MLJ Trust Logo Image

Showing 249 results for ephesians 6:4

The Exceeding Riches of His Grace

Ephesians 2:7

God uses the salvation of guilty and rebellious sinners as a means to bring glory and honor to His name. In this sermon on Ephesians 2:7 titled “The Exceeding Riches of His Grace,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones brings this convicting truth as he speaks of God’s Son Jesus Christ who died a cruel and torturous death as a criminal upon a cross. He did not do this so that the world would be a more comfortable place to live or so that people would become more moral. He did this to redeem a people to the praise of God the Father. The sin He died to overcome was far more than a simple social phenomenon; it was rebellion against God the Creator. And this world He came to set free from sin was not simply a world that had problems, but it was ruled by the devil, the god of this world. All of creation looked forward to this great act of redemption. From the creation of the world to God allowing the fall, it all finds its meaning in Jesus Christ and His vicarious death on the cross. Because this salvation is of God and wholly by grace, those who receive it can never fall away. For all who God saves, He will bring to perfection on the last day when He returns.

Be Strong in The Lord

Ephesians 6:10-11

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones admits that the problem of spiritual depression is so widespread that he could spend all of his time counseling depressed Christians. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–11 titled “Be Strong in the Lord,” he seeks to address the cause of spiritual depression. While the counselor should take strides to ease the immediate pain of depression, the problem lies deeper than the pain itself. The problem is spiritual. Living in a materialistic world, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that one forgets that the spiritual world exists. The tendency is to treat everything as physical. For some, this means arguing that all depression is the result of personal sin. For others, this means arguing that all depression is the result of the body or brain. These answers, however, do not go deep enough and leave the individual in their depression. The problem is that Satan wars against humanity. These depressed thoughts come from the devil himself. In fighting spiritual depression, Christians must engage in a spiritual battle. Dr. Lloyd-Jones examines the whole armor of God and calls Christians to put on this armor. This is their fight against spiritual depression: to take up this armor and fight against the devil. Listen and be encouraged that Christ has triumphed, He has defeated the devil. In Christ, His people will prevail.

The Mystery of the Gospel 1

Ephesians 6:18-20

Christians have all experienced that moment where the gospel all of a sudden makes sense. They did not know and could not understand the gospel but then they could. This is why the gospel is so mysterious. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:18–20 titled “The Mystery of the Gospel (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones unpacks the mystery of the gospel, and why a person in their natural state cannot comprehend it. Dr. Lloyd-Jones begins by asking the questions, “What is the mystery of the gospel?” and “Why is the gospel a mystery?” After delving through the Scriptures, he comes to the conclusion that the mystery of the gospel is the mind of God. No one understands the mystery of the gospel on their own because it is the very wisdom and mind of God. One might consider themselves wise, but no one is wise enough to understand the mind of the eternal God. At this point, Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives hope by providing the only way that anyone might understand the gospel. They must repent and turn away from the foolish thinking that they can understand the mind of God, and consider themselves rightly as a fool. Once they repent and asks God to forgive them, then the Spirit will reveal the mystery of this gospel and they will rejoice in it. Be encouraged by this clear explanation of the glorious mystery of the gospel.

The Preachers Message (2)

Romans 10:14-17

In his sermon on Romans 10:14–17 titled “The Preacher’s Message (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones talks about the great joy believers have within the gospel. Reading from this Scripture passage, he reminds the listener of the basics of the good news and how it should inspire Christians. He says that preaching is God’s chief appointed role for sharing the gospel to the congregation and unbelievers. Because of this responsibility, it’s important for preachers to integrate the good news into their message. Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers this suggestion with a warning to the congregation: do not grow tired of hearing the gospel. It is easy for Christians to forget the amazing power bestowed by God to those who believe. Dr. Lloyd-Jones takes an opportunity to remind Christians of what they have in Christ. He says that God gave His Son for the forgiveness of sins simply because He is rich in mercy and grace, as seen in Ephesians 2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds upon the daily intercession Christ takes for Christians at the right hand of the Father. He goes on to describe the groaning of the Holy Spirit that prays when believers don’t know what to pray for. With these incredible privileges, Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes with a call to obey the gospel and take joy in the promises within.

