DRESSED TO KILL

Week 4 - The Breastplate of Righteousness

Ephesians 6:1-18

Don't forget: We are at war; You need to be ready for war every day.

But we don't want to be at war!

The Call:

· To stand firm

· To stand confident

· To stand strong

What does it mean to stand?

· Stop, stand still, immovable

· Continue safe & sound, unharmed, ready or prepared

· Be of steadfast mind, not hesitate, not waver

· Make firm, establish (Isaiah 28:17)

· Stand without fear

· Ready to take a blow for the team

· Not retreat or give up

· Not chicken out

Isaiah 64:6 – We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags.

What is righteousness?

· Condition acceptable to God

· Spotless purity (Romans 5:1; Hebrews 4:16)

· State of being as we ought to be

· Totality of God's character: godliness

· Comes from being in right relationship with God: enjoy His salvation, being & doing what He requires

How do we put on the breastplate of righteousness?

1 Thess. 5:8 – But since we are of the day, we must be sober and put the armour of faith and love on our chests…

1. Receive by faith

· It's a gift; not based on what we do (Phil. 3:8,9)

· God’s way of making us righteous depends on faith
· In exchange for faith, God counts us as righteous (Genesis 15:6)
 

2. Act in obedience

· Not what you do to get it – but how you respond when you got it
· If we really believe, then we should act appropriately (1 Peter 2:24; Romans 6:19)
· Live in love: key activity by which we live for righteousness
· Obey God’s commands for living
· Obedience proves that our hearts are in agreement with God and that our faith is genuine

Benefits of living in righteousness:

· Protection (Proverbs 11:6)
· Prosperity and honour (Proverbs 21:21)
· Filling with God’s Spirit (Matthew 5:6)
· Quietness and confidence (Isaiah 32:17)
· Reflection of God (Ephesians 4:22-24)
 

What does the breastplate do for us?

· It’s the last defence after the shield

· It covers & protects the vital organs: that which is essential to life, that we can’t live without

What are the vital organs of a Christian’s spiritual life?

1- Passionate love for God

2- Desire to know Him more every day

3- Commitment to the body of Christ as family

4- Motivation to reach the lost

5- Security in the family

· It protects from flying objects from afar

· It protects in close combat
 

What would life be like without the breastplate on?

· It’s like trading a breastplate for filthy rags
· Unprotected – easy target
· Giving the enemy another advantage
 

Life without righteousness is life without protection for your spiritual life.