What is the Breastplate of Righteousness?

Introduction to the Breastplate of Righteousness

  What is the Breastplate of Righteousness, and what does it do? The short answer is that it protects our hearts. But there is so much more.

Ephesians 6:10-18 teaches us about the armor of God. We are told to:

•  Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. 
• Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil.
• Remember, we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies. Our enemies are the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, mighty powers in this dark world, and evil spirits in the heavenly places.
• Stand our ground by putting on ALL of God’s armor
  • The Belt of Truth
  • The Breastplate of God’s Righteousness
  • The Shoes of Peace
  • Hold up the Shield of Faith
  • Put on the Helmet of Salvation
  • Take the Sword of the Spirit
  • Pray in the Spirit at ALL times and on EVERY occasion
  • Stay alert

  In Biblical times, the Roman soldiers wore a breastplate to protect their vital organs during battle. During the heat of battle, they did not know which direction their enemy was coming from, so this armor was vital for their protection.

  The soldier’s breastplate was usually made of bronze or chain mail. It had loops or buckles that held it onto the soldier by a thick belt. 

  We are in a spiritual battle, and just as the Roman soldiers wore their breastplates made of metal, we must wear our breastplates of righteousness. 

Their metal breastplate protected their vital organs in a battle against flesh and blood enemies. Our breastplate protects our hearts from the spiritual enemy who came to steal, kill, and destroy.

​The only way we can wear the Breastplate of Righteousness is to first put on the Belt of Truth.  The truth is that our own righteousness is as filthy rags. 

"We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6 NLT

  Christ Jesus laid down His life, making this profound gift of righteousness available to us. We do not wear it as a badge of personal honor. It is God’s body armor to protect our hearts from satan’s attacks.

• The breastplate of righteousness is essential for spiritual defense. 
• It derives its power from Jesus’ sacrifice, not human merit. 
• Understanding and embracing it equips believers for battle. 

What does the Breastplate of Righteousness Do?

  In spiritual warfare, righteousness acts as a shield. It comes from faith in Christ. I learned this truth through difficult battles. Every attack from the enemy aims to break me. Righteousness, God’s gift, stands as my defense. This protection is not something I earned. It was given freely by Jesus.

​For me, wearing this breastplate means I make my daily decisions in line with God’s guidance. Such choices block attacks intended to harm me spiritually. Righteous living, aligned with God’s standards, creates a barrier. This barrier seems invisible, but it is like a bulletproof vest protecting my heart. 

In spiritual battles, Christ’s breastplate ensures my heart remains guarded. It guarantees that deceitful tactics find no entry point. This act of guarding becomes crucial in our battle against temptations and evils that seek to pierce our core values and integrity.

​Understanding the role of righteousness helps us to understand its necessity. It is more than moral uprightness or good works.

In the heavenly realms, where unseen battles take place, it embodies our core defense mechanism. Adopting righteousness transforms us, making us untouchable to the enemy’s flaming arrows.

The Armor of God: A Comprehensive Look

The Apostle Paul introduced us to the full armor of God. He drew an analogy from Roman soldiers, keen to protect themselves in battle. This armor wasn’t just metal and leather; it symbolized spiritual defenses. 

Among these, the breastplate of righteousness stood out as essential. It has protected hearts from fatal strikes of sin and deception. Unlike shields or swords, this piece guarded something more vital: our spiritual well-being.

​As mentioned above, the full set includes the belt of truth and the helmet of salvation too. The shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word, and the shoes of peace. Together, they form a defense against spiritual darkness. Every piece has its purpose, supporting believers in our daily battles. 

They offer a guide on maintaining spiritual integrity and resilience. Therefore, understanding and putting on our armor could mean the difference between spiritual victory and vulnerability. 

I read in another post, 

Why is righteousness important to God?

Righteousness means that we are in the right standing with God. I learned that righteousness had always been beyond my grasp. Trying to gain righteousness by my own efforts left me exhausted. I could not achieve perfection through good deeds alone. 

