The Full Armor of God: Breastplate of Righteousness – Part 3

The Breastplate of Righteousness

“Stand your ground, putting on...the body armor (breastplate) of God’s righteousness.” -Ephesians 6:14 NLT

​In the years leading up to the incarnation of Christ, there was a man by the name of Julius Caesar, who helped transform the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire – one of the largest empires in history. It stretched all the way around the Mediterranean Sea and was home to millions of Jewish people, Italians, as well as other ethnicities.

​

​Julius Caesar was a general, who had proven to be a very competent military strategist and leader, as his military campaigns resulted in victories, thus building the Empire. He was politically adept and his family tree was full of aristocrats. As the years passed, Caesar began to grow in power which would later result in a dictatorship. However, before solidifying his rule, he began to fill his senate with allies – people that he would be able to count on to back him, stroke his ego, and not put up a fuss – or so he thought. As his power continued to increase, the popularity with his senate began to decrease. Some became envious, jealous, and concerned of his aspiration to become Rome’s next monarch – something they’d not had in over five generations and definitely wasn’t crazy about having again.

​

​As history would go on to reveal, some of the allies that Caesar appointed to his senate were “former” enemies of the Roman Republic. On that fatal day (which we recognize through historical and literary accounts as the Ides of March), there was a meeting in the senate from which Caesar would never leave – alive. The conspiracy to assassinate the dictator, was led by two of his “former” enemies (whom he made alliances with). According to historical accounts, 60 or more men participated in Caesar’s assassination. He was stabbed 23 times, and a medical examination would later reveal that there was only one wound that would be the lethal one. Out of 23 stab wounds, the one that would prove to be the fatal thrust was the second one to his chest.

​

​This great commanding general, who had led numerous, successful military campaigns; who was no stranger to the armor that Roman soldiers wore into battle; who was very careful as to not to become a fatality during the battles; died the most ironic death. I can’t help but wonder, if he had worn his military attire to the senate meeting, would he had still lived to conquer even more? If he had not let his guard down around “former” enemies, would he have achieved his dream of kingship? This once brilliant dictator didn’t seem so brilliant that particular day; or, his arrogance blinded him from what was really taking place.
 

​That is how it is with us at times. We put on our spiritual armor, go into battle against the enemy and stand strong in the Power of God. We withstand every blow, every fiery dart, and every weapon that Satan comes against us with. We fight a few battles and come out victorious, because, after all, Romans 8:37 tells us that we are more than conquerors in Him (Christ Jesus) that loves us – right? As true as that is, there are times when we tend to get too confident and too comfortable and begin to let our guard down. We quit looking to Christ and begin trying to fight battles against our adversary – in our own power and might. We begin befriending “former” enemies (sinful desires); and, the sin we once despised, we begin to feel comfortable around it and in it – while at the same time, Satan is waiting to use them to take us out. It doesn’t usually happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, just as it was with Caesar. His enemies didn’t plot his assassination overnight; and, in my opinion, I am sure it took him a while to “let his guard down”. Satan is waiting for the opportunity for us to let our guard down – be reminded, he is very patient. Last week we talked about the importance of the Belt of Truth. This week we are going to study the importance of the Breastplate of Righteousness.

​Purpose of the breastplate. Military armor has been used for thousands of years dating back to ancient days. The breastplate was and is still a very critical piece of armor that protects the torso area of the body against lethal attacks. It was designed to protect the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and stomach – vital organs that enemies would target to take the soldier out quickly. Our soldiers, police force, and top government officials wear a type of breastplate (body armor) still today.

​During the days of the Roman Empire, Roman soldiers wore breastplates (lorica segmentata) that not only covered the front of the torso, but also the back. Paul’s reference to it in the spiritual context signifies the necessity, as well as the importance, of protecting our vitality as Christians against the devastating and lethal attacks from Satan and his army. It’s not just any breastplate; it’s not one that we can see in the natural; but, it is one that we should wear all the time because it is the righteousness of Christ Jesus.

​What is righteousness? The Greek word for righteousness in this week’s scripture passage is dikaiosynē. It is defined as being upright, virtuous, innocent, faultless, guiltless, keeping the commands of God; approved of or acceptable of God. The BLB Lexicon goes on to say that righteousness is “whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God, and who therefore needs no rectification in the heart of life”, in which only Christ, and He alone, fits this descriptive.

​Righteousness can only be achieved through Christ Jesus and the Blood that He shed for us. We are born into this sinful world, unclean (unrighteous). We all have sinned and come short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Isaiah says that we are all infected with sin and our righteousness and righteous acts are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We are already dead in our sins and the only way to live is to accept God’s gracious gift of eternal life through His Son’s (Jesus) finished work on the cross and resurrection from the grave (Ephesians 2:4-6). We will never produce enough righteousness within our own selves nor can we do enough good deeds in our flesh, to please God. Righteousness acceptable to God is nothing that we do but everything Christ has done.

