Prepare for Spiritual Battle with the Breastplate of Righteousness
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When we think about some of the most vital parts of the human body, the heart is at the top of the list. Seeing a heartbeat in an ultrasound confirms life in the womb, and having a heart stop beating confirms death. It is no surprise that in battle, it is key for soldiers to wear breastplates to protect their hearts.
Today we will study why it is so significant for us to be spiritual warriors, equipped with the breastplate of righteousness.
“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Our focus verse this week will be Ephesians 6:14b, which says “righteousness like armor on your chest.” (Many versions use: breastplate of righteousness.)
What Is a Breastplate?
Webster’s Dictionary shares different definitions of a breastplate: “a usually metal plate worn as defensive armor for the breast; a vestment worn in ancient times by a Jewish high priest and set with 12 gems bearing the names of the tribes of Israel.”
The first definition is more obvious to us; a breastplate is a protective metal plate that guarded the heart of a soldier. However, the second definition reveals something amazing. In Jewish culture, the breastplate was worn by the high priest.
Bethany Verrett shares, “Once a year, the High Priest would be able to enter the Holy of Holies, which no one else could do because it was where the presence of God came to rest on the Ark of the Covenant. Before he could enter, he had to atone for his own sins…The High Priest would atone for all the sins of the people, and intercede on their behalf, and God would forgive.”
The high priest had a service position that was well-respected because he was to be a man above reproach and faithfully honoring the Lord. He was called to a life of holiness. However, only Jesus, the Ultimate High Priest, could live a sinless life. All of the other high priests had sins that needed to be forgiven by God.
Within the armor of God, I find it no accident that the breastplate is paired with righteousness. A high priest wore a breastplate and was supposed to be a symbol of living a life honoring to the Lord. We as believers in Jesus are actually called the royal priesthood in 2 Peter 2:9. We too are invited to live in the power of the Holy Spirit and guard our hearts to live holy lives for His glory.
The Breastplate of Righteousness for a Fallen Heart?
Have you ever noticed how when the Bible mentions the heart, it is described as sinful (Genesis 6:5), deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9-10), a decision maker (Proverbs 4:23), failing us (Psalm 73:26), and troubled (John 14:27). However with the help of Christ, the heart can be pure (Matthew 5:8), it can meditate on things above (Psalm 19:14), and God removes our hearts of stone and gives us new hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).
As we intentionally ponder the breastplate of righteousness, it is important we know that our hearts, apart from Christ, are evil and sinful. However, He has made us righteous and holy. There may no longer be a war for our spiritual eternity, but there is a war for our holiness, and we are to be an example to those around us. The enemy wants us to follow our fleshly hearts instead of being armed with the breastplate of righteousness. He wants us to fall into temptation and sin. He wants to destroy our reputation, cause others to think that we are hypocritical Christians, and separate God-honoring friendships, marriages, families, and church communities. We must be on our guard.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).
First, we put on that belt of truth, standing firm on the gospel and Bible. Then, we connect our breastplate of righteousness by living by the Spirit and not our flesh, and staying guarded and watchful to areas of sin in our lives. We must be aware that we all have vulnerable places that are important to guard on behalf of our testimonies, families, and the body of Christ.
Jesus Models the Breastplate of Righteousness
Jesus models the breastplate of righteousness in so many ways. He was fully human, but without sin. He spent intentional time in prayer (Matthew 14:23), He was honorable in His lifestyle, and He lived to always glorify the Father. Jesus guarded His heart on a daily basis because He lived a holy life.
Warren Buffet famously said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” The fact that Jesus built His life on holiness and never once followed a sinful desire reveals that He was God. Only God has a perfect heart. Jesus never made one mistake that gave others true reason to place Him in jail or kill Him.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
“He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:2).
“You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5).
Jesus did what we could not do and now His Spirit in us can help us live like Him and be protected from our own sinful hearts and the spiritual battle.
Am I a Spiritual Warrior with the Breastplate of Righteousness?
Is there a sin that I am falling into by living out my fleshly heart?
What are ways (with the help of Christ and community) that I can guard my heart with the breastplate of righteousness?
In what ways is Satan attacking the church as a whole to not be able to live holy lives? How can I pray for the body of Christ to put on the breastplate of righteousness?
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Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Estellez
