Bible Study: The Breastplate of Righteousness

🛡️ A Second Piece of the Armor

Welcome back to our study on Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God. In the last session, we explored the belt of truth—the piece that holds everything together. Today, we’re turning our attention to the next piece: the breastplate of righteousness.

📖 Ephesians 6:13–14 (WEB)

"Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness..."

🦺 Why a Breastplate?

A breastplate is vital in battle. It protects the heart and vital organs from fatal blows.

In Roman times, breastplates were made of iron or bronze and often reinforced with leather on the inside. They covered the chest and abdomen, guarding the very core of a soldier's life.

Spiritually, the heart is the seat of our emotions, motives, and identity. Jesus said:

"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies." (Matthew 15:19 WEB)

Our hearts must be protected—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—by righteousness.

❓ What Is Righteousness?

Righteousness simply means conformity to a standard—to what is morally and divinely right.

📏 The Divine Standard

Just as a yardstick or meter stick sets the standard for measurement, God's holiness is the standard for righteousness.

"You shall be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16 WEB)

Righteousness is living in alignment with God’s character and ways.

🧠 Three Types of Righteousness

Paul likely has all three of the following in mind when he speaks of the breastplate of righteousness:

1️⃣ Personal Righteousness

This is our own attempt to live rightly.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is like a polluted garment." (Isaiah 64:6 WEB)

Even our best efforts fall short. We cannot save ourselves by being good enough.

2️⃣ Positional (Imputed) Righteousness

This is the righteousness of Christ that is given to us when we believe.

"He made him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21 WEB)

When God looks at us, He sees the righteousness of Christ, not our failures.

This is what protects us from the accusations of the enemy.

3️⃣ Practical Righteousness

This is the day-to-day lifestyle of making godly choices.

"If you walk in my ways and keep my requirements..." (Zechariah 3:7 paraphrase)

It’s about becoming more like Jesus through sanctification.

"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12–13 WEB)

💡 Why This Matters in Warfare

Satan is called the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10).

He reminds us of our past, our sin, our failures.

But we put on the breastplate of righteousness and say:

• I am not defined by my past.

• I am made righteous by Christ.

• I am empowered to live righteously.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." (Romans 8:1 WEB)

🛠️ Application Questions

• Are you still trying to earn your standing with God by your own effort?

• Have you received Christ’s righteousness by faith?

• Are you living in a way that reflects His righteousness in you?

🙏 Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You that You not only died for my sin but gave me Your righteousness. Help me live with that breastplate securely in place. Guard my heart. Strengthen my resolve. Make me more like You. Amen.