God's Dress Code

c. Achan’s sin – defeat at city of Ai (after Jericho victory)

d. David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart…”

e. Worn over the vital organs - Vital matters of life

4. Stones firmly attached in front

a. tempting to detach parts we aren’t proud of

b. defense mechanisms

c. detach ourselves from what we hate in ourselves by

- denial – “that’s not me”

- minimization

- blame shifting

- self-justification

C. Breastplate Called “Breastplate Of Judgment” (Exodus 28:29)

1. “Judgment” = verdict (favorable or unfavorable)

2. God…judge me. Render the verdict, conviction, and the change

3. What’s relationship between this & “Breastplate of Righteousness” (Ephesians)?

a. I’m not sure, but may I suggest a thought

b. wear “Breastplate of Judgment” – listen to God& obey – then Breastplate of Judgment turns into Breastplate of Righteousness

c. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess…cleanse us from all unrighteousness”

D. Breastplate Was Comprised Of Precious Stones (God Does Not Hate You)

1. Each tribe (large or small, pretty & ugly) represented by a different gem

2. I feel so unworthy – hide from God

a. you are his workmanship, created for good things (Eph 2:10)

b. (Mal 3:17) I make them My jewels (firmly set in gold – pure love)

c. (Deut 14:2) For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure

d. you are His – chosen, loved, adopted, redeemed

E. Breastplate Contained The Sacred Lots, The Urim & Thurim

1. Folded in half – pouch/pocket – hollow place

a. was empty except for the sacred lots

b. the Urim or Thurim stones of decision

2. When seeking the Lord, making important decisions

a. grew up in a church said, “Selfish to pray for yourself”

b. it’s okay to pray for yourself – Biblical – encouraged to do so

c. decision bearing down on you – come, let’s pray

d. don’t come with your mind already made up – filled

e. rather, a hollow place, a welcome place, not already filled or a mind made up or biased or pre-decided

f. but open and ready to be filled, ready to be answered, ready to be willingly directed

3. Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

IV. MUSICIANS COME: SO WHAT ARE YOU WEARING TO CHURCH TODAY

A. This Morning:

1. You all look pretty good

2. How the garments that clothe your spirit, your heart, what matters most?

B. Invitation: Put On The Breastplate

1. Bringing your whole self, not in part, but the whole

2. Front and center, nothing hidden, firmly attached

3. Willing to let it be breastplate of judgment

4. Recognizing who you are before Him – loved, not hated

5. Mind open to God when facing tough decisions