What the Heart Loves, the Life Follows

Good morning! I’m so glad you’re here today. Whether you’ve been with us through this series or you’re joining us for the first time, we are walking together through Paul’s teaching on the armor of God in Ephesians 6. Each week, we’re learning how to stand firm in the middle of spiritual battles that we all face.

Today, we come to the breastplate of righteousness. Our focus is on this truth: What the heart loves, the life follows. If we desire our lives to honor Christ, we must strive to have hearts that are protected and guided by His transformative righteousness.

Let’s take a moment to pray as we begin.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. We confess that our hearts are often pulled in many directions, and we need Your truth to anchor us. Thank You for the gift of Christ’s righteousness that covers us, shields us, and keeps us safe from the enemy’s accusations and temptations. As we open Your Word this morning, help us to listen with guarded hearts, to love what You love, and to follow You faithfully. May Your Spirit be our teacher, and may Christ be glorified in all we say and do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When Paul describes the armor of God, he isn't painting a picture for our imagination—he's equipping us for survival. Spiritual warfare isn't something "out there" in the abstract; it's something you and I face every single day. Temptations like overindulgence in food or drink, accusations that whisper "you're not good enough" when you make a mistake, compromises like lying to avoid conflict—these are not random struggles. They are part of the enemy's strategy to get to your heart.

Why the heart? Because the heart is the control center of your life. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." What fills your heart shapes your choices, your words, your relationships, your future. That's why Paul tells us to put on the breastplate of righteousness—because the heart is constantly under attack, and righteousness is our impenetrable shield.

Think about it this way: a soldier without his breastplate may be armed, may be strong, may be brave—but he's exposed at the core. One strike to the chest and the battle is over. Spiritually speaking, if our hearts are left unguarded, it won't matter how much Bible we know, how many Sundays we attend, or how strong our intentions may be. The enemy knows if he can get your heart, he can get your life. That's why Paul tells us to put on the breastplate of righteousness, which symbolizes living a life in alignment with God's will, because the heart is constantly under attack.

That's why today's message is so crucial. We're not just talking about a piece of armor—we're talking about guarding the very center of who you are with the righteousness of Christ. Because in the end, what the heart loves, the life follows. This is not just a sermon, but a key to your spiritual growth and victory in the daily spiritual warfare.

Paul writes, “Stand therefore, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”

Ephesians 6:14 ESV

Stand therefore, ..., having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Notice the tone—he doesn’t say, “Try to stand” or “Do your best to stand.” He says, Stand. It’s a command of strength, not weakness.

But here’s the key: Paul knows we can’t stand firm in our own strength. That’s why every piece of armor he describes is God’s armor, not ours. We are not pulling together scraps of our own righteousness, trying to sew them into something that might protect us. No, this is the armor of God—the very armor He Himself wears, as Isaiah 59:17 says: “He put on righteousness as a breastplate.”

Now think about what that means for us. God gives His own armor to His people. That’s grace. That’s security. That’s strength.

Paul also uses military language intentionally. In the Roman world, a soldier without a breastplate would never dream of stepping onto the battlefield. He’d be exposed in the worst way—completely vulnerable at the core. In the same way, Paul is reminding us: to step into the Christian life without righteousness protecting our hearts is unthinkable.

This is why Paul begins the verse with those strong participles: “having fastened… having put on.” The idea is preparation. You don’t wait until the arrows are flying to start strapping on your armor. You don’t wait until temptation hits, or until the accusations come, or until the trial is already in full swing. You prepare before the battle. You put on righteousness now—so that when the fight comes, you can stand.

So here’s the question for us: are we going into each day spiritually exposed? Or are we standing firm, covered at the core by the righteousness of Christ?

Because in the end—what the heart loves, the life follows.

The Source of the Breastplate

When Paul tells us to put on "the breastplate of righteousness," he's not talking about something we stitch together ourselves. He's pointing us back to what God Himself has already provided. Remember Isaiah 59:17: "He put on righteousness as a breastplate." The armor we wear is His armor—handed down to us in Christ.

So what kind of righteousness is this? Scripture helps us see two layers, both of which are essential.

First, there is the righteousness of Christ imputed to us. This is what theologians call justification. On the cross, Jesus took our sin upon Himself, and in exchange, He credited us with His perfect righteousness. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

2 Corinthians 5:21

That means when Satan comes with accusations—"You're guilty. You're not worthy. You've failed too many times." We don't argue back with our own good deeds. We don't stand on shaky ground due to our performance. We stand on the solid ground of Christ's righteousness. His perfect record covers us like armor. His righteousness shields us from condemnation.

However, there's also a second layer: the righteousness we demonstrate daily. This is what Scripture calls sanctification—the Spirit's ongoing work in us to make us holy, to shape our character, to align our lives with God's will. This is not about earning salvation—that has already been secured in Christ. This is about living out the righteousness we have received.