​Where do we get the Breastplate of Righteousness? The Breastplate of Righteousness can’t be bought by us. We can’t do enough good deeds to obtain it. You may be asking, “Well, if I can’t buy it or work for it, how can I get mine?” Good question.
 

   The Breastplate of Righteousness was paid for at Calvary. When we become saved by faith, Christ imputes His righteousness into us, thus His righteousness is all God sees – not ours. As stated earlier, our righteousness alone is as filthy rags. When we believe right – believing that the righteousness of Christ is imputed into us – we will live right. We will no longer be conformed to the world (our old lifestyle, worldly ways, and evil deeds), but become transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). Christ’s righteousness imputed into us will enable us to live a life pleasing unto God. We should be clothed in His righteousness at all times so we don’t give into those sinful desires of the flesh (Romans 13:14). God sent His Son, Jesus, Who knew no sin, to bear our sins so we can become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:12). Jesus is our only access to the Breastplate of Righteousness.

 

​Why we should wear the Breastplate of Righteousness. Think back, if you will, to one of the worst spiritual attacks that you have had since being a Christian. The more you think about it, it probably came during a time that you was feeling the fire of the Holy Spirit raging inside of you and the Word of God burning hot with in your heart. Jeremiah described it “like a fire shut up in his bones” (Jeremiah 20:9). You felt great deep down in your sanctified soul and everything seemed to be clicking together just right. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, the breath gets knocked out of you and the wind taken out of your sails. It seemed like all of hell broke loose on your life and Satan was delivering one blow after another – loss of your job, marital problems, rebellious children, death after death in your family, etc. Now that you think about it, it amazes you that you are still standing. It hasn’t been easy, but nevertheless, by the grace of God, you’re still here. Let me recall your attention to another soldier who had all hell break loose on his life.

​Job was man of God who was blameless and of complete integrity. He feared the Lord and stayed away from evil. He was wealthy. He was the priest of his family. He was a praying man of God. He had a lot going for him. However, a day came out of nowhere, where one disaster after another began to turn Job’s world upside down. It all happened in a matter of minutes, but probably had that lingering, nagging feeling of eternity. After shaving his head and tearing apart his clothes in agony, he began to worship the Lord. Then, on top of all that had happened, he became covered in boils and had to listen to his angry wife. After his friends showed up ensued by days of silence, they began to condemn him. I can only imagine what Job’s initial thoughts were during this time of calamity of sorts. Nevertheless, he maintained his integrity, never cursed God in all of this, but no doubt wondered what had happened and why. I mean, here is a man, who by the Bible's definition was blameless and of complete integrity; feared the Lord and stayed away from evil – he was as close to righteousness as one could get before Jesus came. He loved the Lord and did everything right to the best of his ability, but Satan blindsided him. Even through all of the disastrous events, the Bible said Job never cursed God – he questioned Him, but never cursed Him. Job maintained his righteousness; he got weak, but maintained nonetheless. Every attack of evil that came his way was never enough to take him out; never enough to damage his vitality – integrity, character, and virtue – that he was known by in the very first verse of the book of Job.

​For us, attacks will come. Being a Christian does not exempt us from spiritual warfare. No matter how many times we go to church through the week, how many bible studies we attend each month, how often we have family devotion, or how much we pray – we will still have warfare. As a matter-of-factly, many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God will deliver us from them all (Psalm 34:19). Paul was familiar with the attacks and what it will take to withstand them. God has equipped us with everything we need for battle, but it is up to us to use it. The Breastplate of Righteousness will sustain the blows, thwart the attacks, and protect us against the enemy. It will make our paths straight, guide our steps, deliver us, and keep us from death (Proverbs 11:3-6). We may get scratched up and bruised, but the Breastplate of Righteousness will protect our spiritual vitality. Job wasn’t attacked without God’s approval. God will allow attacks from the enemy in order to test us and strengthen us.

Maintaining the Breastplate of Righteousness. Now that we know the purpose of the Breastplate of Righteousness, how do we maintain it and keep it on at all times? It requires daily maintenance; it requires discipline on the part of every believer. It is a choice that must be made second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. Jesus said in order for us to be a disciple (a soldier) of His, we must first deny ourselves, pick up our cross daily, and follow after Him (Luke 9:23).

While it is true that the attacks will come when wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness (and the guaranteed protection against them), it is most certainly true that the attacks will also come the moment we decide not to wear it. They will come in the form of temptations and weapons designed to destroy us and turn us away from our faith in God (Luke 22:31). To maintain our Breastplate of Righteousness, we must remain in constant fellowship with Jesus Christ through His Spirit, staying in His Word, and continuous prayer. Maintaining and wearing our Breastplate of Righteousness always, will most certainly help us to shun and abstain from temptations and the sinful desires of the flesh.

