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Growing Up

Ephesians 4:14-16

Christians are designed by God to live in unity together. In this sermon on Ephesians 4:14–16 titled “Growing Up,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones makes this strong point as he shows the balance and community needed to live the Christian life. As believers become stronger and more firm in their faith, they also grow in the body of Christ. Paul says that all Christians have different and varying roles, but all are essential for the life of the church and one’s personal spiritual growth. It is simply impossible for a Christian to grow as they should when they are not part of a community of believers. This message is of increasing importance in the loneliness and isolation of today’s world. As Christ is the head of the church, so all Christians are connected to Him and to each other as a part of this living organism. All parts are connected to one another and serve a specific role in the life of the church. All believers ought to strive to live in such a way so that they are living in fellowship and harmony with all believers and Christ Jesus who is the head. This is the only way to grow fully in maturity for which all believers should be continually striving.

Redemption

Ephesians 1:7

Christ alone makes one a Christian. Every generation of believers must reiterate this again and again because human beings are desperately trying to stay in sin yet have the benefits of salvation. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:7 titled “Redemption,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’s message is that God alone has devised a plan for humanity to be reconciled to God. If sin is taken seriously it will be seen as hopeless to try and save oneself. This is why, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims, all are in need of redemption. In other words, everyone needs deliverance by payment of ransom. Outside of Christ everyone is in bondage to the law and under the dominion of the devil. But in Christ Christians have been ransomed, bought with a price. What was this price? The apostle Paul takes up the Old Testament language of sacrifice and blood in order to show how the death of Christ fulfills the Law and the Prophets. The design of the Old Testament sacrificial system was propitiation as the result of expiation. This good news is the consistent testimony of the New Testament. Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the Christian to never forget they are not their own but were bought with a price.

The Mystery of Salvation

Ephesians 6:18-20

Repenting from sin and trusting Christ for forgiveness is mandatory for salvation. In this sermon from Ephesians 6:18–20 titled “The Mystery of Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says there is no other way. The mystery of salvation unfolds with regeneration, the giving of a new nature within the individual. Modern objections to this truth are numerous. There is the literal objection: don’t take things literally as people have just come into a new understanding. Then there is the psychological objection: there are two types of people—the religious type and the unreligious. One will have religious experiences, the other will not and should not be expected to. But the New Testament record does not substantiate either of these objections. Every kind of temperament is in the church, and yet all have had basically the same experience. Objection to the supernatural is not so much an objection to the miraculous, but that the teaching of being born again is insulting. If one is told, “You must be born again,” what is really being said that all are hopeless in their current state. Modern people hear this and thinks it preposterous, especially with all their learning and knowledge. They are prepared to believe in morality and a little bit of progressive reform, but not the necessity of being a new creation.

The Shield; Helmet and Sword

Ephesians 6:16-17

What does it mean to put on the whole armor of God? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:16–17 titled “The Shield, Helmet, and Sword,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues his exploration of what the apostle Paul calls the armor of God. Scripture tells the Christian to be strong in the Lord, and Dr. Lloyd-Jones maintains that the strength the Lord provides for His people is in putting on the armor of God, piece by piece with prayer. Christians need every piece of armor God provides, beginning with the integument and continuing with further protection. Christians add faith to their defense so as to quench the enflaming thoughts and ideas of the enemy—the shield. This is the capacity to take particular truths from God’s word and apply them appropriately. Then they think on their final salvation and deliverance from sin—the helmet. This is the Christian’s blessed hope and certainty in complete victory. Finally, they take up the ultimate defensive protection in the Spirit—the sword. God provides His word to defend against spiritual warfare in hand-to-hand combat. If it comes to such a point, they lean upon the phrase, “the Bible tells me so.” This completes the full armor of God.

Knowledge Puffs Up

Ephesians 6:10-13

What does it mean to know God and His word? Some say that by merely knowing many facts about the Bible, they truly know God. But in this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Knowledge Puffs Up,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the need to know God with true knowledge. Many Christians are tempted to think about the Bible as just another book from which to learn. But this is not the Bible of the living God. Scripture demands that Christians approach it as God’s word and in a way that they learn who God is. Mere theoretical knowledge is not the goal of Christian growth. Christians must encounter God as He has revealed Himself in His word, and they must look to Scripture as the speech of God. Christians must seek to know God, not merely know about Him. They must have a personal knowledge of God. Theological debates cannot replace loving God and each other, for true knowledge of God is a saving knowledge based in His Son, Jesus Christ. This sermon calls each and every Christian to a deeper and fuller knowledge of God as found in His word.

