Breastplate of Righteousness
Ephesians 6.14
Paul a humble man taught us how to deal with the super spiritual power of darkness. (Read Ephesians 6.14)
What is “the breastplate of righteousness” mean?
Breastplate is a piece of the armor which is made of metal plates or chains and covered the body from the neck to the waist, both front and back. It provides protection from the enemy’s darts and spears.
In a similar fashion, the breastplate of righteousness helps protect us from the enemy’s attacks. Spiritually speaking, our breastplate is not made of metal or chain but of status or character.
Righteousness is the breastplate that covers not only our body but also our soul. Righteousness is the character or quality of being right or just that conforms to the claims of higher authority which is God’s uprightness or standard.
Therefore when Paul said that we must put in place the breastplate of righteousness, it means that we protect our lives by the righteous and just character that conforms to God’s standard.
How do we acquire “the breastplate of righteousness?”
When a person joins the Army, he is supplied with all the equipment and weapons necessary to do his job. Similarly, the breastplate of righteousness is the gracious gift of God to men whereby all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ are brought into right relationship with God.
Romans 3.22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
Romans 5.19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
2 Corinthians 5.21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
When a person put his faith in Jesus Christ, we were given a status or right of being righteous. This righteousness is God’s gift to us based on what Christ did for us on the cross.
The truth is when you put your faith in Jesus, you are declared free from guilt and sin as if you have acted in accord with the divine law. You were released or forgiven from all your sins.
1 Peter 3.18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
In one way, we are all prisoners on a death row waiting for the implementation of our death sentence. All of a sudden, Christ came and said I paid for all your sins and crimes and now you are free to go just like being released base on a parole.
It is important that we understand this concept so we learn to appreciate the grace of God and we learn to live in humility as Christ’s follower.
Now when a prisoner is released from prison on parole, there are two possible directions he may take: to take the opportunity of living a new life or take his freedom to go back to his old sinful ways.
Spiritually speaking, God wanted us to start a new life. God’s decision to declare us righteous or not guilty is an opportunity to live out a life of righteousness. He sets the foundation; we build on it and strengthen our freedom to live freely.
Now when an ex-convict returns to society, there are many challenges he would face: doubtful and accusing community, their old buddies in crimes, the new temptations around, and his family who may or may not be willing to accept him back.
Similarly, we are all spiritual ex-convicts. After we were release from the penalty of our sins, our desire is to start all over again. But we are confronted by a doubtful and accusing community, our old buddies in crimes, new temptations around us and a church that may or may not fully welcome us.
What do we do? The bible says “put in place that breastplate of righteousness” that God gave you. Let it serves as a reminder against accusing community that God has forgiven you. The devil would haunt you and remind you of your past but let the righteousness of God strengthens your ground of confidence.
God wanted us to buckle the belt of truth because Satan is a liar; now God wanted us put in place the breastplate of righteousness because Satan is an accuser. But we cannot just live based on our forgiven past; we must also live today and tomorrow armed with the righteousness of God and pursues righteous living.
1 John 3.7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
Let us start making right choices in life. Let us do what is right according to God’s standards. Makin right choices – righteous living that shows we are wearing the breastplate – helps protect us against temptation.
Satan is the accuser, but he cannot accuse the believer who is living a godly life in the power of the Spirit. The life we live either fortifies us against Satan’s attacks or makes it easier for him to defeat us.
Someone has said, “When a man is clothed in practical righteousness, he is impregnable. Words are no defense against accusation, but a good life is.” If our conscience is void of offense toward God and man, the devil has nothing to shoot at.
Satan is the accuser, but the believer who walks in the light will give Satan no opportunity to attack. We stand in the imputed righteousness of Christ, and we walk in the imparted righteousness of the Holy Spirit.
How does wearing the breastplate of righteousness help us win over life’s struggles?
The breastplate of righteousness will enable us to reject the accusation of the devil. We can remind him and ourselves that we have been forgiven and released by God. We no longer live by the guilt of our past mistakes. We have learned our lessons and would like to move with our lives.
Perhaps you have made a mistake as a parent, as a worker, as a boyfriend or girlfriend, as a son or daughter, as a church member, as a minister, and you have repented on it and sought God’s forgiveness. God has forgiven you therefore wear that breastplate of righteousness.
There are people who are hesitant to do great things today because of the previous bad experiences in life. Don’t let the devil hinder you from harnessing your potential and opportunities to be creative and productive.
Wear that breastplate of righteousness and start living daily a righteous life. You are able and will be empowered by God.
How does one maintain the breastplate of righteousness?
Just like any piece of the armor, the breastplate needs to be maintained. How?
1. Let God’s word dwell in us richly.
2 Timothy 3.16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…
2. Offer your body as slave of righteousness.
Romans 6.19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.
3. Daily put on the breastplate of righteousness. (Chuck Lawless and John Franklin “Spiritual Warfare”)
a. Confess your wrong and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1.9)
b. Turn away from your wrong (Ephesians 4.22)
c. Turn to good (James 4.17)
d. Live a life worthy of the calling you have received from God (Ephesians 4.1)
e. Thank God every day for the righteousness He has given you.
What are the benefits of living with the breastplate of righteousness in place?
1. Deliverance
Proverbs 11.6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
2. Prosperity
Proverbs 21.21 He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperityand honor.
3. Confidence
Isaiah 32.17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
4. Provisions
Matthew 6.33 But seeks first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
