For many of us, the issue of protecting our hearts has been something we have mastered over years of practice, resulting from experiencing some kind of emotional trauma growing up. Perhaps you may still be experiencing it. Anytime we’re involved in relationships we subject ourselves to the potential of abuse, especially verbal abuse!
You have probably wished, at some point in the past, that you were wearing armor to protect your heart from hurtful people.
It has been my experience that good, moral, well-meaning people are capable of anything given the right circumstance, even hurting those that they love the most!
Basically, what it boils down to is this: hurt people hurt people! Too often, people who are hurting attack those that are closest to them with a barrage of lies mingled with hurtful words.
I am sure that you remember growing up and hearing this saying on the playground: “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” I am here to tell you that that is just not true! Words, especially lies about us, do hurt. They pierce right to the heart.
Where do those words, those lies come from? The Bible says that all lies originate with Satan himself. He is known as “the father of lies”. So, anytime that we abuse someone by lying about them with insults, remember that you have just partnered with the great deceiver himself, Satan.
It has taken me a long time to understand who I am in Christ. And because I now understand who I am in Him, I no longer buy into the lies that Satan throws my way.
Jesus says that I am forgiven, that I have a new name and character. He says that He gave His life for me so that I may live. He says that I am a child of God who has been set apart for good works. He also says that I am righteous, not because of what I have done, but because of what Jesus did for me on the cross.
Jesus is now my righteousness who helps me stand up against the fiery arrows that Satan throws my way. He and I can now stand against the devil’s schemes.
The devil often attacks our heart - the seat of our emotions, self-worth, and trust. God’s righteousness is the breast plate that protects our heart and ensures His approval. He approves of us because He loves us and sent His Son to die for us.
Come this Sunday and be encouraged by God’s wonderful Word to us. I look forward to seeing you in Worship Service. Enjoy the study!
OBSERVATION: What do I see? Read- Ephesians 6:14b
The second piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness. Every believer is clothed with the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21), but he must also manifest integrity and uprightness in his personal life. Someone has said, “When a man is clothed in practical righteousness, he is impregnable. Word’s are no defense against accusation, but a good life is.” If our conscience is void of offense toward God and man, the devil has nothing to shoot at. David put on the breastplate of righteousness in Psalm 7:3-5. The Lord Jesus wore it at all times (Isaiah 59:17)
The typical breastplate used by the Roman legions fell into four categories. Some were made out of leather and some out of 700 to 1,000 small interwoven rings per breastplate. High ranking officers sometimes had breastplates produced form two single pieces of molded bronze, one for the back and the other for the front. The two halves were tied together with short strips of leather in the back and front. Bronze, although not the strongest metal known in the first century had the advantage of being lightweight.
In this era, when hand-to-hand combat was almost always necessary, soldiers had to balance protection with ease of movement. The discomfort of the breastplate around the neck was usually softened by a woolen scarf.
The function of the breastplate was simple - to protect the soldier’s vital organs. In close and-to-hand combat the breastplate was essential for survival. No trained Roman soldier would venture into battle without it. If we start to believe that our own righteousness, effort, or good works can make us worthy of God’s protection, the advantage quickly changes to benefit our enemy. Our righteousness is worthless in the battle. We need to get our eyes of of ourselves and back on the provision of the cross and the righteousness that is found in a relationship with Jesus.
Q-What image comes into your mind when your read the word “breastplate”?
INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?
Q- What does “put on the breastplate of righteousness” mean to you?
APPLICATION: How does it apply to my life?
Q- How can you put on the breastplate of righteousness? Name three ways.
SUPPLICATION: Where do I need God’s help?
Q-In what way has Satan attacked your heart with false accusations, your emotions, self-worth and trust. Would you take a moment and pray trusting God with it?
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