The Devil and the Nations

Ephesians 6:10-13

Secular politicians, newspapers, and the media look at conflict and wars around the world and cite economic and political factors as the cause. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “The Devil and the Nations,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones states that this sort of reductionism demonstrates that natural humanity is preoccupied with the symptoms but not concerned with the true cause. Great conflict and war, according to the Scriptures, is the arena of a much deeper reality than economics or politics. The answers provided by politicians to a restless world will never be sufficient. Only the Bible gives an adequate answer to these things. The apostle Paul says that Christians wrestle not with flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. At the levels of the individual and national, this world is the arena of spiritual conflict. The devil and demonic powers are at work together with the pride, greed, and lusts of people to usurp God’s authority. God has responded to this demonic influence by instituting human government to restrain and punish evil. Ultimately, however, God has answered this demonic threat by sending Christ to crush the seed of the serpent. Listen to Dr. Lloyd-Jones as he expounds this text and answers important questions for what these truths mean for today.

Philosophy and Vain Deceit

Ephesians 6:10-13

Why is philosophy and worldly thinking such a danger to Christianity? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Philosophy and Vain Deceit,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the relationship between biblical revelation and philosophy. The apostle Paul was aware of the temptation to substitute divine revelation for worldly thinking. This is to subordinate God’s wisdom to the vain teaching of the world, according Dr. Lloyd-Jones. This is a great threat to the church in all times and places, but especially in the modern world where science is given such a high place of authority. Many are willing to reinterpret the Bible in light of what Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones refers to as “mere theories.” Christians are called to stand on the word of God in all areas of life. Scripture is to be the ultimate and final authority in all matters of life, faith, and philosophy. The gospel calls Christians to believe in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ, even when they do not understand Him. It is a call to rest in the knowledge of who God is, even when they do not fully grasp everything there is to know about God. This sermon is an invitation to trust in God for all blessings and happiness in this life.

The Strong Man Disarmed

Ephesians 6:10-13

Because of Adam’s sin, the whole world became subject to sin and the rule of Satan. The devil, also called the prince of the world, blinds people from seeing and believing in the truth of the gospel. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “The Strong Man Disarmed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes the way Christ has broken the grip that the evil one has on the world. For Jesus has bound the strong man and by the proclamation of the gospel, the works of Satan and all who follow him are destroyed. This means that Christians can take the gospel to the ends of the earth knowing that Jesus has overcome the evil forces that once dominated this world. Even while Satan and his demons still have some control and influence in the world, the day will come when Christ will return and vanquish the devil and all who worship him once and for all. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, Christ Jesus will bring to completion what which He started on the cross when He comes again to bring the new heaven and earth. This gives all who love Christ confidence and boldness knowing that He has overcome the devil and will finally defeat him on the last day.

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Ephesians 6:14

A breastplate was one of the most important pieces of armor worn by soldiers because it protected their vital organs in battle. As such, when Paul tells the Christian to put on the breastplate of righteousness, he is urging them to protect their vital parts of the heart and mind from the fiery darts of the devil. But how does one protect their heart and mind by putting on the breastplate of righteousness? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:14 titled “The Breastplate of Righteousness,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the meaning behind this passage. He begins by stating that one’s own righteousness alone is not enough to be victorious in battle, but rather the only righteousness that can protect is that of God. He then explains the two aspects of God extending his righteousness: imputed and imparted righteousness. Imputed righteousness is the righteousness the Christian receives from God through their faith in Him. But it does not stop there. Imparted righteousness is what makes God’s righteousness a part of who they are as they become a new creation in Him. God imputes and imparts His perfect righteousness to His people so that they can be protected and stand firm in the day of battle.

The Sword of The Spirit

Ephesians 6:17

How do Christians use the “sword of the Spirit”? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:17 titled “The Sword of the Spirit,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that the sword of the Spirit differs from the other pieces in three ways: it does not protect any part of the body, it is a defensive weapon, and it is also an offensive weapon. The devil can terrorize people into hopelessness but the sword is the antidote. It is possible to resist the devil and cause him to flee. The Spirit is not the sword but provides the sword­—the biblical Scriptures—and enables the Christian to use it correctly. A general attack upon the truth is a strategy of the enemy to shake God’s people from the truth. This is done in many ways, including philosophy (humanity can encompass truth and find God out of their own ability and intellect) and knowledge (any knowledge that humanity has, but science in particular). The more one understands Scripture, the better they can identify the errors lobbed at them. If one doubts the truth and authority of the Bible, it is like having a broken sword in hand and they are already defeated by the enemy. Knowing Scripture in a detailed manner and being soaked in the whole of it is necessary to effectively reply to someone who calls truth into question.

