Spiritual Warfare #3

Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:14b

I. Bible Verse
Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on (middle voice) the breastplate, namely righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b)

II. What does Satan do to believers?

1. Satan accuses God’s children (Revelation 12:10)
2. Satan accuses Joshua, the high priest (Zechariah 3:1-5)

III. What does Satan’s attack do to the believers’ of Jesus?

1. Live in guilt
2. Incline to believe that they lost their salvation
3. Feel that they must maintain their life through their own righteousness (often fail!)
4. Unable to worship God with their face lifted high (guilt)

IV. What is the meaning of “the breastplate, namely the righteousness”? (Two shades for the word “righteousness”)

1. It is not God’s righteousness which He possess (objective)
2. It is not man’s ethical behavior (which leads us to legalism)
3. God’s gift of righteousness to man to stand before Him through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 3:21-26; Galatians 3:27-29)
4. Believers’ use of God’s gift (Romans 8:1, 31; Galatians 5:1, 13)

(a) Listen to God more than listen to Satan’s accusations
(b) He works through legalism, people, and false doctrines

Take Away

Confess your thoughts and acts which are/were dishonorable to God and continue to stand with the imputed righteousness