"The Armor Series - The Breastplate of Righteousness - Part 3 of 7"

 

Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

     The purpose of the breastplate was to protect the chest and abdomen of the soldier; those areas contain most of the vital organs of the body. In modern times, we refer to the center of our affection for another as the heart; in ancient Greece, the citizens chose the bowel -- the organs of the abdomen -- as the focal point of emotion. Whether one uses the word heart or bowel, the individual is saying that his or her affection comes from deep within one's being. Just as a person seeks to protect the vital organs of the body, the believer should want to protect his affection for the LORD. 

     The Christian must take heed that his devotion is directed toward the right PERSON -- JESUS CHRIST -- and toward the right object -- HIS righteousness. Positionally, every believer is clothed in the righteousness of CHRIST (2nd.Corinthians 5:21 pictured above), but at the same time, the saint must seek to live righteously through a walk of faith (1st.John 2:29 pictured above; Romans 6:13). "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:18). Job said it best: "My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go" (Job 27:6 pictured below).

     The child of GOD needs to vigilantly maintain a righteous walk. Ponder the degree of loss that biblical personalities from the past experienced when they turned away from righteousness. Ananias and Sapphira wanted to give to the LORD's work and sold their property, but when they saw the financial implications, they turned their hearts away from GOD (Acts 5:1-11). Demas made a tragic mistake when he grew fond of the world and left Paul for Thessalonica (2nd.Timothy 4:10). "Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32). The saint must immerse his affections for the LORD with the desire for righteousness.KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - The Belt of Truth - Part 2 of 7"

 

Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

     Truth is the first virtue in the list of the armor of GOD, and the bodily assignment for this trait is the waist: "your loins girt about with truth." Every child of GOD ought to know how important truth is to everyday life and remember that it was a lie which destroyed man's relationship with his CREATOR (Genesis 3:2-4), bringing death to all mankind. The Scriptures provide historical accounts illustrating how lies have caused saints to make wrong decisions (1st.Kings 13:11-24), and they urge every believer to "think on" that which is true (Philippians 4:8 pictured above). Meditating on the life and words of JESUS CHRIST will equip the saint to walk close to the TRUTH (John 14:6 pictured below; 1st.John 1:5-8 also pictured below).

     The question arises: "Why is truth associated with a belt that girds the waist ?" One suggestion some offer is that the back located at the waist is the weakest part of the body's core. We know that weightlifters wear thick belts in order to reinforce the back when working out. Nothing makes an individual stronger than the application of truth. Another reason proposed is that the belts of the Romans armor held other pieces of armor in place -- the breastplate and the sword would have been attached to the belt. Righteousness and the Sword of the SPIRIT are closely associated with truth.

     Living a life of truthfulness not only strengthens the believer himself but also helps to fortify churches and communities. Trust is foundational in relationships, and everyone knows that a liar is unreliable. Some presume that telling a "little white lie" hurts no one, but any distortion of the truth is an offence to the GOD of truth. Yes, truth can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it is an essential component of the Christian life. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - Put on the Armor - Part 1 of 7"

 

Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of HIS might. Put on the whole armor of GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of GOD, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the SPIRIT, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

     The Bible instructs the child of GOD to "put on the whole armor of GOD." This must have been a challenging concept for the first century saints, just as it is for twenty-first- century saints. Most were not soldiers, so they had little or no practical experience with Roman armor. The same is true for believers in this era. The Christian should use the words of Galatians 3:27 (pictured above) in order to implement the armor of GOD: "For as many of you as have been baptized into CHRIST have put on CHRIST." In order for the believer to wear the armor of GOD, he must "put on CHRIST" every day.

     The saint lives out the Christian life by putting on the SAVIOR rather than giving in to the flesh (Romans 13:14 pictured above). How is this accomplished ?

(1) He emulates CHRIST. Believers are to be truthful because JESUS said, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE" (John 14:6).

(2) He meditates on CHRIST's righteousness and the wonderful salvation HE provides (2nd.Corinthians 5:21) as he "grow[s] in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST" (2nd.Peter 3:18).

(3) He realizes the peace that CHRIST brings into his life: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Romans 5:1).

(4) He submits to JESUS, the living WORD, and the authority of the written WORD -- the Sword of the SPIRIT (v.17), which cuts deeply into sinners and transforms them into saints (Hebrews 4:12 pictured below).

(5) The focus of his faith is upon JESUS CHRIST.

     In the coming studies, we will see that the Christian labels of the armor are important, but what is just as significant is the bodily location assigned for each virtue. Pray earnestly regarding how you can appropriate these truths in the days ahead. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation