Ephesians 6:14b

"...and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God." Ephesians 6:14b
Back to the picture of the Roman soldier, the breastplate was to protect the soldier’s vital organs In close hand–to–hand combat and was essential for survival. No trained soldier would venture into battle without it. In Paul's likening this breastplate to "righteousness", we should consider that, believing that our own efforts to righteousness, or good works can afford us protection, the advantage quickly changes to benefit our enemy. Our righteousness is worthless in the battle. Paul has taught us that our righteousness is a covering for now... we are righteous only in the relationship with Christ Jesus. But does this mean what we do does not matter, since we are "clothed in righteousness"?

We talked about this earlier and I said that those things Paul taught earlier would all thread through Eph to here, and so righteousness we learned was not something "we" think-up and then decide to do for God. Righteousness is a result of my surrender to Him and adhering to His truth. It is the integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing that come from that surrender to the Spirit Who then fills and controls me. Adhering to truth is what then becomes "like" a breastplate, protecting the heart of the christian soldier. So, how is integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God going to protect us in battle?

Remember, the weapon of the enemy is a lie... it starts out small, or subtle... it says, "an occasional drink is ok"... or, "you can look, but don't touch"... then, it says, "well, you've drank a little more than you planned, but you're still in control"... or, "all this looking at these bodies, is exciting, but it's not changing the way I respect and value those souls". THAT'S THE LIES OF THE DEVIL. Before you know it, WE, HAVE FALLEN INTO SIN. Now the devil has not only tempted me with lies, but he is now the accuser. He accuses us and we are defeated. But, integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, before and during those attacks combat the lies with the truth... "I know better than to think I could control a substance that takes away our ability, slows down our reason and kills brain cells"... or, "I know you cannot look at inappropriate images of the opposite sex and continue to respect and honor them the way God wants". "I am more than a conqueror"... "He Whom is in me is greater than he who is in the world"... having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:15 next time.

I love you.