So, along with the Belt of Truth, keep on the Breastplate of Righteousness and never take them off – NEVER! Remember, these are the fundamental garments of our armor and without them, we will become defeated Christians. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Until next week, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.


References

[1]Biography.com – Julius Caesar

[2]Wikipedia.org – Julius Caesar

[3]Blueletterbible.org

Next week- The Full Armor of God: Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Part 4)

The Full Armor of God: Belt of Truth- Part 2

The Belt of Truth

“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth…” –Ephesians 6:14a NLT

 Reflecting back on my youth during the time of growing up in a small town in Louisiana, I am  reminded of the time that I had an opportunity to help my dad and other men of the church in the construction of our very first church building. We were a newly formed congregation that met weekly in an old community civic center. God had blessed the church with some land and the finances to begin the construction.

 I was around 9 or 10, and- like most boys that age- had the attention span of a butterfly. The only thing that I was able to do, was something that I had learned to be good at- being a “Go-for”; “go for this” and “go for that”. Occasionally, I was able to sneak and grab an unoccupied hammer and drive a few nails. As I watched the men with admiration, I thought to myself: “I sure would like to be a carpenter when I grow up and wear one of those cool tool belts like they wear!” (If you are not familiar with a carpenter’s belt, then you wouldn’t understand the excitement of a 9-year-old boy and his dream.)

 A carpenter’s belt is a belt that is used by (just as the name implies) carpenters. It is a special belt that makes the job easier for any carpenter. It provides special compartments that can be filled with an array of items, such as: nails, screws, tape measure, pencil, etc. It has a place designed for hanging a hammer. The whole idea is to be able to carry a “tool box” while leaving your hands free to climb and move around. Without the carpenter’s belt, a carpenter’s job would be more time consuming, more work and effort, and quite frankly, more tiresome.

 As we learned last week, the Apostle Paul used the analogy of “full armor of God” in regards to a Christian’s protection in the fight against evil. He broke it down piece by piece and labeled each one accordingly. This week we will learn about the belt of truth.

 The Roman soldier wore a belt, known as a cingulum or balteaus, that was imperative to his battle attire, in order to be effective during battle. One could say that the Roman soldier’s belt was his “carpenter’s belt”. It was designed to be able to carry various forms of weaponry, while his hands were free to wield a shield in one hand and weapon of choice in the other. Without his belt, he would have no scabbard (sheath) to carry his sword and daggers. This belt also had strips of leather which dropped down in the lower front and rear of the soldier, for added protection to the lower body. So, as one can see, the soldier’s belt served a far greater purpose than just a fashion statement; it was a fundamental part of the armor. Without it, it would be deemed impossible to last long during a fight. Therefore, Paul started off the list of the Christian’s spiritual armor with the belt of truth. Without the belt of truth girded (tightly secured) around our waist, all other pieces of the armor will be rendered useless.

 What is truth? Truth is the inspired (God-breathed) Word of God, which teaches us what is truth and what is false. It teaches us the right and wrong way to live. It corrects us when we are wrong. God uses it to equip us to do every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). In John 17:17, Jesus prayed for the Father to sanctify us (set apart and make holy) with His truth and to teach us His Word, which is truth. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Without the Word of God, we will not know truth. Without the Word of God teaching us, we can so easily get caught up in the world’s distorted truth, or go by our own inclinations. However, there is a way that seems right unto a man, but its end is death (Proverbs 14:12).

 Why should we gird ourselves with belt of truth? By continuously girding ourselves with the Word of God, our minds will become aligned with the truth and our actions will then ensue. What a person thinks in their heart, they become (Proverbs 23:7). The Word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). The Word of God will expose our thoughts and desires and convict us unto righteousness (Hebrews 4:12). We should have the Word of God written on the tablets of our hearts and bound around our necks so truth and mercy never forsake us (Proverbs 3:3). Without the belt of truth secured tightly around us, it is impossible to carry the sword of the Spirit and use it effectively. The Word of God is the foundation of all things. In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word gave everything life that was created. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1-4,14). When everything else passes away, the Word of God will stand forever (Matthew 24:35).

 What happens if the Christian doesn't wear the belt of truth? The Russian author Leo Tolstoy once said, "Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold." That is what the Word of God does, exposes every lie by the presentation of truth. Every lie the enemy tells you, the truth of the Word condemns it and tears it down. Everything that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, we shall bring down by His Word and bring into captivity, every wayward thought into the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). The only way we can counterattack the lies of satan, is by wearing the belt of truth. 

