Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
The ongoing hostility of Satan and the demons (Revelation 9) necessitates a vigorous reaction from God’s people: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14). This “righteousness” is not our self-deceptive attempt at self-righteousness; rather, it must be the righteousness of God. As we studied yesterday, this righteousness is imputed to us through faith in God the Son, Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9). In addition, this righteousness is imparted to us right now, and this practical aspect of living differently is what is primarily in view in Ephesians 6:14. In Philippians 2:12b, Paul urges us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Note that we are to “work out” not “work for,” for salvation is a gift from God. Ephesians 4:24 says that we are to “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” In other words, we are to make appropriate decisions; we must exercise the human will to choose what is right. Ephesians 4:25-32 then provides specific applications of this principle: don’t lie (verse 25); don’t let anger take over (verse 26); don’t give Satan opportunities to use our anger (verse 27); don’t steal, but do work (verse 28); don’t speak unwholesomely, but do speak to edify (verse 29); don’t grieve God the Holy Spirit (verse 30); don’t be bitter and malicious (verse 31); and do be kind (verse 32). These everyday activities are practical usages of “the breastplate of righteousness.”