Stand Fast

Ephesians 6:15

In the Christian battle with the devil, one of the most important things to have is balance. Balance is what keeps the Christian from slipping and falling into the traps of the devil. But how does one have balance? How do they stand firm and fight against the devil? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:15 titled “Stand Fast,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how Christians are to shod their feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace in order to obtain balance in battle. He explains how Roman soldiers would arm their feet with gripping sandals to provide firmness, mobility, and safety against traps. Similarly, when Christians arm their feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace, they are preparing and readying themselves to stand firm and plant their feet upon the solid rock of the word of God. It is what allows Christians to proceed confidently in the day of battle, knowing where they stand. Dr. Lloyd-Jones goes on to explain how it also represents watchfulness and readiness against the ever-present traps of the devil. It is through arming the feet for battle with the preparation of the gospel of peace that the Christian will be able to stand firm in the day of battle.

Putting on the Breastplate

Ephesians 6:14

In the Christian life, one must fight a daily battle against the accusations of the devil. How then do they fight against these accusations and respond by living in the truth of the Bible? When Satan tries to distract and condemn them with their imperfections, failures, and unworthiness, how do they respond in a way that keeps their focus on God and not themselves? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:14 titled “Putting on the Breastplate,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how the breastplate of righteousness protects the Christian from these accusations by reminding them of who they are in Christ Jesus. When the devil whispers to the Christian that they are not worthy enough to pray or enter into the presence of a holy God, the breastplate of righteousness reminds them that they have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus through faith. When Satan points to the failures and mistakes of one’s past, making forgiveness feel impossible, the breastplate of righteousness reminds them that they have been forgiven of their sins and God’s holy righteousness covers them. The devil tries to put the Christian in a state of condemnation, while the breastplate of righteousness keeps them from guilt and shame by showing that they are a new creation in Christ Jesus the Lord.

The Bride's Privileges

Ephesians 5:25-33

By the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus, the church has been redeemed from sin and cleansed from all unrighteousness. In this sermon on Ephesians 5:25–33 titled “The Bride’s Privileges,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches that the bride of Christ comes to enjoy all the benefits and blessings that He brings. They are accepted before God the Father on the basis of who Christ is and their belief in Him. This is one of the most central truths to understand in the Christian life. In it is seen that the church has been seated with Christ in the heavenly places and delivered from this present evil age. Not only are Christians justified by Christ but the church, and therefore all believers, have true and lasting fellowship with Him. This is a great comfort for Christians who struggle and suffer in this world. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes, Christians can turn and look to Christ knowing that He loves and cares for them as deeply as a husband loves his bride. Christ in His love for His church also gives an example for all husbands for what it looks like to love their wives wholly and completely. It is Christ’s love of the church that should model for all Christians what true love looks like.

No Longer Children

Ephesians 4:14

What does it mean to be an “infant in Christ”? What is Paul referring to when he uses this analogy? It is important to remember that anyone who comes into Christ comes into Him as a babe. In this sermon on Ephesians 4:14 titled “No Longer Children,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that it is a vital point to understand since Paul makes it an objective in many of his epistles that the goal of new believers should be to jump into learning more about God and His word before jumping into positions of spiritual influence within their church. Just as children are required to mature before they are handed responsibilities, babes in Christ are not firm enough to be given influence expected of mature believers. Paul calls new believers to seek the knowledge of God in order to grow out of childish tendencies that tend to stagnate new believers spiritually, such as being unstable in doctrine, easily deceived, reacting excessively, and not being able to control his or her own spirit. New believers must understand these tendencies so that they can move past them in order to avoid the tragedy of staying as children spiritually.

Slaves of Christ

Ephesians 6:14

The Bible has made it clear that the life of the Christian will not be one of ease, but a continuous battle against the evil one. In order to live in victory, one must put on the breastplate of righteousness. The question, then, is how does one do this? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:14 titled “Slaves of Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains what it means to put on the breastplate of righteousness. He begins by stating that putting on the breastplate of righteousness can be equated to putting on Jesus and walking in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit shows that the Christian is a new creation in Christ and have made Him the master rather than themselves. Second, he explains that to understand the breastplate of righteousness, one must first understand that they were once dead in their sins, but have been made alive through Christ Jesus. They are no longer under the reign of the law and unrighteousness, but under the reign of grace.. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that in putting on the breastplate of righteousness, the Christian needs to realize the help available to them through Jesus Christ, the High Priest. It is through these actions and realizations that they will stand in victory in the day of battle.

