Stand Therefore
A Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-13
Originally preached Dec. 17, 1961
Scripture
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against …
Sermon Description
This great appeal comes to Christian people: “Stand therefore.” In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Stand Therefore,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains about the power God gives His people to remain faithful. First of all, he says that Christians must not feel disappointed or unhappy because this causes a conflict. Christians should never feel sorry for themselves. The moment they do, they’ve already lost the battle. Secondly, they must recognize the power of what they are up against but not be frightened. Because of the power of God in them, they can resist the devil. Thirdly, they are not to be half-hearted. When they doubt, they are already defeated. Fourthly, do not consider retreat. Thinking or talking too much about personal weaknesses (or those of others) is depressing and an enemy tactic to sap the Christian of strength. Fifthly, always be ready. Spiritually, Christians are to be well balanced and not carried about by every wind of doctrine. Sixthly, realize the privilege of being in this great battle. Consider the captain and leader — Jesus Christ Himself. Lastly, think of the glory that is coming. Paul said, “There is henceforth a crown of righteousness laid up for me [.…] And not to me only, but to all who have loved his appearing."
Sermon Breakdown
- Don't be surprised or disappointed that there is conflict and battle as a Christian. We must expect difficulties and trials.
- Don't be frightened by the enemy or his powers. We have the power of God within us through the Holy Spirit. We must stand firm.
- Don't be half-hearted or uncertain in the fight. We must have a clear understanding of what it means to be a Christian. We must be fully committed.
- Never give even a thought to possible retreat. There are no "backdoors" in the Christian life. We must stand our ground.
- Take up your position and always be ready. Be sober, vigilant and watchful. Don't relax.
- Realize the privilege of being in this fight. It is God's battle, not ours. We fight for the glory of God.
- Consider who your captain and leader is - the Lord Jesus Christ. We follow in His footsteps.
- We are fighting for the honor of the faith. How we live reflects on the gospel.
- Think of the crown of glory that is coming. We will receive our reward and hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."
The Book of Ephesians
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.