Big Idea: Because our battle is spiritual, we must fight with spiritual weapons to stand firm with God’s armor. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, Ephesians 6:10-14 (NIV) The breastplate of righteousness protects us as we stand firm in God’s truth and live out His righteousness through our lives. "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20 (NASB) Luke 18:9-14 The Pharisee & Tax Collector False Righteousness: True Righteousness: I Will Stand Firm With Righteousness By: 1. Accepting The Righteousness That Comes Through Jesus Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:4-8 (NLT2) “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:22-24 (NIV) “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) 2. Repenting And Refusing To Abuse The Grace Of God “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 (NIV) What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:1-4 (NIV) 3. Living In Devotion To God Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT2) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. " Ephesians 5:8-11 (NIV) What is my next step to stand firm with God? I Will Stand Firm With Righteousness By: Accepting the Righteousness that comes from Jesus Repenting and refusing to abuse the grace of God Living in devotion to God [This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.] Big Idea: Because our battle is spiritual, we must fight with spiritual weapons to stand firm with God’s armor. Icebreaker: Who do you look up to as a Christian role model? What sets them apart? The breastplate of righteousness protects us as we stand firm in God’s truth and live out His righteousness through our lives. 1. Accepting The Righteousness That Comes Through Jesus Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:4-8, Romans 3:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 41:10 What does it mean to you that God has “chosen us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes” (Ephesians 1:4)? How does this change the way you see yourself and your relationship with God? In Romans 3:22-24, Paul explains that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus. How does accepting this gift of righteousness change our standing before God and protect us from feelings of guilt or unworthiness? Analogy: Think of a soldier’s armor, specifically the breastplate, which protects the heart and vital organs. How does the righteousness we have in Christ guard our “heart” from spiritual attacks, such as doubt, guilt, or shame? Application: What are some ways you can remind yourself daily of your righteous standing in Christ? 2. Repenting And Refusing to Abuse the Grace of God Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:22-24, Acts 3:19, Romans 6:1-4 Why is repentance essential to putting on the breastplate of righteousness? How does repentance help us move away from our “old self” and live a new life in Christ? Romans 6 warns us against abusing grace by continuing in sin. What are some ways that we can be tempted to take God’s grace for granted? How can we guard against this? Analogy: Imagine the breastplate becoming cracked if left unmaintained. Just as a soldier must keep their armor in good condition, how can we keep our hearts aligned with God’s righteousness through repentance? Application: Share a practical step you can take this week to “put off the old self” and live in the new life Christ offers. Is there an area where you feel led to repent and seek God’s strength to make a change? 3. Living In Devotion To God Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:1-3, Ephesians 5:8-11 Ephesians 4 encourages us to “lead a life worthy of our calling.” What does living a life worthy of your calling look like in your daily life? How can humility, gentleness, and patience help us live in devotion to God? How does living as “children of light” in Ephesians 5 help us resist “the fruitless deeds of darkness”? What does it mean to expose darkness by living in the light? Analogy: Picture the breastplate shining brightly, a symbol of a soldier’s commitment and devotion. How does living a life of righteousness “shine” in the world around us, revealing God’s love and truth? Application: Identify one area where you want to deepen your devotion to God, whether through prayer, serving others, or reflecting Christ’s love. What steps can you take this week to strengthen your commitment? Close in Prayer: Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, We thank You for the gift of Your righteousness, which guards and strengthens us as we stand firm in our faith. Lord, help us to live fully in the identity You have given us through Christ, knowing that we are made right before You. Teach us to rely on Your strength, not our own, and to wear Your righteousness as a shield against any deception, doubt, or temptation we may face. As we go forward, remind us to live each day in devotion to You, reflecting Your love, truth, and light. Guide our hearts to stay close to You, and help us to honor You in everything we do. May our lives be a testimony to Your grace and righteousness, standing firm in the armor You’ve provided. In Jesus’ powerful name, we pray. Amen.