THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Eph. 6: 10 -20 (14)
# 3 in series
Intro. On one occasion Napoleon ordered a bulletproof coat made. When the workman had completed his task he delivered the coat personally to the emperor. Upon taking the coat from the workman, Napoleon immediately ordered him to put it on, and then fired six shots into the coat. When he saw that the coat repelled the shots he congratulated the workman and sent him on his way.
In Eph. 6:14 Paul commands us to "stand...put on the breastplate of righteousness." A breastplate is simply a piece of armour designed to cover the chest, and thus protect that part of the body from the thrust of the spear and sword. If the soldier has on his breastplate he can fight with greater courage because he knows he has a measure of protection.
I THE DANGERS WE FACE
Consider the Christian soldier’s breastplate of righteousness from the standpoint
of the dangers we face. We are not fighting spears and swords; we are fighting
the Devil himself.
A. The target of the devil
1. Paul uses the word devil (diabolos)
a. slanderer, defamer, one who is critical
B. The tricks of the devil
1. wiles - tricks
2. doctrinal areas
3. moral areas
C. The territory of the devil
operates in the heavenlies
II THE DEFENCE WE NEED
A. Provision of Righteousness (Imputed)
B. Practice of Righteousness (Imparted)
III THE DUTY WE HAVE
A. Stand
1. this requires the wearing of the breastplate
B. Put on the Breastplate
1. deliberately
2. daily
3. dependently
Sermon by: Dr. Todd Morris
