Armor of God: Breastplate of Righteousness

“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…” Ephesians 6:14

Dear youth of the Seventh-day Adventist faith, today we gather to delve into the Word of God and explore the significance of the Breastplate of Righteousness as a vital component of the Armor of God. Our focus will be on the story of Cornelius in Acts 10:9-23, where we witness the transformative power of God’s righteousness in the life of a devout centurion.

The next piece of the Armour of God from Ephesians chapter 6 is the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness is showing godly character, or doing what is right, good and faithful. The act of continually doing what is right before the Lord is what keeps our breastplate in place.

God asks us in scripture to be wise and do the right thing. When we do, we can be sure that we have our breastplate on, and that our hearts are fully protected while in battle.

What is godly character and righteousness? How do we know if we have it?

Cornelius, a Man of Devotion (Acts 10:1-8):

Cornelius was a centurion in the Roman army, described as a devout and God-fearing man who prayed regularly and generously gave to those in need. Despite his Gentile background, Cornelius demonstrated a sincere hunger for God’s truth and righteousness.

God orchestrated a series of divine appointments, both for Cornelius and for Peter, leading to a significant encounter that would bridge the gap between Jew and Gentile and expand the reach of the gospel.

Peter’s Vision and Cornelius’ Invitation (Acts 10:9-23):

As Peter prayed on the rooftop, he received a vision of a sheet descending from heaven containing all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean. A voice commanded Peter to rise, kill, and eat, but Peter, adhering to Jewish dietary laws, refused.

The vision was not merely about food but symbolized God’s plan to extend salvation to the Gentiles. God declared, “What God has cleansed you must not call common” (Acts 10:15), challenging Peter’s preconceived notions of ritual purity and ethnic exclusivity.

While Peter pondered the vision, Cornelius’ servants arrived at Simon the tanner’s house, where Peter was staying, inviting him to come to Cornelius’ home. Despite his initial reservations, Peter obeyed the Spirit’s prompting and went with them.

Lessons on Righteousness and Inclusion:

Just as a breastplate protects the heart, righteousness guards our innermost being, shielding us from the assaults of sin and unrighteousness. Ellen G. White emphasizes the importance of righteousness, stating, “The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven, the second is our fitness for heaven” (Steps to Christ, p. 62).

The story of Cornelius illustrates God’s inclusive love and His desire for all people to come to repentance and salvation. God shows no partiality but accepts those who fear Him and do what is right, regardless of their ethnic background or social status.

Both Peter and Cornelius exemplify obedience to God’s leading, despite facing cultural barriers and personal biases. Their obedience paved the way for the gospel to spread beyond the confines of Judaism and reach the Gentile world.

Application to Youth Today:

Pursue Righteousness: As young Adventists, let us strive to pursue righteousness in all areas of our lives, aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with God’s will. May the righteousness of Christ become our breastplate, guarding our hearts against the temptations of the world.

Embrace Inclusion: Let us embrace God’s inclusive love and extend His grace and mercy to all people, irrespective of their background or beliefs. May we be agents of reconciliation and unity in a divided world, inviting others to experience the transforming power of God’s love.

Listen and Obey: Like Peter and Cornelius, let us cultivate a spirit of listening and obedience to God’s leading, even when it challenges our comfort zones or cultural norms. May we trust in God’s wisdom and guidance, knowing that His plans are always for our good and His glory.

Dear youth, as we reflect on the story of Cornelius, may we be inspired to don the Breastplate of Righteousness, guarding our hearts with Godliness and integrity. Let us embrace God’s inclusive love and obediently follow His leading, knowing that He desires to use us as vessels of His grace and agents of His kingdom. And may our lives reflect the transformative power of God’s righteousness, shining brightly in a world longing for truth and redemption. Amen.

Activity/Group Discussion:

1. Reflecting on the sermon, how does the story of Cornelius challenge our preconceived notions of righteousness and inclusion?
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness is described as guarding our hearts against the assaults of sin. In what ways can we actively cultivate righteousness in our thoughts, words, and actions as young Adventists?
3. Discuss the significance of obedience to God’s leading, as exemplified by both Peter and Cornelius. How can we cultivate a spirit of listening and obedience in our own lives?
4. Consider the cultural barriers and biases that Peter had to overcome in order to obey God’s command to visit Cornelius. How can we overcome similar barriers in our interactions with others who may be different from us?
5. How does God’s inclusive love challenge us to extend grace and acceptance to all people, regardless of their background or beliefs?
6. Share a time when you experienced God’s leading in a way that challenged your comfort zone or cultural norms. How did you respond, and what lessons did you learn from that experience?
7. Reflect on the importance of righteousness as both our title to heaven and our fitness for heaven, as described by Ellen G. White. How does this understanding shape our pursuit of righteousness in our daily lives?
8. How can we be intentional about creating a culture of inclusion and acceptance within our youth group and church community?
9. Discuss practical ways we can actively listen for God’s leading and obey His commands in our lives, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable.
10. As a group, commit to praying for God’s guidance and empowerment to live lives characterized by righteousness and inclusion, reflecting the transformative power of His love to the world around us.