Put on the Armour of God—Breastplate of Righteousness.
Put on the Armour of God—Breastplate of Righteousness.
The book of Job is interesting, it really shapes up the value of human opinion compared to God’s perspective. Another thing of interest is the courtroom type scene at the beginning, when Satan, the accuser, makes this claim against Job.
‘Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’
(Job 1:9-11)
There are a few interesting things here:
- God had protected Job, and Satan could not act against him except after an accusation was laid. (Which was later proved to be false.)
- Satan’s accusation was that Job’s righteousness was only skin deep—that if the blessing of God was removed from Job’s life, Job would sin, and that he was without merit of protection – that if he is proven unrighteous, his protection would be unmerited.
Let’s consider this concept when we look at Paul’s writings in Ephesians 6.
Paul encourages the reader to stand against Satan, listing off items of armour that they are to utilise in their war against evil. Eventually, I want to look at each piece, starting with the Breastplate of Righteousness in this email.
I have heard the Armour of God used as a tool of prayer—when people are in prayer, someone will declare these items as if they are enacted by their command. I do not think that is the entire nature of what this armour is meant to be.
We see in Job’s life, that there was a direct connection between his righteousness and the protection around his life. A breastplate is an important part of armour. Being plate armour, it is designed to ward off the heavy blows from swords and melee weapons. It is generally laid upon layers of other garments to offer cushioning against blows that would otherwise be lethal. Some may note that the name is a ‘breast’ plate, and often such pieces of armour will offer no protection from the rear. Hence, Paul’s encouragement to STAND, and not flee.
When God looks at us, He does see us as the finished work, but righteousness is still a standard that we must live by. Our salvation is not based on works, we are saved by faith, and in that salvation His blood has covered all of our sins. (See Romans 3:21-26.)
Unfortunately, we are all still capable of treachery—even though it should not be in our redeemed nature. Right after Paul speaks of the lusts of the flesh (Gal 5) (sexual immorality, jealousy, selfish ambition etc.) and fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace etc.) he gives this warning…
‘Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.’
(Gal 6:7-8)
As with a steel breastplate, our spiritual breastplate protects our heart, and in doing so it protects our life too. It ensures longevity in our walk and provides that same ‘hedge of protection’ around us. We should live with the general confidence that we could walk through the valley of the shadow of death, fearing no evil. Even if a weapon was raised against us, its blow should not prosper. Our decision to live a righteous life is the natural response to the salvation of our life at the cost of His precious blood. We can stand against the enemy, then, without fear. Our breastplate is the fruit of our life, it should not need to be engaged only in prayer—it should be as the hedge of protection around us that never comes off.
Do this through a life that continues to ‘sow in the spirit’. Pray, worship, read His Word. Engage with God and He will do many great things in you. Don’t do it in fear, but in acceptance of His invitation for you. The breastplate of righteousness should never come off, righteousness should be our norm. We see in Job’s life that God’s hedge of protection was relational to his righteousness and love of God, as it should be in our lives as well.
I hope this encourages you.