The Breastplate Of Righteousness Series

We have begun this series on Ephesians 6 verses 10-18. This passage of scripture is a familiar one for most christians. I’m sure that most of you at some time have done a Bible study or heard sermons preached on "The Whole Armour of God". And although we have heard before the Lord has laid it upon my heart to share with you again. Maybe you will find something new in these familiar words. We began two weeks ago talking about this preperation thatwe as soldiers of Christ need to go through. The first week we noted that as soldiers we needed to listen and hear what the commander says. Last week we looked at the first piece of the armour that we are to have. It is commonly referred to as "the belt of truth". We noted that it does not say,"put on the belt of truth" it said "14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth," meaning that it is something you are already equipped with. We discussed what the belt was for the soldier and what it represents in this spiritual picture that Paul is drawing for us. The truth is Jesus Christ! He says I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father except by me! The first thing we have to do as christians. to walk in the christian life is to have Christ. We can be religous and not have Christ. we can believe there is a God and not have Christ. But, to truly be a christian we must receive Christ as Lord and Saviour. We put on Christ when we receive Him as Lord. Without Christ we do not need the rest of the armour, because we are on the wrong side of the battle! If we are not with Christ we are against Him.

This morning we will continue to look at the armour that God has provided for our protection in this spiritual battle. Today we will finish verse 14. Which says, "14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;" We will see today, what the breastplate is, what it represents, why is it second in our preperation for battle?

Let’s read our passage over again, starting at verse 10....

" 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

1. What is the Breast plate?

As a literal piece of armour the breastplate is quite easy to imagine. It was made up of small metal plates which were tied together in a similar fashion to the way roof tiles are placed on a roof. The armour was then placed over the shoulders to protect both the front and back of the soldier. The bottom of the armour was tied to the belt. On a Roman Soldier’s armor, the breastplate was custom made to fit that soldier. It was specifically designed for him to protect him from attacks. This breastplate protected the soldier’s heart and major organs from a potentially devastating wound by protecting their area of weakness. Paul refers to this part of the armour as the breastplate of righteousness...

2. What does it represent?

Righteousness? But what does righteousness mean? I have met an awful lot of self righteous people. People who by their good works, and effort appear righteous in their own eyes, and maybe even to others.

Here’s a story of Self righteousness...

"I was shocked, confused, bewildered

As I entered Heaven’s door,

Not by the beauty of it all,

Nor the lights or its decor.

"But it was the folks in Heaven Who made me sputter and gasp The thieves, the liars, the sinners, The alcoholics and the trash. "There stood the kid from seventh grade Who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor Who never said anything nice. Herb, who I always thought Was rotting away in hell, Was sitting pretty on cloud nine, Looking incredibly well. "I nudged Jesus, ’What’s the deal? I would love to hear Your take. How’d all these sinners get up here? God must’ve made a mistake. "’And why’s everyone so quiet, So somber -- give me a clue.’ "’Hush, child,’ He said, ’they’re all in shock. At the thought of seeing you.’"