Think about it this way: the imputed righteousness of Christ is what gets us on the battlefield in the first place—we belong to Him, we're secure in Him. But the practical righteousness of daily obedience is what keeps us from being pierced by the enemy's arrows. When we walk in sin, when we live in compromise, when we ignore God's Word, it's like leaving cracks in the armor. But when we live in integrity, in faithfulness, in obedience, our hearts are guarded against corruption.

So the breastplate is both a gift and a responsibility. Christ clothes us in His righteousness, and we are called to live out that righteousness in daily practice.

That's why this is so important for us: you cannot stand firm in the midst of spiritual warfare if you are relying on your own righteousness. It's Christ's righteousness that shields you from condemnation, and it's Spirit-empowered righteous living that shields you from corruption.

And once again, it comes back to this simple truth: What the heart loves, the life follows. If your heart loves Christ, your life will begin to reflect His righteousness.

Guarding the Heart

Paul points us to the breastplate because the heart is constantly under attack. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Notice those words—everything you do.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Your decisions, your relationships, your words, your habits, your future—all of it flows from the condition of your heart. That's why Satan aims his arrows at the core.

How does he attack? Three ways in particular:

Guarding the Heart

First, he attacks with an accusation. Revelation 12:10 calls Satan "the accuser of the brethren." He loves to whisper, "You're guilty. You'll never measure up. God could never love you after what you've done." Without the breastplate, those accusations pierce deep. But when you wear Christ's righteousness, you can confidently answer, "You're right, I am guilty—but Jesus has made me righteous. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1).

Second, he attacks with temptation. He wants to corrupt your desires, to convince you that sin is sweeter than holiness. But the breastplate of righteousness protects your affections. When your heart is tuned to Christ, sin begins to lose its shine. The things that once looked attractive start to appear hollow in comparison to the beauty of Jesus.

Third, he attacks with compromise. This is often the most subtle strategy. One small crack in the armor—one unchecked attitude, one hidden sin, one "it's not a big deal"—and before long, the enemy has worked his way into the heart. That's why Paul says, "Put on the breastplate." Don't leave gaps. Don't leave yourself exposed.

Think of the Roman soldier again. His breastplate wasn't for decoration—it was for survival. Just one arrow, one thrust of the sword to the chest, and it was over. The same is true spiritually. We may stand tall in our gifts, our knowledge, our ministry, our experiences—but if our heart is left unguarded, one well-aimed strike from the enemy can bring us down.

That's why righteousness is not optional—it's essential. A righteous heart, covered in Christ, resists accusation. A righteous heart, shaped by obedience, weakens temptation. A righteous heart, guarded daily, leaves no room for compromise. It's a daily responsibility, a proactive stance against the enemy's attacks.

And once again, it comes back to this refrain: What the heart loves, the life follows. If your heart loves Christ, you'll find strength to resist the enemy's attacks. But if your heart loves sin, the enemy will always find an open door. Therefore, it's crucial to adopt daily spiritual practices such as prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowship with other believers to guard your heart against the enemy's attacks.

Wearing the Breastplate Daily

Paul’s imagery here makes something very clear: the breastplate of righteousness isn’t automatic. You don’t wake up with it on. He says, “having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” That’s an intentional choice. Just like a soldier would never step onto the battlefield without strapping on his armor, you and I can’t step into the day without guarding our hearts. The consequences of not wearing this armor are severe, as it leaves our hearts vulnerable to the enemy's attacks.

So what does it look like to wear this breastplate daily? Let’s make it practical. This is not a theoretical concept, but a practical tool that equips you for the spiritual battle each day.

First, confession and repentance.

For instance, if you realize you've been dishonest in a conversation, confess it to God and the person you've wronged. This act of repentance repairs the cracks in your armor, keeping your breastplate solid and strong.

Second, obedience to God’s Word.

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Every act of obedience strengthens your heart against the enemy, providing a secure and protected space. It’s one thing to know the truth; it’s another to live it. Obedience is the difference between theory and armor.

Third, integrity in daily life.

Righteousness isn’t just for Sunday—it’s for Monday at work, Tuesday at home, Wednesday in your conversations. Integrity—righteousness in thought, word, and deed—closes the cracks where the enemy would try to get in.

Finally, utter dependence on Christ.

Philippians 3:9 reminds us that our righteousness doesn’t come from the law or our own effort but “through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” At the end of the day, the breastplate belongs to Him. We wear it, but He forged it. We depend on Him to keep it in place. This dependence on Christ is not a sign of weakness, but a recognition of our need for His strength and protection in our spiritual battles.

So putting on the breastplate daily means waking up and saying:

“Lord, cover me in Your righteousness. Guard my heart from lies, temptations, and compromises. Help me walk in obedience today. Keep my heart aligned with Yours.”

That’s how you wear the armor. That’s how you stand firm.