I have found freedom in the revelation that righteousness is a gift. This gift came through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. It is not something I have earned; it has been freely given. 

Accepting this changed everything for me. I began to understand the profound love Christ has for us. His love bridged the gap between our imperfections and God’s standards. 

Wearing his breastplate of righteousness means I embrace a gift that protects my heart from despair and pride. It shields me from the temptation to rely solely on my actions for salvation.

This realization altered my perspective on spiritual warfare. It wasn’t just about resisting temptation but about living in the fullness of God’s grace every day.

​The Roman Soldier’s Breastplate: A Physical Analogy

Consider the breastplate worn by Roman soldiers in battle. They needed it to protect their hearts and vital organs from deadly blows.

Just as that piece of armor safeguarded them physically, the spiritual breastplate of righteousness guards us. It keeps our hearts safe from attacks that could otherwise be fatal to our spiritual lives.

Wearing this breastplate involves consciously choosing to live in accordance with God’s will. This decision reflects our determination to protect our inner selves from evil influences that seek to harm us. By putting on righteousness, I stand strong against such threats. 

The comparison makes it clear: as the physical breastplate was indispensable for the soldier, so too is the breastplate of righteousness for me.

The Role of the Belt of Truth

The belt of truth plays a crucial role in our spiritual armor. It anchors the breastplate of righteousness securely in place.

Without this belt, we would be tempted to focus on our own righteous acts. The truth serves as our foundation. It keeps everything aligned and strengthens us to stand firm.

​In battling spiritual forces, the belt of truth surrounds us with God’s word. It acts as a powerful reminder of what is real and trustworthy. This armor ensures that our righteousness does not shift or slide in the chaos of spiritual warfare.

​By embracing the truth, we gain confidence. This confidence allows us to wield righteousness effectively.

Together, these two pieces of armor form an indispensable part of our spiritual defenses. They shield us from the attacks meant to weaken or destroy our spiritual integrity.

Guarding the Heart Against Attacks

Just as the physical heart pumps life throughout the body, the spiritual heart is the source of our moral and ethical actions. When protected by righteousness, my heart stays safe from the influence of wrongdoings. 

This defense is not just a barrier; it’s a foundation upon which I build my actions and decisions. To maintain this spiritual safeguard, righteousness must be embraced daily, encompassing our thoughts, intentions, and deeds.

Practical Steps to Wear the Breastplate Daily

When we put on Jesus’s righteousness, the spiritual forces of evil will run. Everything we do is for the glory of God and in obedience to Christ. I have learned that when I am faced with decisions, God’s way is the best way- always.

​Daily life brings challenges. Temptations lurk around every corner. As believers, arming ourselves with the breastplate of righteousness is a must. This spiritual gear offers protection, but we struggle sometimes with how to wear it. The answer lies in intentional actions and conscious decisions.

• Dive into the Word: Scriptures guide us towards righteousness. Reading and meditating on God’s Word daily illuminates the path of integrity. This habit acts as a shield, guarding against moral compromise.
• Pray without Ceasing: Prayer keeps our hearts aligned with God’s. By continually seeking His guidance, we strengthen our spiritual armor, ensuring our actions reflect His righteousness.
• Live Out Faith: Faith in Jesus transforms us. Our actions should mirror this transformation, showcasing love, mercy, and justice in our daily interactions.

Committing to these practices daily prepares us for spiritual battles. It equips us with a strong defense, ensuring we stand firm against temptations and trials. Embrace this spiritual discipline and watch as righteousness becomes your stronghold in the face of adversity.

Avoiding Spiritual Entanglements

Stepping into daily battles, I keep a keen eye on the horizon. Dangers lurk, often masked as harmless choices or attractive shortcuts. In every decision, discernment becomes my shield. I learned the hard way that not every opportunity should be seized. 

