Memory Text — Ephesians 6:13 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.
Heidelberg Catechism 60. How are you righteous before God? Only by a true faith in Jesus Christ; so that, though my conscience accuse me, that I have grossly transgressed all the commandments of God, and kept none of them, and am still inclined to all evil; notwithstanding, God, without any merit of mine, but only of mere grace, grants and imputes to me, the perfect satisfaction, righteousness and holiness of Christ; even so, as if I never had had, nor committed any sin: yea, as if I had fully accomplished all that obedience which Christ has accomplished for me; inasmuch as I embrace such benefit with a believing heart.
Monday: Read Eph 6:14 about the breastplate and Isaiah 59:1-4, 14, 15, 20. What’s wrong with God’s people in Isaiah? What does God do about it? How does Isaiah inform our understanding of Ephesians 6:14? Why is God’s action essential for salvation, and why is this such good news?
Tuesday: Eph 6:14. How does Rom 3:21-24 explain what the breastplate of righteousness is? To whom is our sin imputed (reckoned, counted)? What does Christ impute to us (Phil 3:9)? This is called double imputation. How complete is Christ’s payment? How full is the righteousness he gives you? Reflect on the catechism above.
Wednesday: Eph 6:14. Think about times Satan, others, and yourself have made you feel guilty. How do you often respond, even if you really are guilty (e.g. argue, blame, excuse, how can you even be a Christian)? How does having Jesus’ complete and perfect forgiveness change this (Rom 8:1, Gal 5:1)? How does it change your response to sin?
Thursday: Eph 6:14. Do you ever compare yourself to others? Why? How does that make you feel? Satan (others, self) often highlights our unworthiness and shame, and we easily counter with comparison (or despair). How does the breastplate of righteousness help us fight this (see Phil 3:7-9, Zech 3:4-5)?
Friday: Eph 6:14. How does the breastplate of righteousness help you when you feel filthy? What is God’s perspective? Since the believer wears Christ’s perfect record, and his/her sinful record is fully paid, how are we respond (Rom 6:17-18, Phil 3:10a, Rom 12:1)?
Saturday: Read Jonah chapter 1. Where do you see God’s sovereign hand?