The Evolution of the Christan Life:Breastplate of Righteousness

THE EVOLUTION OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
 
"Learning to Live What You Believe"
Text: Ephesians 6:14
"And having on the breastplate of righteousness."

Big Idea
Truth must move from our heads into our hearts and lives. The Breastplate of Righteousness teaches us to live what we believe.
 
INTRODUCTION

• The Belt of Truth teaches us what to believe. 
• The Breastplate of Righteousness teaches us how to live. 
• God did not save us merely to know truth but to obey truth. 
• Righteousness protects the believer's heart and strengthens spiritual maturity. 

Key Statement
Spiritual evolution occurs when righteousness moves from doctrine into daily practice.
 
I. THE BREASTPLATE PROTECTED THE HEART
Ephesians 6:14b
 
The Roman Breastplate

• Protected vital organs. 
• Guarded the heart and lungs. 
• Prevented deadly wounds. 
• Essential for survival in battle. 

Spiritual Application
The heart influences:

• Thoughts 
• Attitudes 
• Words 
• Decisions 
• Actions 

Proverbs 4:23
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
 
Key Thought
A protected heart produces a victorious life.
 
II. THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
A. Positional Righteousness
2 Corinthians 5:21
 

• Given at salvation. 
• Received through faith in Christ. 
• Not earned. 
• Not deserved.

Truth

• Christ took our sin. 
• Christ gave us His righteousness. 
• We stand accepted before God because of Jesus.

Key Thought
We are saved by Christ's righteousness, not our own.
 
B. Practical Righteousness
Daily Christian Living

• Obedience 
• Integrity 
• Holiness 
• Godly character

Truth
We don't live right to become God's children.
We live right because we are God's children.
 
Key Thought
The righteousness that saves us is a gift. The righteousness that grows us is a choice.
 
III. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS EVIDENCE OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
Signs of Growth

• Greater honesty 
• Greater humility 
• Greater obedience 
• Greater faithfulness 
• Greater Christlikeness 

Sanctification
God continually transforms believers into the image of Christ.
 
Key Thought
Mature Christians are not sinless, but they are increasingly surrendered.
 
IV. UNRIGHTEOUS LIVING CREATES VULNERABILITY
Areas the Enemy Uses
Unforgiveness

• Hardens the heart. 

Pride

• Blinds the spirit. 

Dishonesty

• Damages integrity. 

Impurity

• Weakens spiritual strength. 

Bitterness

• Destroys relationships. 

Key Thought
Every compromise creates an opening for spiritual attack.
 
V. JOSEPH: A PICTURE OF THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Genesis 39
Joseph's Situation

• Far from home. 
• Sold into slavery. 
• Unfairly treated. 
• Constantly tempted by Potiphar's wife. 

Joseph's Response
"How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9)
What Joseph Valued

• His relationship with God. 
• Personal integrity. 
• Obedience over pleasure. 
• Character over convenience. 

Lessons from Joseph

1. Righteousness is choosing God when nobody is watching. 

2. Integrity costs something. 

3. Obedience is often difficult. 

4. God honors faithful living. 

Key Thought
Joseph didn't merely know the truth; he lived the truth.
 
VI. JESUS IS OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE
Christ's Life

• Perfect obedience 
• Perfect purity 
• Perfect humility 
• Perfect righteousness 

Our Goal
To become more like Jesus every day.
 
Questions

• How would Jesus respond? 
• How would Jesus serve? 
• How would Jesus forgive? 
• How would Jesus handle this situation? 

Key Thought
The goal of the Christian life is Christlikeness.
 
VII. HOW TO PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
1. Guard Your Heart

• Be careful what influences you. 
• Protect your mind and spirit. 

2. Confess Sin Quickly

• Don't allow sin to linger. 
• Keep short accounts with God. 

3. Walk in Obedience

• Do what God says. 
• Trust His way. 

4. Pursue Holiness Intentionally

• Holiness requires commitment. 
• Spiritual growth requires discipline. 

5. Stay Close to Christ

• Spend time in prayer. 
• Spend time in the Word. 
• Grow in your relationship with Jesus. 

Key Thought
The closer we walk with Christ, the stronger our spiritual protection becomes.
 
THE EVOLUTION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Stage 1: Conviction
"I recognize sin."
Stage 2: Repentance
"I turn from sin."
Stage 3: Obedience
"I choose God's way."
Stage 4: Consistency
"I develop godly habits."
Stage 5: Christlikeness
"My life reflects Jesus."
 
CONCLUSION
Righteousness:

• Protects the heart. 
• Strengthens character. 
• Guards against spiritual attack. 
• Reflects the life of Christ. 

The Christian life evolves when truth becomes action.
Main Question
Does my lifestyle match my profession of faith?
 
INVITATION

• Is there an area of compromise in my life? 
• Is God calling me to greater obedience? 
• Does my conduct reflect my faith? 
• Am I protecting my heart through righteous living?

Prayer
"Lord, thank You for the righteousness of Christ that saves me. Help me to live what I believe. Guard my heart, strengthen my character, and make me more like Jesus every day. Amen."