Stephen continued looking at the armour of God which is necessary for us in our prayer kitbag, focussing on the breastplate of righteousness. (Eph 6:14)
A breastplate aids our defensive position, covering the upper torso, protecting our bodies. Righteousness is a state of being acceptable to God which is possible through Jesus Christ. Rom 13:14 urges us to clothe ourselves with righteousness and Gal 3:27 reminds us that all who have been baptised into Christ have clothed themselves with Him. Christ is our defender, our defence, the One who intercedes for us (Heb 7:25), the one who needs to be in the centre of our lives. Is 59:1-17 reminds us that man’s righteousness will never be enough to bring salvation; God ‘put on righteousness as His breastplate and the helmet of salvation on His head’ in order to be able to work salvation for us. 1 Pet 2:24 reminds us that Christ died for us ‘so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.’ When we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, we have nothing to fear.
The imagery of armour may seem remote to us, but each one of us is called into God’s army and we need to ensure that the breastplate of righteousness is in place, with Christ having the central place in our lives. If He is not there, we are vulnerable and are not protected from the enemy’s attacks, but if He dwells within us, we are protected from every onslaught he may make.