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This is Part 16 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up! In Part 10, we saw that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love! In Part 11, we saw that relationships matter and teamwork works! In Part 12, we saw that the struggle is real; however, Jesus is the real solution to our real problems. In Part 13, we saw that despite problems, superheroes are more than conquerors! In Part 14, we saw that true superheroes do not have identity crises – they know who they are even if others don’t! In Part 15, we saw that superheroes are always ready to fight evil with the belt of Truth.
In this message (Part 16), we will see that superheroes are always ready to resist evil by putting on the breastplate of righteousness.
Continuing the examination of the whole armor of GOD, Paul now instructs us to “put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14). Consider Marvel’s superhero, Iron Man. Iron Man’s suit acts as his breastplate and helps him to protect his weak heart. Yet at the same time, the entire powerful Iron Man armored suit is powered by his heart (Arc Reactor), which the armored suit protects. The breastplate of righteousness is a lot like Iron Man’s armored suit.
Breastplate of Righteousness:
Inspired by Isaiah 59:17, Paul instructs us to put on this breastplate of righteousness. The imagery Paul paints is of an armed Roman or Israelite soldier who is prepared for battle. A typical armed soldier wore a breastplate made of bronze or chain mail. It covered the vital organs – especially the heart – and was fitted with loops or buckles that attached it to a thick belt. If the belt was loosened, the breastplate slipped right off. And this is why the Belt of Truth is of utmost importance – without Truth, we won’t know which breastplate to put on. But we (Christians) know to put on the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate of righteousness refers to the righteousness purchased for us by Jesus at the cross (2Corinthians 5:21). At salvation, a ‘breastplate’ is issued to each repentant sinner. It is specially designed by GOD to protect our heart and soul from evil and deception. But why the breastplate of righteousness? What is righteousness? And why is the heart so important that it needs protected?
What Is Righteousness?
Dictionaries define righteousness as behavior that is morally justifiable or right. Such behavior is characterized by accepted standards of morality, justice, virtue, or uprightness. As we already know, righteousness simply cannot be defined or lived out consistently apart from GOD because a secular society lives by moral relativism, which is absolutely absurd. The Bible’s standard of human righteousness is GOD’s own perfection in every attribute, every attitude, every behavior, and every word. Thus, GOD’s Law, as provided in GOD’s Word, describes both His own character and constitutes the absolute standard by which all rightness is defined. The Greek New Testament word for “righteousness” primarily describes conduct in relation to others, especially with regards to the rights of others in business or legal matters; however, it all begins with relationship with GOD. The Bible describes the righteous person as just or right, holding to GOD and trusting in Him (Psalm 33:18–22).
Putting On Righteousness:
“The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.”
(Proverbs 15:9) -ESV
“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
(Proverbs 21:21) -ESV
To be righteous is to be right with GOD; to be right with GOD, we must strive to pursue righteousness; to pursue righteousness, we must strive to live in alignment with GOD’s absolute moral standard. A heart that is right with GOD results in a life that bears “fruit” (John 15:1–2; Mark 4:20; Galatians 5:22-23).
To pursue righteousness means we must recognize that we are not righteous, we are unable to be righteous by our own efforts, and we cannot please GOD in our sinful state (Psalm 53:2-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10-12,23; 8:8). We turn from trying to justify ourselves by our good deeds and instead seek the grace of GOD. We desire that He transform our minds (Romans 12:2) and conform us “to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). In the Old Testament, people were declared righteous when they believed GOD and acted on it (Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23). Before Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4), people pursued righteousness by keeping GOD’s Law, seeking holiness, and walking humbly with GOD (Micah 6:8). No one was justified by rule-keeping but by the faith that enabled them to obey GOD (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16).
Likewise, today we are justified by the faith that leads us to Jesus (Romans 3:28; 5:1; 10:10). Those who are in Christ continue seeking GOD in order to please Him (Colossians 3:1). When we come to faith in Christ, He gives us the Holy Spirit who empowers us to pursue righteousness for its own sake (Acts 2:38). He commands us to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16,25). Walking in the Spirit means we live a lifestyle of total surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We cultivate the ability to hear GOD and the habit of obeying His voice in everything.
