September 2, 2007

The Breastplate Of Righteousness

Ephesians 6:14

-made of bronze or a chain like material with cloth underneath

-lightweight

-covers from the neck to the hip areas of the body

-called a heart protector

Represents 2 Things:

(1) Our Spiritual Standing in Jesus Christ

(2) Living a Righteous Life

(1) Our Spiritual Standing in Jesus Christ

righteousness - means a right standing with God

-How do we obtain a right standing with God?

a.) We must be convicted by the Holy Spirit - John 16:8-11

b.) we give in to the Holy Spirit conviction and we are saved

c.) we become righteous at the moment of salvation

-we are completely in right standing with God

-all the time - not by works, our own goodness

-no cost - Jesus Christ paid the price for us

-righteousness cannot be removed - 2 Peter 2:4-8

***Therefore - God's salvation and presence in us transform Whimps into Warriors - Judges 6:12,15-16

(2) Living a Righteous Life -

-righteous - means right living; integrity in one's lifestyle and character

How do we live a righteous life?

-we must be convicted by the Holy Spirit - 1 John 2:20,27

-to be convicted, the Holy Spirit has to speak to us.  He let's us know 4 things:

1. we have the power to live a righteous life

2. we have the standard which guides us to live a righteous life - James 4:17

3. we have the forgiveness to keep us righteous - 1 John 1:9 & 2:1-2

-righteous living is not perfect living

4. we have Him to help us remain on the righteous path

               a.) there is conviction of sins by the Holy Spirit

***conviction tells us to STOP

                b.) there is personal conviction by the Holy Spirit