ARMOR OF GOD

Breastplate of Righteousness

 

         Ephesians 6:11 challenges believers to “put on the whole armor of God” in order to stand firm against the attacks of our enemy, Satan ^{(2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:12)}. Verses 14 through 17 say, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

            The imagery is of an armed Roman or Israelite soldier, prepared for battle. A typical armed soldier wore a breastplate made of bronze or chain mail. It covered the vital organs, namely, the heart, and was fitted with loops or buckles that attached it to a thick belt. If the belt was loosened, the breastplate slipped right off.

When Paul compares the armor of God with military gear, each piece represents a part of God’s strength that He extends to us when we become His children. The breastplate of righteousness refers to the righteousness purchased for us by Jesus at the cross ^{(2 Corinthians 5:21)}. At salvation, a “breastplate” is issued to each repentant sinner. It is specially designed by God to protect our heart and soul from evil and deception. Our own righteous acts are no match for Satan’s attacks ^{(Isaiah 64:6)}. The breastplate of righteousness has Christ’s name stamped on it, as though He said, “Your righteousness isn’t sufficient to protect you. Wear mine.”

We are instructed to “put on” this armor, which implies that we do not automatically wear it all the time. Putting on the armor of God requires a decision on our part. To put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must first have the belt of truth firmly in place. Without truth, our righteousness will be based upon our own attempts to impress God. This leads to legalism or self-condemnation ^{(Romans 8:1)}. We choose instead to acknowledge that, apart from Him, we can do nothing ^{(John 15:5)}. We see ourselves as “in Christ” and that, regardless of our failures, His righteousness has been credited to our account.

We “put it on” by seeking God and His righteousness above everything else ^{(Matthew 6:33)}. We make Him and His ways our dwelling place ^{(Psalm 91:1)}. We delight in His commands and desire for His ways to become our ways ^{(Psalm 37:4; 119:24, 111; Isaiah 61:10)}. When God reveals an area of change to us, we obey and allow Him to work in us. At the point where we say “no” to God, we open a little crack in the armor where Satan’s arrows can get through ^{(Ephesians 6:16)}.

As we wear Christ’s breastplate of righteousness, we begin to develop a purity of heart that translates into actions. Wearing this breastplate creates a lifestyle of putting into practice what we believe in our hearts. As our lives become conformed to the image of Christ ^{(Romans 8:29)}, our choices become more righteous, and these godly choices also protect us from further temptation and deception ^{(Proverbs 8:20; Psalm 23:3)}.

When armor is abused or worn incorrectly, it can malfunction. Likewise, there are several factors that can interfere with the effectiveness of our spiritual breastplate. Carelessness ^{(1 Peter 5:8)}, unbelief ^{(Hebrews 3:12)}, abusing grace ^{(Romans 6:1–2)}, or disobedience ^{(1 John 3:4; Hebrews 4:6)} can hinder our ability to stand firm and defeat the enemy in our lives. When we tolerate sin, refuse to forgive ^{(2 Corinthians 2:10–11)}, rely on personal righteousness ^{(Titus 3:5)}, or allow earthly concerns to crowd out time for an intimate relationship with God, we, in effect, take off the breastplate of righteousness, minimizing its power to protect us.

We need our breastplate of righteousness in place in order to gain the victory specified in 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” When we quickly reject heretical ideas, idolatry, and the “counsel of the ungodly” ^{(Psalm 1:1)} and instead “keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” ^{(Hebrews 12:2)}, we keep our breastplate securely fastened.

Up next we will take a look at “feet fitted with the Gospel of peace”. Until then walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/breastplate-of-righteousness.html

 

 

THE ARMOR OF GOD

The Belt of Truth

 

The belt of truth is the first piece of the “full armor of God” to be listed in Ephesians 6:10–17. The passage begins with a warning from the apostle Paul to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” This is the key to understanding the armor of God. All the pieces of the armor belong to God and come from Him. Truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, and salvation—all are gifts of God to His people for their defense. All except “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” ^{(verse 17)} which is the only offensive weapon mentioned. All are designed to help us “stand against the schemes of the devil” ^{(verse 11)}. The belt of truth is the first part of the armor listed because, without truth, we are lost, and the schemes of the devil will surely overpower us.

            It is fitting that the belt of truth is the first piece of the whole armor of God. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” ^{(John 14:6)}, and it is only through Him that we come to God. Therefore, truth is of the utmost importance in the life of a Christian. Without truth, the rest of the armor would be of no use to us because we would not have the Spirit of truth ^{(John 15:26)}.