When Not to Pray; but to Act

Ephesians 4:22-24

It’s a fact of the Christian life that Christians will always fight sin and temptation. In this sermon on Ephesians 4:22–24 titled “When Not to Pray But to Act,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones highlights this spiritual battle as Christians put off the old self and all its ways. Christ commands fleeing sin and the devil and to pursue a life that is consistent with being children of God, benefactors of Christ and His work. This putting off of the old self and pursuit of Christ is not something that Christians do passively but are commanded to do actively. Simply praying about sanctification, but never acting in pursuit of holiness is not enough and does not take account of the many commands that God’s word gives. Nor do they see that Christians are able to flee temptation and sin. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones continues, all Christians are called and able to obey God, growing in sanctification. For in the power of the Spirit all Christians are to fight against the old self. They are to wage war against all ungodliness and worldliness that still dwells in them. This is done by consistently seeking to put off the flesh and put on the spirit of righteousness. God who has called His people to salvation also calls them to pursue holiness and sanctification.

Evils not ... Among Saints

Ephesians 5:3-5

What are the behaviors that are to characterize the lives of Christians? What actions, thoughts, and type of speech should be avoided? In this sermon on Ephesians 5:3–5 titled “Evils Not…Among Saints,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches on Paul’s exhortation to live according to God’s word. In this passage, Paul provides a list of things that are generally characteristic of those who do not follow Christ— sexual immorality, uncleanness, covetousness, and other vices. His point is that Christians are to make every effort to avoid them. But in a world that actively engages in and encourages such sins, how can believers avoid them? First, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, Christians must kill temptation at the first hint of it— they must not allow it even a small foothold in their lives. They are to run at the sight of it. Paul states that such things are to “not even be named among you.” Many read these verses and conclude that Christians are to be dull people. Yet that is not at all what these instructions mean. Rather, Jesus’s followers are to be characterized by giving thanks and radiating God’s joy in every activity of life. A Christian’s speech, states Dr. Lloyd-Jones, should always be profitable and thoughtful. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches how one can honor God through how they live.

Girded with Truth

Ephesians 6:14

What is truth? In a world where truth is twisted into what people want it to be, how does one know what is really true versus what is distorted to fit certain views? Knowing the truth of God’s word is essential. This is why when Paul speaks to Christians about the armor of God, he urges believers to gird themselves with truth. In this sermon on the belt of truth from Ephesians 6:14 titled “Girded With Truth,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks on what it looks like to gird oneself with the truth of God’s word. He explains how truth is not something one should hold onto lightly, but is something that must be sought after and fought for. The Christian must diligently search for truth no matter the cost and never let it go once it has been found. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how Christians need to intentionally search the Holy Scriptures for the truth to build their lives upon, not just read through the way one would a newspaper. But most importantly, he emphasizes the fact that they must never compromise the truth no matter the cost, but instead must fight for it, because without girding oneself with the truth, the Christian cannot stand in the day of battle.

Praying for All the Saints

Ephesians 6:18-20

The main emphasis of “praying for all the saints” is intercessory prayer. Why does this matter? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:18–20 titled “Praying for All the Saints,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones challenges all believers who engage in the same fight for faithfulness, sharing a common salvation, and fighting a common foe. This is why public worship is so important. Christians must recognize that they are not alone. This battle not only involves all Christians, but it is God’s battle. Intercessory prayer is significant because failure at any point in the ranks affects the whole army. Christians must think of themselves in terms of the church, not individualistically. Praying that everyone in their position will stand is the way to avoid discouragement. One of the great mysteries of the faith is that prayer actually works. God could do everything without His people, but He has elected them and chooses to work through them. Therefore they are dependent on the prayers of others, and He commands His people to pray for one another. Intercessory prayer is the sovereign remedy for introspection and a morbid self-concern. In light of this, Christians ought to pray for all preachers of the gospel to speak boldly and rightly— keeping nothing back of the truth, not fearing people, but relying on God.

