Psalm 119:45: The Breastplate of Righteousness: Protected Living

1/23/26

Righteousness that comes from God

The breastplate protects the heart. Paul roots that protection not in our performance but in God’s righteousness given through Christ.

“Stand firm… with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” (Ephesians 6:14)
“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:22)
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“Not having a righteousness of my own… but that which is through faith in Christ.” (Philippians 3:9)

Righteousness is a gift before it becomes a lifestyle.

Ephesians 1–3: Foundations

Paul spends three chapters telling believers who they are before he tells them how to live. Identity fuels obedience.

Key foundations:

Chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).
Adopted as sons and daughters (Ephesians 1:5).
Redeemed through His blood (Ephesians 1:7).
Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14).
Made alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:4–5).
Saved by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
God’s workmanship, created for good works (Ephesians 2:10).
Strengthened with power through the Spirit in the inner person (Ephesians 3:16–19).

The breastplate rests on these truths. Righteous living grows from secure identity.

Chapters 4–6 shift from identity to evidence. Righteousness becomes visible.

Paul outlines the lifestyle:

Put off the old self and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22–24).
Speak truthfully (Ephesians 4:25).
Control anger (Ephesians 4:26–27).
Work honestly and share generously (Ephesians 4:28).
Build others up with your words (Ephesians 4:29).
Forgive as God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).
Walk in love as Christ loved (Ephesians 5:1–2).
Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8–10).
Submit to one another in reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).
Stand firm against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:10–12).

This is righteousness in action. Identity produces integrity.

The heart is the command center. Righteousness shields it.

“Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)
“Above all else, keep your heart with all diligence.” (Proverbs 4:23 NKJV/NIV)
Jesus warned that sin flows from an unguarded heart (Mark 7:20–23).
Obedience strengthens the armor: “If you love Me, keep My commands.” (John 14:15)
“Blessed are those who walk in obedience… who seek Him with all their heart.” (Psalm 119:1–2)

Righteousness lived out closes the gaps where the enemy seeks entry.