            In referring to the whole armor of God, Paul invokes the image of a soldier ready for battle. The belt of a Roman soldier in Paul’s day was not a simple leather strap such as we wear today. It was a thick, heavy leather and metal band with a protective piece hanging down from the front of it. The belt held the soldier’s sword and other weapons. The belt of truth of the spiritual armor holds the sword of the Spirit, linking truth and the Word of God (cf. John 17:17). The Word of God is truth.

            Depending on the translation of Ephesians 6:14, we are to fasten the belt of truth around us ^(ISV), buckle the belt around our waists ^(NIV), gird our waists with truth ^(NKJV), or gird our loins with truth ^(NASB). No matter the wording, we are to actively lay hold of the truth and use it. The belt of truth is a crucial piece of defensive armor guarding our inmost being in the battle against the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Without an understanding of truth, we are left vulnerable to being “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). The belt of truth protects us and prepares us for the battle that is part of every Christian’s life.

            Up next we will take a look at the “breastplate of righteousness”. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/belt-of-truth.html

ISV = International Standard Version

NIV = New International Version

NKJV = New King James Version

NASB = New American Standard Bible

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            It was on the news tonight that Ethiopian Christians were murdered by Islamists today. I don’t know the details, but this is obviously a prime example of religious persecution. Thru the years an untold number of Christians have been murdered for their faith. They killed Jesus, so it is clear that those who follow Him could easily be martyred as well and have been. 

            Notice that no other religious group has been singled out like the Christians. To me that is evidence that truth lies in Christianity and in no other belief system. I have a question for you. If push came to shove and you were asked to renounce your faith in Christ or die, what would you do? Christ willingly died for you; would you be willing to do the same in the name of the Lord? I know it seems impossible to believe that it would come to that in America, but look around you. What’s happening? 

            Now before you fall back on the whole “God wouldn’t let anything happen to His children,” way of thinking, please remember that He let His own Son die a horrifying death for the sake of mankind. We are His ambassadors. His representatives in an unbelieving, sin sick world whose hate runs deep toward anything spiritually challenging to them. Without God all the unbelievers will rot in hell, by their own choice. If someone thought they could stop the words we are saying so they didn’t have to even think about it by removing us you think they wouldn’t? 

            I pray to God it doesn’t ever come to that, but if it does, stand tall in your faith for your reward is far greater than anything that the world could ever do to us. They may take our bodies, but our souls are not theirs to take... ever.

            Until next time, take a hard look at yourself and the depth of your faith. Will it stand up to persecution and death?

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Art of Breaking

 

            The Art of Breaking is a song by a Christian band called Thousand Foot Krutch from 2005. It talks about being in a manipulative, toxic, hurtful relationship and trying to break free from it. Jesus tells us in the gospel of John, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” ^{[John 13:34 NIV]}

            The sad truth of the matter is that there are times when a Christian spouse may be the toxic person. For believers, the art of breaking is not “breaking free” of the relationship, but rather “breaking free” of the toxic cycle. If we’re talking about an engaged couple it would depend on a few factors which would determine the “breaking”. A new couple just dating should consider either discussing the issue or walk the other way. A long term couple prior to being engaged could discuss the issue or if there are plans of marriage, seek Christian counseling. If the guilty party refuses counseling and will not change, splitting up should be seriously considered. Making a lifetime commitment to someone who is manipulative and hurtful is very unhealthy to the recipient. If you feel certain you can change the toxic person (which you can’t), then you are only fooling yourself. In that case you’re going to need to strap yourself in because it will be a very bumpy ride. 

            A lot depends on how much you love the hurtful person. Ask yourself these two all important questions: What do you like / love about the toxic person and what don’t you like / love about the toxic person? Make a list. Write it down on paper. Pray over it. Any red flags?? Understand something, you WILL NOT change that person without God’s intervention and that only if the guilty party is willing to make some behavioral changes. I personally know someone who thinks there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with the hurtful way they treat their spouse ... end of story. Any discussion ends in a fight. 

            I don’t like divorce. It’s a dirty business. Improper behavior can lead to divorce. Working things out is preferable. If only one person in the marriage has a desire to work it out, then the marriage could potentially be over. Prayer is needed. Much prayer. 

            The Art of Breaking from a manipulative, toxic, hurtful relationship, no matter what level of involvement exists, needs to be determined to make that break or status quo will be your result. 