 As I stated earlier, without the belt of truth, wielding the sword of the Spirit will be ineffective. Let's take, for example, an automobile. An avid driver knows how to open the door, get in, buckle up, and turn the key to crank the automobile. However, if there is no battery or gas, the automobile has nothing to work with. It's ineffective. Likewise, if we do not wear the belt of truth, we may have memorized a few scripture verses but we don't know how to use the sword of the Spirit because we don't understand the truth. In other words, we're empty; like the automobile with no gas or battery. By not understanding and knowing the truth, we will begin to fall for every subtle lie and twisted form of the truth that comes our way. When Jesus was tempted by satan in the wilderness, He always replied to satan's lies with, "It is written..." (Matthew 4:3-11). By aligning our thoughts with the truth, we will not lean unto our own inclinations, but, instead, completely trust and rely on the Lord with all of our hearts and acknowledge Him in all of our ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

 Jesus said that when He sends the Holy Spirit back, He will lead us into all truth and bring back to remembrance everything He said (John 14:26, 16:13). Wearing the belt of truth means we have hidden the Word of God in our hearts so we will not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). We must test all things and hold fast to what is good; hold to the truth and get rid of the bad stuff (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We must search the scriptures daily to be able to discern what is truth from false teachings (Acts 17:11). We are living in a time now that "watered-down" teachings and "sweetened" doctrines are being taught. We must know the truth and secure it around us at all times. We must study to show ourselves approved unto God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, and explaining the truth the right way (2 Timothy 2:15).

 As we can see, we must wear the FULL armor of God, or not wear it at all. If we don't keep our belt of truth on, we will gradually begin to conform back to the world and compromise with its ways. The truth is what makes us free and keeps us out of bondage (John 8:32). In order to be transformed unto righteousness by the renewing of our minds, we must allow the truth to penetrate and circumcise our hearts as the Holy Spirit continues to regenerate us (Romans 12:2, Colossians 2:11-15, Titus 3:5). 

 I remember an old cartoon in which one of the main characters continuously had misfortune. In one particular scene, his trouser belt broke, thus resulting in his trousers falling, causing him embarrassment and shame. Likewise, if our belt of truth is not properly maintained and has, for whatever reason, become weak, there will come a time of battle in which our belt may fail, leaving us vulnerable and exposing us to shame. Ways that our belt of truth may become weak is: failure to continue in the Word, subtle compromise with the world (a little here and a little there), not using it everyday, and begin to believe the enemy's lies instead of believing God. There is a remedy- allow God to repair your belt of truth by confessing your sins to Him daily (1 John 1:9) and continue in the truth. 

 Never take off the belt of truth. Continue in it always and deflect the lies of satan. Remember it is the fundamental garment of our armor and without it, we will become a defeated Christian. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Until next week, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Next week- The Full Armor of God: Breastplate of Righteousness (Part 3)

The Full Armor of God: Overall Importance - (Part 1)

The Overall Importance of God’s Armor for the Christian

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

-Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)

   The Apostle Paul, in his many epistles, used analogies to convey God’s message to a particular church. Those analogies were intended (and I believe, inspired by the Holy Spirit) to make it easy for the readers to understand- much like we use illustrations today. So was the case with the Ephesians. Ephesus was an ancient Greek city that was located in present-day Turkey. In 129 B.C., it came under the control of the Roman Republic. As Paul began to describe to them about the spiritual warfare that is ever taking place against Christians, he used an analogy that they would most certainly understand; he likened our spiritual weapons and protection to that of the Roman soldier’s armor and weapons. So, as we begin this study, I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the importance and necessity of wearing the full armor of God at all times; as well as keeping it maintained. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

   We are facing spiritual wickedness every second. When we are awake, and when we are asleep. I am reminded of a particular instance in which an attack came against me while I was asleep one night. I felt like my life was literally being pulled out of me. I could not breathe, I could not move, I could not scream. I was literally paralyzed. My wife awakened and she began to pray for me- in the Holy Spirit. At that moment, those demonic forces that had gripped me had to release their grip.

   In the natural, we cannot see what is taking place in the spirit world. In the natural we cannot see what demonic forces are awaiting us: when we awake every morning, when we send the kids off to school, when we leave our homes to go to work, while we are at work, when we come home, and when we lay down at night; and all places in between. Satan is our adversary who is going throughout the earth to and fro as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8; Job 1:2), and he has his demonic army behind him. As Christians we must be on alert always (Ephesians 6:18) and understand that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against those demonic powers that are unseen (Ephesians 6:12).

   In order to remain a victorious Christian and not a defeated Christian, and to withstand every attack of our enemy, Paul tells us that we must wear the full armor of God and stand in God’s mighty power. This armor is something that we can’t see with our natural eye, but in the spirit realm it gives us the protection we need against the weapons of our enemy. When we are wearing the full armor of God, no weapon formed against us by our enemy shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).

   So, join me as we work through the full armor of God and the importance of each piece. Have a blessed week.

-Jason Johnson

 Next Article: The Full Armor of God: The Belt of Truth (Part 2)