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Sermon #4226

Trust in God and ...

A Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-13

Originally preached Dec. 3, 1961

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Scripture

Ephesians 6:10-13 ESV KJV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against …

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Sermon Description

In Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ sermon on Ephesians 6:10-13, he visits the topic of sanctification. Specifically, how our relationship is to God in our lifelong journey of sanctification. To begin, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how justification is unrelated to sanctification. We can do nothing to be justified. Our justification is completely up to God. However, in the case of sanctification, we have a job to do. It is our activity. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that unlike justification, sanctification is a continual process in which we must realize our need for salvation, listen to God’s commandments, and follow them. The first process of realizing our need for salvation happens only once; however, we must strive for the rest of our lives to live faithfully, according to God’s commandments. But, how can we live such a life? Well, Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides key tips on how we can stay strong in obedience to God. He first states that to do so, we must practice it. Often, a Christian will be to intimidated to act on their faith and will simply back away from opportunities to obey God’s commandments, but the truth is that if we simply attempt to take action, God will grant us the strength to do it. Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives the example of Peter walking on water or Moses making water flow from a rock. Neither of these men had the power to do such things, but they took action regardless, and because they took action, God granted them the power to accomplish their tasks. As Christians in the process of sanctification, we cannot stand by and think that God will do everything for us. No, we must do things. God’s work on earth is done by works and enabled by the spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states, “Use the means that are available, but put your confidence in God.” The great puritan leader, Oliver Cromwell, knew this when he told his men, “Trust in God and keep your [gun]powder dry.” Whenever doubt crowds our minds and threatens to quench the holy fire inside of us, we must go ahead with action, all the while remembering that we can do all things through Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes his sermon saying, “Whatever we may be facing, we must remember that Christ is with us and that nothing can separate us from the love of God.”

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The two main exhortations in Ephesians 6:10-13 are:
  2. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might

  3. Take unto us and put on the whole armor of God

  4. We must reject any doctrine of passivity. We must exert ourselves with all our might while relying on God's power.

  5. We must continue to develop the power and strength we have been given as Christians. We must also rely on God's promises that he will strengthen us.

  6. We must practice the presence of God and continue in prayer, communion, and the Word. Growth takes time and diligence.

  7. We must believe the promises and doctrines of God's Word. We must remind ourselves of God's grace, nearness, and presence.

  8. To apply these truths, we must make the effort to taste and see that the Lord is good. We must act in faith. Faith involves an element of venture.

  9. The enabling to live the Christian life is in the command to live the Christian life. We are given power as we obey.

  10. We see this principle in Moses striking the rock, the man with the withered hand stretching it out, and Peter walking on water. The power was given as they obeyed.

  11. We see this with the apostles' miracles in Acts. They were given power and commission, so as they acted, miracles happened. They did not know when miracles would happen.

  12. This applies to preaching as well. We must prepare but rely on the Spirit. The Spirit uses our preparation. We must not rely on preparation alone or the Spirit alone.

  13. The same is true of healing. We should use means but trust in God. We should not use means alone or trust God alone. We see this in Hudson Taylor and Andrew Murray's lives.

  14. This is like encouraging a child to walk or ride a bike. We hold them less and less until they have the power and ability within them. They just have to make the effort and venture out.

  15. We must believe God is speaking to us and act. His power will be given as we obey. We will be amazed at the power and strength within us.

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.