Breastplate of Righteousness

Satan is called the accuser in scripture, and he knows exactly how to attack - by reminding us of our failures, weaknesses, and sins. His goal? To make us doubt the forgiveness we have in Christ. But God has given us a defense: the Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14). Join us as we explore what it means to put on Christ’s righteousness and how this piece of armor guards our hearts from condemnation. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, guilt, or the fear that you’re not “good enough,” this message is for you.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Icebreaker: Have you ever worn protective gear (sports, work, etc.)? How did it make a difference?

2. Law: Where do you feel the weight of condemnation, doubt, or shame in your life?

3. Gospel: Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. What does it mean that Christ became sin for us, so we could be made righteous? How does this truth silence the enemy’s accusations?

4. Application: What is one Scripture you can memorize this week to remind yourself of Christ’s righteousness when doubts arise?

For Families with Kids

1. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. This week’s focus is on v14, the breastplate of righteousness.

2. What is a breastplate, and what does it do? What is righteousness? Where does true righteousness come from?

3. How can we protect our hearts? How can we help others “put on” their breastplate of righteousness?

4. Soldiers in Paul’s day wore protection to cover their most vital organs like the heart, lungs, and liver. If any of these organs got hurt in battle, the soldier’s life would be in great danger. If we try to battle with Satan and his army with only our righteousness, we will never win. We need Christ’s righteousness to protect us! Pray together as a family, asking Jesus to cover you with His righteousness.