Righteousness

Introduction

The uniform of a soldier has several purposes: recognition, identification, functionality, serviceability...

In the day of the early church, the Roman soldier had to protect themselves from arrows and close man-to-man fighting.

One of the pieces of armor worn by the soldier was the breastplate—made of metal (front and back piece)—to protect vital organs.

Paul uses the image of the breastplate to describe an essential component for the believer in spiritual warfare: righteousness.

Text

Ephesians 6:14 ESV

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Thesis/Main Idea

The image that Paul uses is that of the believer who “put’s on”—who takes an active, deliberate role in securing righteousness in their life.

In the context here suggests that the righteousness used by Paul centers on “uprightness of character, and loyalty to the moral law of Christ.”

The righteousness needed by the believer to face the enemy has at least a three-fold purpose to protect from fear, temptation to sin, and discouragement.

1. Identification

My Standing with God.

Romans 1:16–17 ESV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

(1) A Changed Life - Transformation.

This breastplate of righteousness illustrates a life saved by God’s grace.

It is part of the uniform—an identification that one belongs to God.

(2) A Holy Life - An Image-bearer of God.

The breastplate also serves to represent a commitment to life in a way that pleases and honors God.

We are image-bearers of God—we represent God in this world (Christ Ambassadors).

2. Application

My Actions as a Believer.

Titus 2:11–12 ESV

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

(1) Discipline.

Story: Early in her reign, Queen Victoria of Great Britain, was enraged when she observed the palace guard disorganized. She ordered her generals to institute drills and requirements for service fitness (that is still honored to this day).

The believer in Christ must live a disciplined life of prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship, and service.

(2) Self-Control.

The believer in Christ must renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. We don’t do what “feels good” but what honors God.

(3) Obedience.

The breastplate of righteousness reveals a life that is under the command of the Holy Spirit.

3. Demonstration

My Witness to others. Righteousness is an important function in the Great Commission of making disciples (evangelism).

Matthew 5:16 ESV

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

(1) Attitude

We are to be witnesses to the truth of Jesus Christ through our attitudes (attitudes in private and attitudes in public)

(2) Actions

We are to be witnesses to the truth of Jesus Christ through our behaviors and what we do (whether they are public or private).

(3) Anointing

We are to be witnesses to the truth of Jesus Christ through the special anointing God provides to empower our witness to others.

Conclusion

Without righteousness, your spiritual health and vitality is exposed to the efforts of the enemy to defeat you.

Holy living centers on doing what pleases God.

The breastplate of righteousness suggests a deliberate action on our part to obey and honor God.

Psalm 24:3–6 ESV

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

“No word of condemnation, no false allegation, and no guilty thought will penetrate your heart or lodge in your mind when you are walking in your breastplate of righteousness.” Rick Renner

Questions for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion

How would you define righteousness (holiness)?

What function does the “breastplate” of righteousness accomplish in the life of the believer?

What does it mean for the believer to live a righteous or holy life?

How does our attitudes, actions, and anointing impact our witness to the lost?