Ephesians 6:14, Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness…

INTRODUCTION

A breastplate was the piece of armor that covered the body from the neck to the thighs. It consisted of two parts; the front was one solid piece, and the other piece went over the shoulders and had straps that crossed in back cinching it tight against the body. The warrior without his breastplate was dangerously exposed to the enemy and could easily be killed.

As we seek to practically understand this part of the armor...we must understand that it involves several ideas...

I. CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS

A. He Took Our Sins.

1. His Payment. II Corinthians 5:21a, Isaiah 53:5

B. He Gave HIS Righteousness.

1. His Gift. II Corinthians 5:21b, Isaiah 54:17

II. CHRISTIAN RIGHTEOUSNESS

A. Righteousness.

1. Righteousness. [the place of right standing with God] Matthew 6:33,

Romans 6:18-19, Titus 2:10-13, Philippians 3:7-10

B. Righteousness Without the Law.

1. Righteousness…Without the Law. Romans 3:21, Matthew 17:1-8

III. CONSISTENT RIGHTEOUSNESS

A. Wearing It With Carnality.

1. Without Submission. Romans 10:3 (Galatians 2:19-21)

B. Wearing It With Consistency.

1. Without Offense. II Corinthians 6:3-4

IV. CONTROLLED RIGHTEOUSNESS

A. Giving Up Control.

1. We must stop trying to "make ourselves" righteous.

B. Giving Over Control.

1. When we fall so in love with Jesus...that all of our motive is to please

Him...a wonderful transformation takes place in us! II Corinthians 5:17, Hebrews 1:8

CONCLUSION

Always remember that the breastplate protects your heart...where you are so vulnerable. Put it on! This is the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).