Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on the Breastplate of Righteousness

What is the breastplate of righteousness according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the breastplate of righteousness is not just our own integrity, but "that righteousness which is of God by faith through Jesus Christ." He explains that our own integrity is a "very poor bit of defense mechanism" against the devil, as "all our righteousness is but as filthy rags." This righteousness is both imputed (put to our account) and imparted (worked out in us by the Holy Spirit through sanctification). It protects our feelings, affections, conscience, and will against Satan's attacks.

How does the breastplate of righteousness protect believers against temptation?

The breastplate of righteousness protects believers against temptation by: 1. Delivering us from a sense of condemnation which leads to hopelessness and despair 2. Reminding us who we are - children of God clothed in Christ's righteousness 3. Giving us confidence to stand against Satan's attacks 4. Reminding us that Christ himself was tempted yet without sin 5. Providing the new nature and power needed to resist sin

Dr. Lloyd-Jones states, "There is only one protection against the temptations of Satan. It is the breastplate of righteousness."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about the relationship between ungodliness and unrighteousness?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that ungodliness always leads to unrighteousness. Citing Romans 1:18, he points out that Paul reveals the wrath of God "against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men," with ungodliness mentioned first. This shows that lack of godliness is what produces moral failure and sin. He states, "What is it that produces crime and vice and immorality and all moral muddle? The answer is ungodliness." Throughout history, he observes that moral decline always follows religious decline, while periods of moral improvement follow religious awakening and revival.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones critique modern approaches to moral problems?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones criticizes modern approaches to moral problems for: 1. Relying on education and instruction about goodness without godliness 2. Holding up ideals and moral exemplars while rejecting the gospel 3. Thinking that knowledge alone can solve the problem of temptation 4. Turning to psychology while ignoring sin and the fallen nature of humans 5. Not recognizing that "the problem is the problem of man in sin, with his mind and heart and conscience defiled, twisted, perverted"

He states these approaches are "proving itself to be irrelevant" because they don't address the root spiritual issue.

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, what happens when someone has a sense of condemnation?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, a sense of condemnation "always leads to a sense of hopelessness and of despair." This is where Satan is subtle - he knows that if our general condition is depressed and unhappy, we become easy victims. When we feel condemned, we're more vulnerable to temptation because we might "jump at it in order to get relief." He explains this is why many people turn to drink or pleasure when depressed - to escape feelings of condemnation. The breastplate of righteousness reminds us that "whatever we may have done, we don't change the relationship" with God if we confess our sins.

How does remembering our identity in Christ help us resist temptation?

Remembering our identity in Christ helps us resist temptation because it: 1. Reminds us that we are sons and daughters of God 2. Shows us we have God's righteousness upon us 3. Helps us realize we're meant to be like Christ 4. Makes us remember we belong to God's family 5. Gives us strength and purpose in spiritual warfare

Dr. Lloyd-Jones states: "You put on the breastplate of righteousness, and you remind yourself of this. You see, I don't live to myself. What matters is not what I feel or what I do. I belong to this family. I'm a child of God. I belong to Jesus Christ. I'm clothed with his righteousness."

What historical evidence does Dr. Lloyd-Jones provide for the connection between godliness and moral behavior?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones points to several historical examples showing the connection between godliness and moral behavior: 1. The Victorian era - a period of higher morality following religious revival 2. The Elizabethan and Puritan periods in England 3. Early United States history, which "began as a religious foundation, the work of the puritan fathers"

He observes that even non-Christians are positively influenced when godliness becomes prominent in society: "When there is a great awakening, when godliness becomes prominent, it affects the whole of society." Conversely, when people fall away from biblical authority, "down goes the general level of your morality, your conduct and your behavior."

What does Titus 1:15 teach about purity, and how does Dr. Lloyd-Jones apply it?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones quotes Titus 1:15: "Unto the pure, all things are pure. But unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure. But even their mind and conscience is defiled." He applies this to show why moral instruction alone fails - if someone doesn't have a pure mind to begin with, moral instruction can actually stimulate evil rather than prevent it. He explains that taking an impure person to an art gallery to see beautiful human forms might only "rouse lust in him. Because he's impure. He's defiled." This demonstrates why moral education without spiritual transformation is insufficient.