            Some people feel trapped in that type of relationship with no way out. Both parties need the other’s resources to survive, therefore the toxic person, whether consciously or unconsciously, has the upper hand. The victim in this scenario must pray their way thru it

or the feeling of being trapped can become overwhelming. It is imperative that you love the toxic person the way Christ loves them and treat them as you wished they would treat you. Whether they person changes over time or not, you will be the winner because you went about things God’s Way. 

            Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The 2 R’s - 2

Respect Others

            Scripture tells us to show proper respect to all people, no matter their social or economic status, personal beliefs, their demeanor, just to name a few. All people are part of God’s creation. No one is any better or worse then anyone else according to their creator, yet society has seen to it that many folks feel unloved and/or unappreciated. 

            Judging others is a real problem that we all struggle with whether a believer or not. I have found myself judging others by their looks or behavior and that’s a sinful practice that I have struggled with for a long time. Sadly, I feel it becomes deeply ingrained in us from a very young age based on our associations. We develop bad habits that carry over into adulthood. 

            We are to value others; all others no matter what their appearance or behavior happens to be. Philippians 2:3 calls us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition, but count others as more significant than yourselves”.  That’s called humility.

            Jesus taught us in Matthew 7:12 to “treat people the same way you want them to treat you....” It is referred to by many as “The Golden Rule” and involves loving others with respect. We are to treat others with Godly gentleness, kindness, and patience, even when you disagree with one another. Anger has no place in the realm of loving kindness and respect for others. Respect all others.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The 2 R's

Respect Yourself

 

            To respect yourself is to have a healthy view of yourself or healthy self-esteem. Who we are is not based on what we’ve accomplished, but who we are in Christ. We have a healthy self-worth if we have a right relationship with God. Even then our self-esteem can become beaten down by others; whether friend or foe. While that’s unfortunate, it doesn’t have to take place or if it does you can minimize the damage to your psyche by fighting to focus on the Lord in the face of such attacks. I’m not going to lie, it’s difficult to do that, but God is with you even in the trenches of relational warfare. 

            As believers in Christ it is necessary to humble ourselves before the Lord. We are to understand our role in God’s realm. We must learn to love ourselves even as God loves us. The Holy Spirit within us is who God uses to lift us up spiritually speaking. 

            Our humility should never be as a show, pretending to be spiritual when it in reality is just an act to appear pious. There needs to be a realness to our lives, which speaks to our integrity, and our true personality in Christ. As a believer there is truly no reason not to have healthy self-esteem. 

            When we respect ourselves we will value ourselves enough to avoid questionable situations which can lead to sin. Sin enslaves and alters our behavior in unhealthy ways. A true believer will see themselves with sober judgment as spoken of by the apostle Paul in Romans 12:3 - “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”

            Don’t think of yourself too highly which can lead to pride and arrogance. Keep your self-image in check, striving to be selfless rather than self-absorbed. God blesses those who follow His guidance. He honors those who allow themselves to be led by Him. Respect yourself.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.gotquestions.org

Recognizing the Leading of the Holy Spirit

            When Christ ascended into heaven He promised to send a spiritual guide or helper. That helper was and is the 3rd person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost the disciples were immediately touched by and filled with the Holy Spirit. Now, when a person believes in Christ, the Holy Spirit immediately becomes a permanent part of his life.

            The Holy Spirit has a myriad of different roles that He plays in a believer’s life. He distributes spiritual gifts according to His will, but He also comforts us, teaches us, and seals us until Christ’s returns. He is a guide and counselor, in that He leads us in the way we should go. He also reveals God’s truth. He guides us thru our own conscience, and other quiet, subtle ways.

            If you desire to recognize the Spirit’s guidance it is most important to become familiar with scripture. The Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom revealing to us how we should live our lives in Christ. We need to read them, meditate on them, and memorize key portions for the Spirit will use God’s Word to speak to us. He will also remind us of specific scriptures when we need them the most. 

            The Holy Spirit will never lead us to do ANYTHING that is contrary to God’s Word. If our inclination conflicts with scripture, then it’s not from the Spirit of God and should be ignored. However, you must know scripture to know what conflicts with those inclinations.

            Another way to know if you’re being led by the Spirit is if His fruit is exhibited in your life. It’s important to note that we don’t HAVE to follow His leading, though resisting the Spirit to follow our own way grieves Him (Eph. 4:30). The Holy Spirit will NEVER lead us into sin. Habitual sin will cause a believer to miss what the Spirit is trying to say to us.

            If you would like to be in tune with God’s will for you, confess all existing sin, stay in prayer, and stay in the Word of God, for this will allow you to recognize and follow the Spirit’s leading.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.gotquestions.org