Bulletproof

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
Isaiah 61:10a (NKJV)

 

Series: Standing Strong

 

We are three weeks into the new year. Have you successfully started a small, new habit that will propel you toward a bigger, long-term goal? Have you adjusted your mindset to embrace a new approach to something challenging? Are you standing stronger today than you were a month ago? Is your commitment steadfast and are your systems bulletproof?

If so, great job! Stay the course! If not, don’t beat yourself up. Today is a brand-new day and a brand-new start. Either way, let’s continue our journey together in learning to Stand Strong.

Last week, Jen encouraged us to fasten the truth of God’s Word around us to stay grounded and to prepare us to fight deception. She exemplified the importance of opening our Bibles to hear and know God’s word. The Belt of Truth is the first piece of armor Paul teaches believers to put on in Ephesians 6:10-20. It is the core support and establishes a firm foundation.

The next piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness. In Ephesians 6:14 (NIV), Paul instructs:

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.

In ancient Rome, breastplates were made of bronze or mail and secured to a wide leather belt by loops or buckles. The belt supported the weight of the armor and held it in place. The breastplate protected the heart, lungs, and other vital organs from the attacks of the enemies.

The breastplate of righteousness cannot be formulated or created from our own efforts. Our righteousness is insufficient. Nothing within our own ability equips us with the protection our hearts require in response to the attacks of Satan. The prophet Isaiah wrote in 64:6 (NIV):

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Jesus purchased righteousness for us at the cross. Through Him alone, each repentant sinner receives this essential piece of spiritual armor. God knew our righteousness was insufficient, and so He made the way for us. Paul taught us in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) that we become righteous through Jesus:

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

The breastplate of righteousness, when put on and fastened to the belt of truth, protects the heart from evil and deception, enabling believers to live righteously and stand firm during spiritual attacks. It shields against false accusations, condemnation, and shame. Bitterness, envy, and strife cannot take root. Purity is protected through the breastplate.

Putting on the armor of God requires a decision and subsequent action. We put on the belt of truth by seeking God in His word and studying the scriptures. We put on the breastplate of righteousness by acknowledging our need for Christ’s righteousness, developing a purity of heart that converts into actions, and renewing our commitment to God daily—even moment by moment.

Paul encouraged believers in Ephesians 4:1b (NASB):

Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.

As we conform our lives to the image of Jesus and put on Christ, our choices become more godly, and our response to temptation more absolute. This cannot be accomplished through self-effort, but only by actively putting on the breastplate Jesus gives.

Have you picked up the filthy, corroded breastplate of your own righteousness? Have you been tempted to defend yourself based on your own merits? Have you relied upon yourself to get things done, instead of looking unto Jesus? Be reassured through scripture. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) says:

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Pick up the shiny, new, solid breastplate of His righteousness and secure it in place, connected to the belt of truth. Guard your heart with the armor He has provided you and be mindful of His protection over you continually. The enemy cannot pass through that breastplate. It’s impenetrable, unfailing, bulletproof.

Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann

 

Scripture References: Isaiah 61:10, 64:6; Ephesians 4:1, 6:10-20; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 8:29, 13:14; Proverbs 4:23