Right person - right message

Topics: Christian message and messengers

I. The message must match the messenger

A. The Christian breastplate is positional imputed righteousness of Christ!

1. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).

2. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

3. What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone (Rom 9:30?32).

B. The Christian breastplate is practical infused righteousness of Christ!

1. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus (Titus 2:11?13).
2. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11).

II. The message must maintain the messenger

A. The Christian proclaims the positional gospel of peace with God!

1. And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15).
2. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
3. Know the gospel: Good News, Bad News, Great News and You Choose!

B. The Christian proclaims the practical gospel of peace of God!

1. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
2. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, February 22nd, 2026.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Right person-right message

An important Guideline of Life Groups: You cannot separate the message from the messenger! Discuss in your group, how we can pursue righteousness in our character and spread the gospel message of grace and forgiveness to others more faithfully.

Getting Started:

1. As the breastplate protects the vital organs, how does the righteousness of Christ protect us from accusations, doubt and temptations?
2. What different truths about righteousness is Jesus saying in Matthew 5:6, 10, 20?

Discussing Truths:

1. Do you equip yourself with the armor of God before the attack comes or wait until you're being attacked (James 4:7)?
2. How does being filled with the Holy Spirit empower Christians to live holy lives of righteousness (Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:29)?
3. Why are good shoes so important to soldiers fighting in battle? What can you take from this metaphor in regards to inner peace (Ephesians 2:14, 17)?
4. What is the logical sequence of questions Paul is raising in Romans 10:13-15 as he ends with a quote of Isaiah 52:7? How lovely are your spiritual feet?
5. The late Dr. Bill Bright used to ask 2 questions: 1) What is the greatest thing that's ever happened to you? 2) What is the greatest thing you can share with others? What are your answers?
6. How does Philippians 4:6-9 help you establish peace and tranquility in your life and grant you an optimistic mindset for eternity?

Now What? Application:

1. Prayerfully think about how you will practically walk in righteousness at your workplace, at your school, at your home.
2. Soldier, God wants you to share the gospel of peace with someone this week.