In Eph 6:11-18 we see the whole armor of God.  Currently, we are studying each piece of this armor.  Last week we studied the helmet of salvation.  Tonight we will study the breastplate of righteousness, Eph 6:14.  

The whole armor of God is given to us to stand against the wiles of the devil, Eph 6:11, because our spiritual battles are not against flesh and blood.  We wrestle against spiritual beings in a spiritual warfare, Eph 6:12.  And in this wrestling match we must stand and withstand, Eph 6:13.  If you get knocked down, get back up and keep fighting, Prov 24:16.

We take the breastplate of righteousness to protect us.  We have the righteousness of Jesus Christ [2 Cor 5:21].  We obtained his righteousness at salvation.  After receiving his righteousness, we must:

Stay right – we yield to his righteousness the way Paul showed us in Rom 6:13-19 to stay in a right relationship with God.  If you’re not in a right relationship with God, how can you expect God to “defend” you?  In Ps 18:17-26 David, in righteousness, was protected from his enemy.  In Acts 23:1 Paul lived continually in a good conscience.

Do right – when you do the right thing or take a stand for righteousness, you are in God’s will.  That’s a great defense against the devil or against others who would challenge you. In Ps 18:32 if you want to do right, God will help you do right.  Do right regardless of the consequences.  Don’t worry about the “what if’s” when you make a right decision.  Stand for what’s right.  You can’t go wrong when you’re doing right.  In Prov 20:22 when you’re right, God will recompense any evil against you, if need be.  See also Rom 12:19. 

Conclusion: When you stay right and do right, you can stand against spiritual attacks because you are right where God wants you to be.  He will protect you no matter how scary the situation may appear.