“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…”Ephesians 6:14
Breastplate of Righteousness Scripture invites us to acquire a pure heart. The entire Old Testament is about the futility of relationship with God based upon a set of laws. Grace abounds as we choose to walk according to God’s standards, not because of obligation, but because of a love relationship. This results in pure living and pure motives that emanate from a pure heart. The fruit of pure living is, in effect, the breastplate of righteousness. As we live blamelessly before the Lord, we stay in communion with Him. We are fully aligned with his design for our lives.
A pure heart can become ours when we begin to walk in reckless abandon. We leave behind not only sinful habits, but even the distractions which crowd out the things of God. The Ambassador trip forces the issue in many areas: As we leave our curling irons, magazines, friends, and walkmans behind, we free up room in our lives to attach ourselves to the things of the Lord.
Specific steps
How do we acquire a pure heart? Here are a few specific steps:
- Pray about those friends who are a poor influence.
- Decide to have a conversation with friends about commitments.
- Ask the Lord to identify idols.
- Commit to remove idols.
- Ask the Lord to identify distractions.
- Commit to remove distractions.
- Decide to begin implementing a spiritual discipline.
Measuring progress
How is progress measured? Every specific commitment to remove something from one’s life results in a purification of the heart. Disciplers can track progress by noting the commitments that the participants they are discipling make.
What the Bible says about me:
I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21)
The Lord has rewarded me according to righteousness ( Psalm 18:24)
In righteousness I will be established ( Isaiah 54:14)
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness ( Timothy 4:8)
Challenge… Read Psalm 119 three times back to back
Scripture Memory…Pick any two consecutive Scriptures from Psalm 119. Be prepared to discuss your Scripture and what God spoke to you about it online with the rest of the group.
Prayer… “ Today Lord Ichoose to flee from all sin and temptation.I take every thought captive in your name. I desire to live a pure and holy life. Please fill me with your Spiritthat I may walk in righteousness.”