We pursue righteousness when we pursue the character of Christ and desire holiness more than fleshly indulgence. We avoid the temptation to become self-righteous when we understand that true righteousness begins with godly humility (Psalm 25:90). We remember that Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). When we spend time in the presence of GOD, we become more aware of our own sin and shortcomings. Pursuing righteousness begins when a humble heart seeks the continual presence of GOD (Psalm 25:9; James 4:10; 1Peter 5:5-6). The humble, believing heart leads to a lifestyle of righteous action acceptable to GOD.
We put on the breastplate of righteousness by seeking GOD and His righteousness above everything else (Matthew 6:33). It is only when we clothe ourselves with Christ and allow Him to guide our steps that we will be able to walk on the righteous path (Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 42:6; Jeremiah 23:6). Just like the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness is something we put on; thus, it is not a part of our human nature. To put it another way, we borrow GOD’s nature and put it on as an enhancement much like Tony Stark puts on the Iron Man armored suit. And when Tony Stark puts on the armored suit, Iron Man becomes his dwelling place – he’s safe in there. Likewise, we make GOD and His ways our dwelling place (Psalm 91:1-2). And Tony Stark delights in the ways of Iron Man. Likewise, we delight in GOD’s commands and desire for His ways to become our ways (Psalm 37:4; 119:24, 111; Isaiah 61:10). Of course, making His ways our ways is a process and takes practice. If you’ll recall, Tony Stark needed practice making Iron Man’s ways his ways:
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:20) -ESV
How can our righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees? In Matthew 23:1-36, Jesus tells us to do what the Pharisees say (because they knew the Law), but not to act like them (because they did not practice what they preached). The Pharisees considered themselves better than others; consequently, their hearts had been hardened by pride. In stark contrast, the heart is to be layers of love held together by humility.
When GOD reveals an area of change to us via conviction by the Holy Spirit, we must obey and allow Him to work in us. At the point where we say “no” to GOD, we open a little crack in the armor where Satan’s arrows can get through (Ephesians 6:16). As we wear Christ’s breastplate of righteousness, we begin to develop a purity of heart that translates into loving actions. Wearing this breastplate creates a lifestyle of putting into practice what we believe in our hearts. As our lives become conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29), our choices become more righteous, and these godly choices also protect us from further temptation and deception (Proverbs 8:20; Psalm 23:3). Once we have put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must not ever remove it until the war is over. Tony Stark was caught off guard and Bucky the Winter Soldier taught Tony a lesson:
We are to never take off the breastplate of righteousness until the war is over; however, the war will only be over whenever we find ourselves in GOD’s presence in the Kingdom of GOD. Ezekiel 33:13 shows us that wearing righteousness is not a one-time event; rather, it requires a lifetime of committed and consistent action.
The Importance Of The Heart:
GOD promised to give His covenant people new hearts that would lead to authentic and holistic obedience (Ezekiel 36:26). Jesus explicitly taught us that our external rituals pale in comparison to our inner heart-delights (Matthew 15:18-19).
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
(Proverbs 4:23) -NIV
Simply put, the breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts and keeps us sailing for the Savior. The humble heart prevents the believer from puffing up with pride. The breastplate of righteousness prevents us from sinking due to self-abasement and keeps us moving forward so that we will not be faithless floaters. And if everything we do flows from the heart, then we need to protect what will ultimately guide us. Within the heart is found the Christ-compass. Truly, the heart is the start. And for this reason we need to protect it. The only effective way of protecting the heart is to put on the breastplate of righteousness. And because the heart is the start, we should all desire to pray as David did:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
(Psalm 51:10) -ESV
Therefore, we must purify our hearts, seek the right spirit within us, clothe ourselves with Christ, advance forward in faith, knowing we are protected by the righteousness of our Lord.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
(Matthew 5:8; see also Psalm 24:3-5) -ESV
That specific Scripture comes from the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. There are actually nine individual promises that come together to form one: we will be blessed if we are in alignment with GOD’s will.
Just as the light shines out from the heart of Iron Man, the Light needs to shine out from our hearts for all to see. Or did you not realize that you were meant to shine (Daniel 12:3; Zechariah 9:16; Matthew 5:16; 13:43; 2Corinthians 4:6; Philippians 2:15)? Go! Shine!
Quest For Truth 
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