November 1st

Last Sunday we considered together the first piece of the armor of God, which is the belt of truth.  I said in my sermon: Truth is not only essential to the Christian life; it is the center of the Christian faith. Because Jesus is, the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6), He is the One in whom we now find our identity as Christians.  When we put on the belt of truth, we put on Jesus Christ as Lord over our lives (Rom. 13:14).  

This Sunday, we will be considering the breastplate of righteousness (Eph. 6:14b).  When we put on righteousness as followers of Jesus, we are putting on a righteousness we did not create, but a righteousness that belongs to God because the armor is His!  In the same way that we put on the belt of truth, when we put on the breastplate of righteousness, we put on the righteousness of Christ.  We put on His righteousness because His righteousness is perfect, and it is all that we need for our salvation before a Holy God.  

So, as you prepare your heart for this Sunday, consider thoughtfully what it is that has been provided for you as a follower of Jesus who is called to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called (Eph. 4:1).  To put on the breastplate of righteousness is to stand firm in the reality and truth of Romans 8:28-32,

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. 

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we consider the great and reassuring confidence we have knowing that the righteousness of Christ is all of the righteousness we will ever need.

For His glory,

Pastor Keith; Psalm 20:7