Loins Girt About with Truth

Ephesians 6:14

Every piece of the believer’s armor is critical for the Christian life. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:14 titled “Loins Girt About with Truth,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones delivers this sermon on the six pieces of “the armor of God.” First are the “loins girt with truth,” then the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. This is not an exhaustive list, but a highlighting of vital elements for spiritual warfare. There is no hope for the fight unless first put on are the “loins girt with truth.” In the apostles’ time, people wore long flowing garments, but loose clothing hinders efficient movement. Soldiers braced their clothing together with a girdle in order to move without encumbrance. The spiritual meaning here is for the mind. Some think “truth” means sincerity or candor, but the foundation of the Christian’s armor cannot be their own sincerity and truthfulness. The girdle, as well as the sword, is the word of God. Christians must be wholly governed by truth, which is revealed in Christ Jesus. This truth is not uncertainty, doubt, or lack of clarity. It is a settled conviction, knowing whom and what to believe. The devil tries to create confusion and uncertainty and to repel him, Christians must be “girt about” with truth.

Risen in Christ

Ephesians 2:4-7

On one hand, people fail to realize the depth of sin. On the other hand, they fail to see the height and glory of the gospel. The problem with the church today is that it fails at both of these points. In this sermon on Ephesians 2:4–7 titled “Risen with Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones declares what makes one a Christian: their union with Christ. In this union, the Christian has been raised together with the Lord Jesus Christ. Rejoicing in the heights of one’s own resurrection makes sense only when the believer understands their original state of death. By nature they were children of wrath. Jesus died for them and their old nature died with Him. In dying with Him they are also raised with Him. Starting at this point of human depravity, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explores the goodness of union with Christ. Christians, he declares, are dead to the law and no longer under the curse of sin. Christians are alive unto God. The new person thinks in terms of eternity. They care not only for their body but also for their soul. They seek to share Christ with the lost and want to please God. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks, “Have you been raised together with Christ? Do you know God?” Rejoice as one risen with Christ.

Unfruitful Works of Darkness

Ephesians 5:8-13

How does one know if they are a born-again Christian? What are some ways they can test their lives to see if they have been saved? What are the manifestations of darkness and why should one know them? In this sermon on Ephesians 5:8–13 titled “Unfruitful Works of Darkness,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones walks through a standard against which Christians can measure their lives, teaching that it is important to know these so that they can see whether or not they are producing the fruit that stems from being a follower of Christ and being changed by the Holy Spirit. The first manifestation is the mind—those who are in darkness are ignorant of God and the truth about themselves and the state of their souls. They deny that their sin is grievous enough to separate them from God, and they don’t see the need to submit their lives to the authority of Jesus Christ. Another manifestation is the will. Many people today are trying to make the world a better place— they see all the crime in the world and think that it will be fixed with more money or success. However, dealing with unrighteousness without addressing the underlying ungodliness will avail nothing; the foundational issue must be fixed in order to see change. This is what needs to be repaired in order for the world to be a better place.

Worldliness

Ephesians 6:10-13

When someone mentions “worldliness,” what comes to mind? In this sermon on overcoming worldliness from Ephesians 6:10–13, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones helps the listener come to a proper understanding of worldliness and how it affects the Christian walk. Worldliness, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is when one allows things that are good in and of themselves to occupy too big of a part in one’s life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that this happens when the Christian doesn’t allow their walk with Christ to overlap with the other areas of their life. Being a follower of Jesus means following His instruction for every action, thought, and desire one has. How can one prevent falling into the trap of worldliness? First, they must remember that salvation is not just to save one for eternity, but is also to save from sin now and deliver the Christian from the present evil. Second, Christians must be cautious of any hint of sin and run from the scent of it at all costs. At times it can seem like an impossible task but Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that they are called to stand strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Jesus has overcome Satan, and the Christian can do the same because He is alive lives in those who believe in Him.

