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Sermon #NF12

The Sword and the Song

A Sermon on Psalms 149:5-6

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Scripture

Psalms 149:5-6 ESV KJV
Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, (ESV)

Sermon Description

In this sermon from 1977, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reflects on the state of evangelicalism in Britain over the previous decade since he issues his call for evangelicals to leave their mixed congregations. Focusing particularly on shifts he has observed among Anglican evangelicals, Dr Lloyd-Jones argues that the past ten years has seen a dramatic drift away from historic evangelical positions on Scripture, salvation, and ecclesiology among many who still claim the evangelical label. Dr. Lloyd-Jones sees this exemplified in books like "Growing into Union" and events like the 1977 Nottingham Congress, where he perceives a blurring of lines between evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics. He laments what he views as compromises on biblical authority, cooperation with Roman Catholics, and a move away from Reformation principles. Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls for a renewed "battle for the Bible" and contends that mixed denominations inevitably lead to doctrinal compromise. He urges evangelicals to maintain clear theological distinctives and separation from error, while also cultivating joy and praise to God. The sermon combines theological analysis, historical perspective, and pastoral exhortation as Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to rally British evangelicals to stand firm for biblical truth in changing times. He sees the British Evangelical Council as playing a crucial role in upholding historic evangelical convictions against modern trends of accommodation and ecumenism. Throughout, Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the need for both doctrinal fidelity and spiritual vitality - wielding "the sword" of God's Word while also lifting up "high praises" to the Lord.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. A reflection on the past 10 years and the formation of the British Evangelical Council

  2. The justification for evangelicals leaving mixed denominations (Congregationalists, Baptists)

  3. The shift and change in Anglican Evangelicalism since 1966

  4. Evidence of the shift: views on Scripture, truth of salvation, the church, ecclesiastical relationships

  5. Reasons for the shift: wrong doctrine of the church, desire for intellectual respectability

  6. The task ahead: the battle for the Bible and biblical authority

  7. The fight for the truth of the gospel without compromising

  8. The fight for a true conception of the Christian church

  9. Principles to remember: focus on principles not personalities, consider recent writings, look at all writings

  10. Having the "high praises of God" along with wielding the sword

  11. Rejoicing in the Lord despite opposition and persecution

  12. Praising God for his nature, redemption, work in believers, future glory

  13. The call to obey God and sing His high praises

Old Testament

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.