The Breastplate of Righteousness
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Joined Together, Growing Together
Ephesians 6:13-18, Philippians 3:3-11 (ESV)
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Sermon Outline
There is a form of righteousness that not only advances good, but uniquely protects what is vital.
1. Confidence in the Flesh
v3 “put no confidence in the flesh”
v4 “if anyone thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more”
v9 “a righteousness of my own that comes from the law”
2. Righteousness from God that Depends on Faith
v10 “that I may know him… becoming like him in his death”
v8 “gain Christ”
v9 “be found in him”
v8 “surpassing worth of knowing Jesus”
v3 “worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus”
Prayer of Confession
Holy and righteous God, we all fall short of your glory. In our efforts to attain a form of righteousness apart from you we have only proven how flawed we are. Our best efforts are insufficient, yet we are arrogant. Our failings have isolated us in shame, instead of driving us to you. Forgive our misplaced confidence. Forgive all sin and unrighteousness. We are not claiming confidence in ourselves; we are trusting in Christ and his righteousness. Cleanse and renew us by the power of your Holy Spirit so that we may glory in Christ. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What struggles are part of life in the “flesh”? What are key ways you try to address (fix, control, manage, etc.) these struggles?
Why are disciplines, commands and effort necessary? How are they insufficient? What can’t they do?
What gives you confidence you are ok? When you feel secure, what is your foundation?
Is righteousness a weapon or armor? When you are striving to be right, is it to stand firm, or to put others down?
How can you be right about many things, and yet not right with God?
How does Jesus reveal God’s righteousness? When you look at him, what do you see? What about God’s righteousness is put on display when Jesus is crucified?
How does faith put us “in Christ”? What is the nature of Christian faith that makes it powerful to affect genuine change in us?
How is the righteousness of Christ a protective covering for those who trust in him?
Why is knowing Christ of surpassing worth? What is so good about knowing Christ that everything else pales in comparison?
How can you live life in the Spirit, knowing and glorying in Christ, in contrast with life in the flesh where you have confidence in whatever “law” you have taken hold of (self confidence)? As you envision scenarios in your life, how are you being called to go into the world differently?