2. The breastplate of righteousness:
The torso of the Roman soldier was protected by a leather breastplate covered with metal that protected the vital organs. The righteousness of God is applied to the account of all Christians the moment they believe in Christ. Our names are permanently written in the book of life. Of course Paul is not referring to that righteousness here, what we call justification. Here Paul is referring to the practical righteousness of moment-by-moment obedience to God’s Word. The belt of truth is knowing God’s Word and the breastplate of righteousness is applying God’s Word in all aspects of our life. We must “know” before we can “do” and one is no good without the other. These are two sides of the same coin.
Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Romans 5:1- Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Bible God commands us to be holy because He is holy. We do that through obedience to God’s Word. Believers are saved through faith in Christ which is a one time event but righteousness is a lifelong journey. Our righteousness increases over time as we consciously try to obey God by following His commands for our life and emulating Christ in all we do. Living a righteous life should be the goal of all Christians. Pray for God’s help in being righteous. Ask for God’s forgiveness daily. Lean on God for strength.
2 Corinthians 10:5 – Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Being children of the Most High God allows us to call on God for protection. What’s even better is living a righteous life before God because it affords us better protection from the spiritual assaults of Satan and his demons. All the saints are prime targets for the forces of darkness because we are beloved by God. Satan will attack our mind and emotions and living a righteous life makes us better able to resist Satan. When we keep our mind focused on God Satan can’t influence us with false doctrine, false principles and false information. A righteous mind is the best defense against Satan.