Some paths, brightly lit and inviting, led me away from righteousness. They seemed exciting at first.

I soon learned that I don’t listen to my old self when I have an intimate relationship with God and follow God’s plan. When I look at things through God’s eyes and with purity of heart, I have a better understanding of His ways.

Identifying these hazards requires an observant heart. I ask myself, “Does this align with my faith?” If doubt creeps in, I take a step back. It’s a practice honed over time. I surround myself with those who share my dedication to righteousness. They serve as both a beacon and a sounding board. 

Reflecting on these experiences taught me an invaluable lesson. True strength lies in the choices that honor my commitment to God. By sidestepping entanglements that would tarnish my spiritual armor, I walk forward, heart guarded, in the light of His righteousness.

Jesus and Righteousness: The Biblical Foundation

Jesus personified the concept of righteousness. He lived a life without sin, guiding others towards divine truth. This has set an unparalleled example for us to follow. As believers, following His path may seem hard at first glance. Yet, it remains our most assured route to spiritual growth.

​We often stumble, navigating our lives through temptations. Jesus taught us through His actions and words that resilience in the face of temptation solidifies our spiritual armor. For me, embracing Jesus’ teachings has meant realigning my actions with His example. I find joy in pursuing a life reflective of His unwavering commitment to righteousness.

​Stepping into the light of Christ’s righteousness doesn’t mean we won’t face darkness. It implies we are equipped to face such challenges. Engaging in prayer, immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, and living out His commandments transform us. 

They bring us closer to embodying the righteousness Jesus exemplified. Our spiritual maturity unfolds, anchored in the profound truths He lived by. In essence, Jesus’ life sketches a roadmap for us, guiding our actions, thoughts, and hearts toward the divine heart of our loving Heavenly Father.

Fruit of the Armor: Living a Righteous Life

Putting on the breastplate of righteousness reshapes our lives. It strengthens our defenses against spiritual attacks. There’s a transformative shift in perspective, a deepening in our connection with God.  Joy isn’t just a fleeting moment but becomes a constant companion.

​Peace envelops us, wrapping around our souls like a comforting embrace. It’s an assurance against the chaos of the world.

A closer relationship with God isn’t a distant promise but a present reality. We notice His presence in the daily, the mundane, and the breathtaking moments. This armor, this divine gift, sets us on paths of hope with the promise of growth.

​Righteous living opens doors that were once shut. Opportunities for deeper understanding and compassion flourish.

We no longer navigate through life’s turbulence alone but hand in hand with a guide who knows every pitfall. The rewards are abundant, reaching far beyond our temporal existence. They extend into the eternal, where the true value of a righteous life shines brightest.

Armored in Righteousness: Beyond the Spiritual Battle

I had to realize that the battle didn’t end just because I couldn’t see the enemy. Struggles, temptations, doubts – they all kept coming. But I have learned something crucial. 

Victories in these battles aren’t just about the here and now. They have an eternal ripple effect. The breastplate of righteousness offers us more than just protection; it promises a life aligned with Christ’s victory.

At times, we will fail. We may even question if the armor is there.

But we need to remember. It is not our strength that holds the breastplate in place. It is the truth of Christ’s sacrifice, His resurrection, and His righteousness in us.

This isn’t a garment we can take off or put on at our convenience. It is permanently fixed through our faith in Him.

When we rise each morning, we can choose to walk in this truth. It isn’t a flick of a switch but a daily, conscious decision.

The choice is a declaration – I am no longer just fighting for victory in spiritual warfare; I am living from the victory ground already won by Jesus. 

In Him, our hearts find not only protection but immense freedom. This freedom allows us to love, serve, and live without fear. 

We stand victorious with Christ even in the face of the darkest spirits. This is the eternal perspective that changes everything for us. It strengthens us to face each day not as potential victims of spiritual warfare but as triumphant warriors, armored in Christ’s everlasting righteousness.

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