Knowing the Love of Christ

Ephesians 3:18-19

In this sermon on Ephesians 3:18–19 titled “Knowing the Love of Christ,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that there are two wrong ways to think about love. One is to see love as purely intellectual and mental. The other is to see love as nothing more than emotional feelings. He says that the biblical view of love, as found in the New Testament, is a much richer expression than either of these false views. Love causes one to seek to understand it and apprehend it. It prompts the hearts of those who have been touched by it to respond in joy and love. This particularly is the case with the love seen in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The love of God in Christ transforms and renews all who believe in the gospel. Testament to this experience is found in the lives of saints and faithful believers all throughout the history of the church. There are many uneducated, ordinary Christians who came to know the love of God and the gospel in a deep and personal way. These were not great theologians and preachers but everyday Christians. This should prompt people of faith to abandon all views of spiritual superiority and see that this great knowledge and experience of love is available to all of God’s children.

The Mystery of His Will

Ephesians 1:8-9

Can anyone discover the mysteries of God? Does God hide His will from humanity? As the apostle Paul expands his teaching on God’s grace, he moves from election and predestination to “mystery." In this sermon on Ephesians 1:8–9 titled “The Mystery of His Will,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns that this mystery is no incomprehensible mystery as taught in the ancient religions, reserved only for a select few. Nor is it a vague teaching, antithetical to propositional truth as many contemporary Christian movements want to make it. Instead, biblical mystery is something hidden from natural humanity, yet God has fully revealed it. It is an open secret that sinful humanity cannot see. It is a truth that God must reveal to individuals. This has great implications for evangelism. The gospel is comprehensible to anyone, no matter their intellect, as long as God reveals it to them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones insists that this is the work of the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of men and women to the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures. Faith is not opposed to reason, but reason alone cannot bring someone to God. The mind of a person, at its best, is inadequate; God must bring them to this truth. All desperately need His grace.

The Fullness Experienced

Ephesians 3:19

In this sermon on Ephesians 3:19 titled “The Fullness Experienced,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that the fullness of Christ that Paul speaks of is not a theoretical idea, but it is at the very heart of the Christian life. For all Christians should live a life that is marked by the transforming presence of Christ and His gospel. Christians live this life by pursuing Christ and seeking to come to a deeper understanding of who He is. It requires self-examination of one’s heart and actions. It is primarily by reading God’s word and seeking Him in prayer that believers come to a greater knowledge of who they are and their relationship to Christ. This requires Christians to subject themselves wholly and completely to God’s word and Holy Spirit. This includes their emotions and desires, as well as their mind and intellect. As this happens throughout the lives of Christians, they grow in both their knowledge and love of God and Jesus Christ. For this reason, Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener to grow in sanctification daily by taking up one’s cross and forsaking sin and unrighteousness. This is one of the most important marks of a true Christian. They continually seek God throughout their lives and strive to know him more every day.

The Greatness of His Power

Ephesians 1:19-20

Are Christians guilty of underestimating the need for God’s power? At first it may sound like a silly question. After all, any Christian will rightly affirm their daily need of God’s power. But while Christians may correctly affirm the continual need of God’s power in their lives, many times they will assume initial belief in the gospel is easy. Conversations among some Christians often assume anybody who wants to believe the gospel can do so. In this sermon on the greatness of God’s power from Ephesians 1:19–20 titled “The Greatness of His Power,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says this is a grave mistake. To do so tragically misunderstands the need for God’s power to believe. It misunderstands the consequences of sin and the power of the new birth. With its darkened mind, proud heart, and deadly prejudices against the gospel, humanity must experience regeneration if there is any chance of coming to faith in Christ. Do unregenerate people need God’s power? Given these theological truths, it is foolish to think otherwise. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones expands on this topic and explains the desperate need of God’s grace.

Access to the Father

Ephesians 2:18

In this sermon on Ephesians 2:18 titled “Access to the Father,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks of the solution to the struggle to understand the love of God. It could be because people don’t understand that the three persons of the Trinity have acted in time, each to pursue the Christian’s salvation who must feel the weight of that truth. The Father planned salvation, the Son was sent by the Father to give of Himself to accomplish salvation, and the Holy Spirit has been sent by the Father and the Son to apply redemption. Also, this shows the wretchedness of sin. “Sin is as great a problem as this: that it necessitated the three person of the Trinity to deal with it,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones states. However, removing enmity with God was not the ultimate reason, but God’s “objective” was to bring His people to Himself. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes, this is the “whole object and purpose of salvation.” He made His people to enjoy Him and that is His end goal. Therefore, the questions must be asked: “Do you enjoy God? Do you enter into His presence? Do you go before Him with confidence because of what Jesus has done on your behalf? Do you come before Him by His Spirit?”