(The Breastplate of Righteousness)
Blessings, blessings, blessings!!!! Yes, it’s another minute message, or as others say a blog. This is just not a blog, a quick read, or an encouraging word, it is a specific task that I must complete. I’m on an assignment, so if you bear with me, I promise not to bore you with my words.
Our highlighted scripture for today is Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a] wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [b] the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the
heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
I want to tell you, Don’t Leave Home Without It!
In our highlighted scripture Paul tells the believer three times to stand against the devils’ schemes, plots, and tricks. He lets us know that there is a spiritual battle taken place and he gives instructions on how to be dressed and prepared for the battle. Paul describes in our scripture today 5 components of defensive armor…. many of you know that 5 is number of grace so that within itself should make you shout, not only do you have what you need for battle but you are also covered by grace. See grace is the unmerited favor of God. In other words, God has you covered, God has got you, so no matter what the enemy brings your way, no sickness or disease, no devil in hell or on earth, can take you out in battle because His grace is sufficient. Amen, that’s just a nugget …my task today is to expound on the breastplate of righteousness.
The purpose of this piece of armor is to protect the heart, lungs, intestines, and other vital organs. In ancient Jewish thinking, the heart represented the mind and the will and the bowels were considered the seat of emotions and feelings. The mind and the emotions are the two areas where Satan most fiercely attacks believers. Therefore, the breastplate of righteousness is not only necessary but needed. Emotions and feelings are often the cause of our issues. Sometimes we get a little upset, a little angry, hot under the collar, we even fly off the handle, maybe that’s just me. Proverbs 4:23 says keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. In other words, guard your heart, keep it safe from attack. How do you do that? Well I’m glad you asked. Ephesians 6: 14 says gird your waist with the truth, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. See when you put on the breastplate of righteousness you are putting on honesty, you are putting on humbleness, and fairness. When its fixed firmly in place, it doesn’t matter how many arrows the enemy shoots against us, not one arrow will penetrate. It doesn’t matter how much they talk about you and scandalize your name, it doesn’t matter how much they try to condemn you or persecute you, not one allegation, not one threat, not one thing can cause you harm why because the bible says that weapons will form but they will not prosper, and every tongue that rises up against you shall be condemned. Why because you are dressed in righteousness, you are dressed in armor designed by God, you are dressed in the Lord Jesus Christ. You are suited and booted, equipped for battle, and God himself is on your side.
Pastor T. P. Lane
“U. R. Valued”