Bouquet Canyon Church
Today we welcome Doug Meye, Developing Pastors Lead at Transformation Ministries.
Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV
THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS:
Rest in the righteousness of Christ credited to us by faith.
Resting in the righteousness of Christ keeps me from discouragement.
Pursue a righteous life empowered by the Spirit.
Pursuing righteousness keeps us from discrediting Christ.
Pursuing righteousness keeps us from being diverted in the battle.
Discussion Notes (for use in a small group or individual study)
Sermon: Breastplate of Righteousness
(Phone apps are good for comparing multiple translations. Study Bibles help with interpretation.)
Questions:
1. Icebreaker question: Before you personally knew Christ, did you feel like you were a good person or a bad person? Why did you feel that way, and how did the gospel affect your perspective?
2. Our guest speaker, Doug Meye, spoke about the “Breastplate of Righteousness” mentioned in Ephesians 6:14. He focused on two aspects of righteousness: resting and pursuing. Christians are to rest in the righteousness Christ has obtained for us, and also pursue a life of righteousness by the power of the Spirit. What do you remember about each of the main points? What stood out to you or impacted you?
3. What are some ways that resting in Christ’s righteousness protects us in spiritual battle?
4. What are some ways that pursuing a righteous lifestyle protects us in spiritual battle?
a) Can you think of any stories in the Bible in which someone’s sinful lifestyle led to disaster?
b) Can you think of any stories in the Bible in which someone’s godly lifestyle protected them from evil?
5. Read Zechariah 3:1-7.
- In Zechariah’s vision, what was Satan trying to do to Joshua? (Note: This is not the same Joshua who led Israel into the Promised Land. Can anyone explain to the group the historical context of this Joshua?)
- Was Satan right about Joshua? (see v. 3)
- How did God respond to Satan?
- In what way was Joshua “a burning stick snatched from the fire”?
- What did God do for Joshua?
- What did God expect Joshua to do? (see v. 7)
6. Now read Revelation 12:9-11.
- Does Satan accuse us today like he did Joshua? How do you experience this in your life?
- How can we overcome Satan? (v. 11). How can we do that?
7. Read Ephesians 4:22-27. How can we be made new in the attitude of our minds?
8. Pray together for protection against temptation and that you would be able to rest in Christ’s finished work on the cross. Pray that God would purify our hearts and bring a revival of righteousness to American churches. And pray for any specific needs in your group.