Dead in Trespasses and Sins

Ephesians 2:1

What is the state of a person before Christ? Is the problem with humanity that it needs more morality or is it much deeper? The apostle Paul explains that humanity’s greatest problem is that it is dead in trespasses and sins. In this sermon on Ephesians 2:1 titled “Dead in Trespasses and Sins,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on Paul’s words and preaches how when the Christian has a strong understanding of the depth of their depravity, it makes the work of Christ all the more glorious. When the Christian sees the severity of their sin and their plight outside of union with Christ, they realize the great power and sovereignty of God in salvation and it inevitably leads to true worship and praise to God for all the grace and mercy that He shows in saving sinners. Because sin is so deadly, only the power of God can save. No one can be unified with Christ by any other means. A true understanding of sin will spur the Christian on to evangelize the lost. They should want others to know of the great salvation that resides in Jesus Christ. The greatest problem with the sinner is not just that they do not come to church on Sunday or that they are not a part of the Christian social club. The greatest problem is that the sinner is alienated from God and under God’s wrath. With this is mind, telling others about Jesus becomes all the more important a task.

Putting Away Lying

Ephesians 4:25

In this sermon on Ephesians 4:25 titled “Putting Away Lying,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says “There is no greater motive to holiness than a proper understanding of the truth.” Yet, he states, “this truth must be applied and not merely theoretical.” Truth is what makes a contrast between Christianity and other worldviews. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks this question: Is there anything as fundamental to the Christian life as God’s character trait of truth? Multiple verses talk about God’s incapability of lying because of His character, and without this assurance, what He has revealed in His word could easily be doubted since there would be no reason to trust Him. Yet, because He cannot lie, what he says can be believed. Lying is quite serious because it is a direct assault on God’s character. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that nothing is as characteristic of a life of sin as lying, especially since one is lying to themselves about their eternal future. Additionally, lying undermines the local church because it creates mistrust and demolishes the opportunity for Christian bonding and fellowship among believers. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains why truth is so important to the life of a believer and why the pursuit of this will lead to holiness.

The Fruit of Light

Ephesians 5:9-10

Christians are called to walk in the light of the Lord, but what is this light? How is it manifested? What is the difference between a good, moral person and someone who is a Christian? In this sermon on Ephesians 5:9–10 titled “The Fruit of Light,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares that the Christian has a knowledge of the Lord that they lacked before— they now have a knowledge and understanding of spiritual truth. A Christian is one who knows God intimately, beyond mere intellectual assent to the truth of His existence. They also now have a heart that desires to know God more and follow His commands. They desire holiness. Next, this light is manifested in the will—rather than works of darkness, their life exhibits the fruits of righteousness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out a key fact about the difference between “works” and “fruit.” Fruit signifies growth, and it signifies that it is occurring naturally. Thus, Paul is writing that a believer will have a desire to please the Lord flowing out of themselves naturally because Christ is life. Fruit is the expression of that in which Christians are rooted, as a believer is rooted in Christ. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones illustrates the importance this can have for the Christian walk, and why it is such a tragedy that the church is often filled with more works than it is with fruit.

The One Mediator

Ephesians 2:16

Because of sin, all are alienated from one another and God. In this sermon on Ephesians 2:16 titled “The One Mediator,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is quick to explain that by the blood of Christ, sinful people can be reconciled to one another and God. Jew and Gentile can be one in the new body of Christ where all who repent and believe in His name are adopted. Rebellious sinners can only be made right with God through the atoning death of Christ on the cross of Calvary. There He removed the offenses against God, ensuring redemption for all those who God elected. This death was not simply a moral example for others to follow, nor was it merely a display of God’s love. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones asserts, it is in the cross where God was reconciling the world to Himself through the blood of Christ so that all who believe are made holy and righteous before Him. The death of Christ Jesus at the hands of sinners is the only way that there can be fellowship restored between fallen sinners and the holy God who created them. This is the great message of the gospel. There is no other true message of reconciliation and salvation between God and sinners. The church must be faithful and bold in its proclamation of this truth to the whole world, for it is the only hope for sinful people.