And remember: What the heart loves, the life follows. If your heart loves Christ, you’ll want to keep the armor on. If your heart loves sin, you’ll be tempted to lay it aside.

So What?

So what does all of this mean for us today?

It means this: every single day, you wake up to a battle for your heart. You don’t have to go looking for it—it will find you. The enemy is relentless because he knows if he can capture your heart, the rest of your life will follow.

Think about the pressures we face:

The enemy accuses—reminding you of failures, whispering that you’re unworthy, trying to convince you that God could never forgive you.

The world entices—offering pleasures, shortcuts, and promises of happiness that always fade.

Your flesh resists—pulling you toward pride, selfishness, lust, greed, and compromise.

That’s why Paul says, “Put on the breastplate of righteousness.” This means living a life of integrity, making choices that align with God's Word, and seeking forgiveness when we fall short. Don’t leave your heart exposed. Don’t believe the lie that a bit of sin, a little compromise, or one unchecked desire won’t matter. It always matters.

Think of it this way: imagine you owned something more valuable than anything else—a treasure beyond price. You would guard it, wouldn’t you? You’d lock it in a safe, install alarms, maybe even stand watch yourself. Because if that treasure were stolen, you’d lose what mattered most.

That’s exactly what the heart is. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Your heart is more valuable than any treasure you possess. If it’s compromised, your life will be compromised as well. If it’s corrupted, your future will be corrupted.

Here’s the good news: in Christ, you already have the armor you need. His righteousness covers you. His Spirit empowers you. His Word directs you. Your part is to keep the armor on—confess quickly, walk in obedience, pursue integrity, and lean on His strength. Remember, you are never alone in this battle.

And it all comes back to our refrain: What the heart loves, the life follows.

If your heart loves sin, your life will show it—broken relationships, emptiness, wandering.

If your heart loves Christ, your life will show it—peace, strength, joy, endurance.

So the “So What?” is this: guard your heart like the treasure it is. Don’t love what the world loves. Don’t leave yourself exposed. Love Christ above all, and your life will follow Him. This is not just a suggestion, but a call to action that requires your commitment and responsibility.

What the Heart Loves, the Life Follows

The Roman soldier understood one thing very clearly: without his breastplate, he was exposed at the core. It didn’t matter how skilled he was with a sword or how strong he felt—one strike to the heart and it was all over. That’s why he never went into battle without that piece of armor strapped firmly in place. His survival depended on it.

Paul uses that imagery because the same is true for us in the spiritual battle. You and I may be faithful in church attendance, knowledgeable in Scripture, and even strong in our convictions—but if our hearts are left unguarded, we are vulnerable. Guarding your heart means protecting it from sinful influences, negative emotions, and harmful thoughts. Satan doesn’t need to topple everything at once; he only needs one opening to strike at the heart.

But here’s the hope of the gospel: God has not left us exposed. He has given us His own armor—the breastplate of righteousness. Christ’s righteousness covers us, protecting us from condemnation. The Spirit works in us, shaping our lives with obedience and integrity, protecting us from corruption. This is not armor we earn; it is armor we receive. And yet, it is armor we must choose to wear daily.

Are you wearing it? Are you guarding your heart, or are you stepping into battle exposed? Are you relying on Christ’s righteousness, or on your own? Are you walking in obedience, or leaving cracks in your armor through compromise?

Listen, the call of Paul is not just a suggestion; it is urgent and clear: Stand therefore, having put on the breastplate of righteousness. Guard your heart. Don’t leave yourself exposed. Put on Christ. Live in His righteousness.

Because in the end, it’s this simple but profound truth: What the heart loves, the life follows. Let this truth reassure you and guide your actions.

So love Christ above all else. Let your heart be anchored in Him. And then, when the accusations come, when the temptations rise, when the battle rages—you will stand. You will endure. You will overcome. This is the hope we have in Christ.

So put it on. Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Guard your heart. Love Christ. And stand firm in the battle.

Amen.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we are deeply grateful for Your Word and for the armor You have given us in Christ. Today we’ve been reminded of the breastplate of righteousness—that You have clothed us in the perfect righteousness of Jesus, and that You call us to walk daily in obedience and integrity.

Lord, we humbly confess how easily our hearts are distracted, how quickly we leave ourselves exposed to accusation, temptation, and compromise. We are in constant need of Your forgiveness. Strengthen us. Guard us.

Cover us again with Christ’s righteousness, and by the power of Your Spirit, help us to love what You love and to live how You call us to live. We are committed to anchoring our hearts in You, and to living our lives in faithfulness and joy.

We pray this in the strong name of Jesus, our righteousness.

Now may the Lord Jesus Christ clothe you with His righteousness. May your hearts be guarded from every lie, temptation, and compromise. And may you stand firm in the battle, knowing this truth: What the heart loves, the life follows.

Go in His peace, and be blessed to be a blessing.

Amen.