The Breastplate of Righteousness; Ephesians 6:14b - Copy
What’s Protecting Your Heart
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:14, “Stand firm then, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”
When Paul wrote this, he was thinking about a Roman soldier’s armor. The breastplate was vital because it protected the heart and the vital organs. Without it, a soldier could be killed instantly. In the same way, as believers we are in a spiritual battle. Our enemy, the devil, aims at our heart and mind. That’s why we must put on the breastplate of righteousness. Today, we will learn three things about the breastplate:
- Christ is our righteousness.
- We must guard our heart and mind.
- We are called to live righteously.
1. Christ is Our Righteousness
The first truth is that the breastplate represents Christ as our righteousness. We are all sinners and separated from God. On our own, we cannot come near His holy presence. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. "But Jesus came and lived a perfect life. He obeyed all of God’s commandments. He never sinned—not once. When He died on the cross, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice, pleasing to God.2 Corinthians 5:21 says: “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”This means that when Christ died, He took our sin, and in exchange He gave us His righteousness. Now, when God looks at us, He sees us covered with Christ’s righteousness. That is our breastplate—it protects us from the enemy’s accusations.
2. Guarding Our Heart and Mind
The second truth is that the breastplate protects our heart and mind. In Hebrew, the word “heart” often means the mind—the center of our thoughts, emotions, and will. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. The enemy knows how important the heart and mind are. That is why he targets them. He uses social media, the world’s system, entertainment, and even education to corrupt our thinking. He knows that if he can control your mind, he can control your life. That’s why Paul warns us. If your heart is set on earthly things, you become an easy target. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). So, let me ask you today: What is in your heart? What fills your mind? What do you spend most of your time on?
- If your time is consumed by social media or earthly things, then your heart will follow them.
- But if your mind is set on Christ and His Word, then your heart will be guarded.
3. Living a Righteous Life
The third truth is this: righteousness is not only what Christ has given us, but also how we live it out daily. The breastplate is useless if we wear it in name only but live in sin. We must ask ourselves:
- Am I living a righteous life?
- How is my life when I am alone, away from the church, when no one is watching?
- Am I guarding my heart from evil?
If we neglect righteous living, we open the door for the enemy. But when we walk in righteousness, empowered by Christ, our hearts remain protected. Of course, we are not perfect. Sometimes we stumble and fall. And when we do, the devil rushes to accuse us. But listen: the Bible says in Romans 8:1, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. "So, when the devil accuses you, boldly declare:
“I am not perfect, but I am covered with the righteousness of Christ. I may stumble, but Christ does not condemn me. I will rise again!”
Application: How to Defeat the Enemy
- Have Christ in you – Receive His righteousness.
- Guard your heart and mind – Protect your thoughts from corruption.
- Live righteously – Walk in holiness daily.
Conclusion
The breastplate of righteousness is both a gift and a calling.
- As a gift, it is Christ’s righteousness given to us through His sacrifice.
- As a calling, it is a lifestyle of holiness, guarding our heart and mind daily.
If we wear this breastplate, we will stand firm against the devil’s schemes. But without it, we are exposed and vulnerable. So today, put on the breastplate of righteousness. Trust in Christ’s righteousness, guard your heart and mind, and live a righteous life. And when the enemy comes against you, you will stand firm in the Lord.
