Sermon Breakdown

1. The sermon begins by introducing the topic of the wiles or schemes of the devil from Ephesians 6:10-13. Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that the Christian life is a constant struggle and fight against the devil and his forces.

2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then transitions to discussing how the devil uses discouragement and worry to paralyze believers. He notes how some Christians are prone to excessive introspection, morbidity, and worrying about lack of progress which the devil exploits.

3. Dr. Lloyd-Jones highlights how the devil uses anxiety and worry to crowd out spiritual thoughts and realities from the minds of believers. He uses the example of Martha being distracted and troubled by many things to illustrate his point.

4. To counter worry and anxiety, Dr. Lloyd-Jones recommends recognizing the devil's hand in producing these feelings, reprimanding yourself for worrying as a Christian, realizing the need for self-discipline and maintaining a proper sense of proportion and priorities in life with God at the center.

5. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then discusses how the devil uses fear of the unknown future to discourage believers by getting them to imagine frightening possibilities. He notes how this can be a waste of time and is a failure to trust in God as a loving heavenly Father.

6. To counter fear of the future, Dr. Lloyd-Jones recommends recognizing fear of the future is often due to a lack of faith in God's promises and unbelief. He recommends attacking the devil's lies with the truth of God's word and past faithfulness.

7. Dr. Lloyd-Jones transitions to discussing how the devil uses confusion over guidance, answers to prayer and faith healing to trouble believers. He notes how some teach these areas are simple when they are actually quite complex.

8.Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that if guidance, answers to prayer and faith healing were simple and mechanical, there would be no growth in the Christian life and no need for the New Testament. He cites examples of Paul struggling with guidance and not always receiving healing to show these areas are complex.

1. Dr. Lloyd-Jones examines James 5:13-15 and Mark 11:22-24, noting that while some interpret these to teach that prayer and faith guarantee healing and answers, the facts show this is not always the case in reality. He argues the "prayer of faith" is given by the Spirit, not worked up by the individual.

2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues God normally guides through means like Scripture, reason, counsel of others and circumstances. He recommends not claiming guidance or healing but committing everything to God, being willing to accept whatever His will is, leaving matters with God and not being anxious, doing your work and being ready for God's leading.

3. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by warning against acting against your conscience or inward sense of God's leading. He notes if you follow God's principles, you will have peace in knowing you sought to act as His child, even if the outcome is not what you desired.