority, living out our calling to rule and reign in every area of life.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The gift of righteousness is the foundation for all spiritual blessings and victory. It is not earned by our efforts but received through Jesus Christ. When we understand and accept this gift, we move from striving to reigning, accessing all that God has for us. [05:03]
• 2. Being seated with Christ in heavenly places means we have authority, access, and rest. We are not struggling to gain power or favor; we already possess them in Christ. This position empowers us to operate above the forces of darkness, using our words and prayers to release God’s blessings into our lives. [07:40]
• 3. The enemy’s primary attack is against our sense of righteousness. He seeks to keep us feeling condemned, guilty, and inferior, knowing that a believer who doubts their righteousness will not reign in life. Recognizing the devil as the “enemy of all righteousness” helps us focus our spiritual warfare on maintaining our confidence in God’s gift. [10:58]
• 4. The breastplate of righteousness protects our spiritual and emotional core—our heart, mind, and will. Just as vital organs are essential for physical life, our sense of righteousness is essential for spiritual vitality. When we put on this breastplate, we guard ourselves from condemnation and are free to live boldly and confidently before God. [16:21]
• 5. Our identity as kings and priests in Christ calls us to build both wealth and the church. True wealth is not limited to finances but includes influence, peace, and the ability to bring God’s goodness to others. Embracing our dual calling empowers us to impact the world and the church, living out the fullness of our anointing. [21:18]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:32] - Defining Heavenly Places
• [03:10] - Spiritual Blessings in Heavenly Places
• [05:03] - Seated with Christ: Authority and Access
• [07:40] - Rest and Reigning in Life
• [09:15] - The Enemy of All Righteousness
• [10:58] - The Gift of Righteousness Explained
• [13:00] - Kings and Priests: Our New Identity
• [14:45] - Building Wealth and Building the Church
• [16:21] - The Breastplate of Righteousness
• [18:30] - Protecting Our Spiritual Vital Organs
• [20:00] - Overcoming Condemnation and Shame
• [21:18] - Righteousness: The Taproot of Blessing
• [22:45] - Receiving Healing and Wholeness
• [24:08] - Closing and Prayer

Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:4-7 (ESV) — > But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

2. Romans 5:17 (ESV)
> For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

3. Ephesians 6:14 (ESV)
> Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.

Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 2:6, where are believers spiritually seated, and what does this position represent?
2. In Romans 5:17, what two things does Paul say enable us to “reign in life”?
3. What does the “breastplate of righteousness” protect, according to Ephesians 6:14 and the sermon? [16:21]
4. The sermon says the enemy is called the “enemy of all righteousness.” Where does this phrase come from, and why is it significant? [10:58]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon explains that being “seated with Christ in heavenly places” is not about a future destination but a present spiritual reality. How does this change the way a believer might view their daily life and challenges? [05:03]
2. Why is righteousness described as a “gift” and not something we earn? How does this impact the way we approach God and spiritual growth? [10:58]
3. The breastplate of righteousness is said to protect our “spiritual and emotional vital organs.” What might happen to a believer who neglects this protection? [16:21]
4. The sermon says our identity as “kings and priests” empowers us to build both wealth and the church. What does it mean to build wealth beyond finances, and how does this relate to our calling? [14:45]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says many believers live beneath their calling because they don’t understand the gift of righteousness. In what areas of your life do you feel you might be “living beneath your calling”? What would it look like to step into your true identity? [05:03]
2. When you face spiritual battles or feelings of condemnation, what practical steps can you take to “put on the breastplate of righteousness” and guard your heart and mind? [16:21]
3. The enemy tries to keep us chained to inferiority and self-condemnation. Are there specific thoughts or situations where you struggle with guilt or shame? How can you remind yourself of your righteousness in Christ in those moments? [21:18]
4. The sermon says our words, prayers, and declarations activate the blessings stored for us in heavenly places. Can you think of a time when speaking God’s truth or praying boldly made a difference in your life? How can you be more intentional about this? [07:40]
5. As “kings and priests,” we are called to build both wealth (influence, peace, goodness) and the church. What is one practical way you can use your influence or resources this week to bless others or serve the church? [14:45]
6. The sermon challenges us to move from striving to resting in God’s acceptance and favor. Are there areas where you find yourself striving for approval—from God or others? What would it look like to rest in the finished work of Christ instead? [07:40]
7. The sermon lists many blessings that flow from righteousness: favor, healing, victory, wisdom, peace, protection, boldness, and success. Which of these do you most desire to see more of in your life, and how can you pray or act in faith to receive it? [21:18]