THE ARMOUR OF GOD – THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – 2Ephesians 6:13–14

THE ARMOUR OF GOD – THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – 2 Ephesians 6:13–14 13 Therefore, put on God’s complete armour, so that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [that the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity, moral rectitude, and right standing with God. MESSAGE Last week, we started a series on the whole armour of God. We established that the evil day is a matter of when and not if. Hence, God has made provision in His armour to help believers resist and stand their ground when they come face to face with the crises, dangers, and challenges of life in the days called evil. So far, we have looked at the belt of truth. Today, we will continue as we look at another piece of armour designed by God to help us resist and stand our ground in the face of life’s crises and troubles. The second piece of armour is called "the breastplate of righteousness." Righteousness means integrity, moral rectitude, and right standing with God. At this very juncture, I need us to understand that righteousness or integrity is not flawlessness. Rather, it is being truthful about our faults and mistakes and always being ready and open to correction and necessary change. The breastplate of righteousness is very crucial because it helps to protect the heart, which is a very vital organ when it comes to our walk with God. You see, in this Kingdom, what you do is not as important to God as the heart with which you do it. That is why 2 Chronicles 25:2 says: “And he did that which was RIGHT in the sight of the LORD, but not with a PERFECT HEART.” This reveals that it is possible to do what is RIGHT but not with a PERFECT HEART. Hence, our hearts must be protected with the breastplate of righteousness so that we can resist and stand our ground on the evil day, and also so that our service before God may be acceptable to Him. Proverbs 4:23 says: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Everything in life emanates from the heart and, as a result, it must be jealously guarded by the breastplate of righteousness. That is why if the devil can not get your heart, he can not get your life. It does not matter the challenges or afflictions we face; the moment our hearts are protected by the breastplate of righteousness, we can be confident of our deliverance and victory in Christ Jesus. Hence, Psalm 34:19 says: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” How? Because the heart is guarded by the breastplate of righteousness. Beloved, let us do everything possible to guard our hearts with the breastplate of righteousness — that is, integrity, moral rectitude, and right standing with God in Christ Jesus. By doing so, our boldness and confidence to resist and stand our ground on the evil day are built. Remember, Proverbs 28:1 says: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the RIGHTEOUS are BOLD as a lion.” I pray that this WORD OF TRUTH will sanctify and transform you, conforming you more and more into the image of Christ, from glory to greater glory in every area of your life, in Jesus' mighty Name. Amen. WORD OF TRUTH ADEMOLA OLADIPO