Breastplate of Righteousness | Lesson 154
Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, guides listeners through an exploration of Ephesians chapter 6, focusing on the breastplate of righteousness as part of the whole armor of God. He explains the spiritual battle Christians face, emphasizing the necessity of equipping ourselves with God's armor to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Strelecki underscores that believers are already endowed with the armor upon conversion—the righteousness imputed through faith in Jesus Christ—yet practical application requires consciously putting it on in daily life. This involves seeing righteousness as both a gift and a fruit that should manifest in good works, propelled by the truth and love embodied in Jesus Christ. He challenges believers to align their lives with God's teachings, warning against the dangers of disconnecting intellectual knowledge from heartfelt belief and action.
The sermon further explores the dual purpose of righteousness: securing eternal justification and promoting a righteous walk as a defense against spiritual attacks. Strelecki highlights that protecting the heart is crucial since it is the source of life’s issues. He admonishes believers to delve into God's Word for truth and allow it to penetrate their hearts, producing righteousness that counters sin and guards against fear and guilt. Emphasizing the blessings of living righteously, Strelecki cautions against relying on secular solutions and encourages trust in God's provisions for the soul, fostering a life that is not only shielded by righteousness but is proactive in love and faith towards others.