Armor of God: Learning to Walk in the Power and Protection of Our LordSample

Week 2 / Breastplate of Righteousness

Read: Ephesians 6:10–18

SOAP: Ephesians 6:14

For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm, therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness.

Into the Text

Before a Roman soldier went into battle, he intentionally put on a metal breastplate to protect his chest and back. One strategic hit from his enemy could kill him if he didn't protect his heart, or paralyze him if he didn't protect his back. We need to put on a breastplate of righteousness daily as we face our battles, too.

Already fitted with the belt of truth as the foundation of our armor, the breastplate of righteousness is a crucial piece of armor for our protection. We should protect our hearts with the knowledge that we are right with God. Even though we don’t deserve it, we receive the righteousness of Jesus if we have put our trust in Him (See 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Putting on the breastplate of righteousness also involves choosing to live righteous lives in a sin-filled world. When we become Christians, we are not only justified but we are also given a new nature, one that strives to live a holy life and bring glory to our heavenly Father. So, the meaning of this breastplate is best understood as twofold: first, the righteousness of Jesus which we have received as a gift, and, second, our righteous living which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s working in us.

If we grieve the Holy Spirit by disobedience to God, we fail to put on this breastplate and instead make it very easy for Satan to wound us. A woman who lives her life with the breastplate of righteousness firmly in place keeps the enemy from easy kills. When we apply truth to our lives, we can live righteous lives because of the righteousness of Christ.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to understand and believe more fully in the gift of Your righteousness. Help me to live a life of righteousness that brings You glory. Amen.