Series: "The Whole Armour of God"
"The Breastplate of Righteousness"
March 24, 2024 | Pastor Charles P. Akins, Sr.
Passage: Ephesians 6:11-17
Intro:
The “Whole Armor of God” is a portion of the weapons used for a Believer’s attack and defense during Spiritual Warfare.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Righteous: acting in an upright, moral way; virtuous:
Breastplate protects the vital organs of the body from damage. If punctured, organs such as the heart and kidneys can cause instant death.
The heart is referenced figuratively in scripture, it is a metaphor to illustrate things stored within the subconscious mind.
Therefore, righteousness protects one’s innermost thoughts/desires from becoming sinful.
These are the thoughts and intents of one’s subconscious.
Matthew 6:19-23
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
The mind is truly the driving force for all actions taken, as well as physical being. The mind controls everything else.
Failure to protect one’s mind leads to catastrophic results, which will leave every other vital organ and area unprotected.
Memory from your past: The Mind Recollects the memory and it triggers.
Good Or Bad
Brings Joy Causes Pain
Righteousness/Breastplate Violence/Wrath (No righteousness)
Truth/Belt Deceit/Lying (No Truth)
Peaceful Walk/Feet Bitterness/Hatred (No peace of mind)
Faith/Shield Fear/Doubt/Turmoil (No Faith)
Offense/Sword of Spirit Defenseless (No ability to use/understand Word)
It is dangerous to hold things unaddressed/inadequately addressed in one’s subconscious mind. This causes:
- Mental illnesses and or a need for coping mechanisms (vices, drugs)
- Physical illnesses such as heart issues, hyper-tension, etc..
- See Jer 17:9, Matt 15:18-19
Purpose of:
Natural Purpose Spiritual Purpose
Protect Heart Protect Against Hatred
Protect Kidneys Protect Against Bitterness/Malice
Protect Lungs Protect Against Unforgiveness
Protect Liver Protect Against Resentment
Protect Bladder Protect Against Desire Vengeance Protect Stomach Protect Against Wrath/violent anger!
Protect Against Jealousy/Envy
Protect Against Lust/Coveting
Protect Against Deceitfulness
The goal is righteousness of heart! This protects us from the above.
Righteousness can only come when peace of mind is found or achieved.
- John 14:27, Isa 26:3, Col 3:15, Philip 4:7, Rom 3:20-24, Matt 6:19-23
Without God’s Righteousness covering us”
- The Subconscious (Heart) is exposed to evil without protection.
- Treasures (focus/desires)
- Appetites (lusts)
How do I guard my heart?
- Much prayer and often (daily at least)
- Refuse to hold things in (be respectful but honest)
- Forgive immediately (never let things linger) Eph 4:26
- Remember, if you don’t forgive, you won’t be forgiven either!
- See Mark 11:26
- Always be truthful.
- Find someone that you can trust to share things!
- Seek God for help identifying soar spots in your heart!
Conclusion:
In the eyes of Yahuah, Trust and Faith make one righteous, it cannot be earned.
Therefore, we must turn our hearts away from things of the world, and totally to Yah.
Complete faith and trust in Yah will ensure that we too may be counted as righteous, and thusly our hearts will be protected!
