Stand Firm

Stand Firm - Week 3

8/12/2024

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Hey friends, welcome back for week three of the series, Stand Firm, from The Church of Eleven22. As you know, we have been posting the weekly messages from Pastor Joby, and the teaching team at COE22. We are learning so much, as well as being encouraged and challenged through this series. And so, we are sharing the messages with the hope of encouraging you.

This week we are taking a look at the Breastplate of Righteousness. Pastor Joby does an incredible job at present the purpose and need for us to apply the breastplate on a daily basis. Please take a few minutes to watch the series bumper as folks talk about the Righteousness of Christ, Then jump into this weeks message with Pastor Joby.

The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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...
Ephesians 6:10-14 ESV

Week Three bumper video

Week Three message

Sermon Text: Philippians 3:1-11

consider these questions

Discussion Questions
- Read Philippians 3:1-11.

What does righteousness mean to you?

Read Isaiah 59:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 8:37; and Proverbs 4:23.
Based on these verses, discuss why a breastplate is a fitting description of righteousness. How does this help us understand who we are and how does it protect us against the schemes of the enemy?

Isaiah 59:17 – Jesus was described as being covered in righteousness and the breastplate mentioned by Paul is actually His that we wear.
2 Corinthians 5:21 – Jesus became sin so we could become Christ’s righteousness. Like a breastplate is a covering and a protection, Christ’s righteousness protects us from the eternal consequences of our sin. Like the father in Luke 15 offers the prodigal son his perfect, spotless robe to cover his soiled body, Jesus offers us His righteousness as a gift.
Romans 1:16-17 – True righteousness comes with power for all who are impacted by it.
Romans 8:37 – As we heard in the testimony video this week, we can't put on a breastplate ourselves;
Christ places His righteousness on us which is what makes us victorious.
Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart. A breastplate physically protects your heart and vital organs, and wearing Christ’s righteousness protects our hearts from spiritual attacks of the enemy.

DISCOVER: We are all trying to protect our hearts with something. Pastor Joby said we will put on the breastplate of righteousness or a fig leaf to cover who we really are. What are you trying to cover yourself with? Take a moment to reflect on the fig leaves you're hiding behind -- success, kid's success, religious activity (see Matthew 7:21-23), social media image, etc. Leaning on your own self-righteousness will either make you puffed up or exhausted. Counterfeit breastplates can never truly protect us. In fact, as we heard in the testimony video, the weight of trying to be righteous on our own is heavier than God’s righteousness for us.

DEEPEN: What do you need to take off in order to put on Christ's breastplate of righteousness? How can we as your group support you with that? “The only paperwork that matters on the day of judgement is not your resume but Christ’s invitation.” We heard Paul’s resume which was the best of the best of his time and in his culture, but he had to give up the privilege that came with that pedigree in order to follow Christ. Following Jesus means forsaking our sinfulness AND our self-righteousness. In Philippians 3:8 Paul says, "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."

Reread Philippians 3:9-11.

DISCOVER: What parts of the whole gospel do you see in these verses? Half of the gospel is that “Jesus died for our sins,” but there is no power in being only a forgiven sinner, narrowly escaping hell and still smelling like smoke. The whole gospel is that Jesus died for our sins in our place AND that we have taken His place as well – restored as a child of God, seated at the right hand of the father and promised an irrevocable, eternal inheritance with God.

DEEPEN: Think about the difference between imputed and imparted righteousness. Imputed righteousness is given; imparted righteousness means “I do my part” and actually perverts the gospel. Positional righteousness comes by salvation comes first then practical righteousness happens over time through sanctification. Knowing the difference in our own hearts is critical because the same activity, depending on the condition of the heart, will either bring glory or judgement from the Lord. Right standing motivates you to right living; right living does not earn you right standing. For a deep dive on this, listen to Ray Cortes from Saturated 2016.

DISCOVER: How does an accurate understanding of your righteousness in Christ release the power of the gospel in your life? Knowing Jesus fuels a life of power to fight and win the battles against sin and the enemy.

DEEPEN: Where do you need gospel power and truth in your life right now? This question is an opportunity to ask if you truly KNOW Jesus.

Action Steps
A Disciple...Loves All People, Discovers Identity in Jesus, Deepens Relationship with Jesus.

Memorize Philippians 3:9 or 2 Corinthians 5:21 and share why you chose that one with someone this week.