'But God': The Christian Message to the World

Ephesians 2:4

It is not merely the outwardly wicked who are saved by grace who should be amazed at their salvation. Every Christian, even those who lived a supposed moral life before salvation, should be amazed at God’s grace. Salvation is entirely God’s work. In the sermon on Ephesians 2:4 titled “‘But God:’ The Christian Message to the World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines Paul’s introduction of the chief characteristics of the gospel. What makes the gospel good news? It is that in one’s salvation, they become a new creature. Conversion is not merely something added to life, but rather a new realm of thinking. The dead have become alive. Dr. Lloyd-Jones remarks that Christ’s redemptive work for such sinners seems impossible and yet it’s true. He died for the dead so the dead may be made alive. God has done this to show His unmerited favor. His kindness and love are displayed through the salvation of wretched sinners. Come to Christ and discover the exceeding greatness of His power to all who believe. Through the gospel, God has found a way of liberating sinners from all their sin. The Christian, therefore, should be amazed that God would save a sinner such as themselves and not be ashamed because it is the power of God.

In the Heavenly Places

Ephesians 2:4-7

There is true hope in Christ. One of the most comforting and practical teachings of Scripture is that all who are united to Christ in faith have been seated with Him in the heavens. But what does it mean to be seated in the heavenly places? In this sermon on Ephesians 2:4–7 titled “In the Heavenly Places,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones brings this great news of hope with the reminder that the Christian has been delivered from this present evil world and its coming judgement because of the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. For this reason, Christians should seek to set their minds not on earthly and carnal things, but in that which is heavenly and good. Christians should put their hope with Christ who has died in their place and ascended to heaven where He rules. This does not mean that the Christian has no obligation to do good while on this earth, but it simply means that they should be as pilgrims who are always looking toward the inheritance with Christ Jesus in heaven. This affects how Christians are to conduct themselves, for they should seek what is good, pure, and holy, fleeing from all worldliness and immorality. They should not be like the unbeliever who in their worldliness cares for nothing but what is present in the here and now. The Christian should always seek the heavenly inheritance that they have in Christ by believing in His gospel.

Acceptable Unto the Lord

Ephesians 5:8-10

How can one know if they are in the faith? In this sermon on Ephesians 5:8–10 titled “Acceptable Unto the Lord,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones provides one such test that a Christian can measure their lives up against to see if they have been made new by Christ. The test that one must apply to their lives is this: are they bearing fruit? What is this fruit? Paul writes that it is all forms of goodness, righteousness, and truth. But how are these different from each other? Goodness, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is one of the characteristics of God. It means “benevolence,” and it points to an understanding of balance and desire for the happiness of others. The next is righteousness which might seem to mean the same as goodness. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that it carries a legal concept with it— it means that someone is right and just. Paul is saying that a believer’s life should be characterized by these principles. A Christian knows what they are doing and why they are doing it. Finally, what is truth? It is the light that illustrates and makes manifest. Those who have been saved by Christ are called to be His witness to the world. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that in seeking these traits, the goal should never be to reach this in and of themselves, but rather in order to please the Lord. This is what sets Christians apart from good people.

Man's Greatest Problem - Self

Ephesians 6:10-13

“The greatest battle a man faces,” says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “is against himself.” Why is this the case, and how is this known to be true from Scripture? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Man’s Greatest Problem – Self,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones works through how Satan tries to bring havoc into the lives of people, especially believers. How does he accomplish this? Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that the devil primarily uses pride to refocus people off the things of the Lord. One of his main methods in this is to take a person’s gift— whether it is singing, speech, knowledge, intellect or even conversion experience — and use it to make its possessor feel self-reliant and that they are above the spiritual state of other believers. How can Christians counter this threat? Scripture says Christians must face their fallenness and who they are with honesty, realizing that all are equal sinners in the sight of God. Additionally, one must see everything they have as coming from the Lord and not themselves, remembering that their gifts are to be used for the encouragement of other believers and the glory of the Lord. This proper view of themselves and what the Lord has given them will allow them to be humble in whatever level of life they occupy, knowing that their sole purpose is to please God.