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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.

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.

For Me to Live is Christ (1)

John 1:16

What does it mean for someone to say “to live is Christ”? In this sermon titled “For Me to Live is Christ (1),” regarding John 1:16, Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on where the Christian’s joy is found. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the futile unbelievers’ mindset is a pursuit of one’s own joy and happiness through selfish means that does not satisfy the soul. Living for Christ’s glory, however, is the deepest and most fulfilling of all pursuits. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that to be a Christian is not only to believe the truth about God, but also to receive Christ’s fullness. A person can receive of this fullness by repenting of sins and placing faith in Christ. Through this wonderful act, Christ imputes and imparts His righteousness to the Christian’s account, thereby declaring them justified before God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones tells that the secret of deep joy in Christian living is the mind of Christ. Referencing Paul’s writing in Philippians 2, Dr. Lloyd-Jones tells his listeners a marvelous truth, namely that Christ has given His mind upon the Christian’s salvation. With this Spirit-empowered perspective, the Christian can live for God’s glory with strength and fullness.

God Works in You to Will and to Do

John 1:16

The Christian must ask themselves: what characterizes their life? Do they see themselves becoming increasingly more godly? When they sin, are they convicted and fueled on to godly repentance? In this sermon on John 1:16 titled “God Works in You to Will and to Do,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses one major doctrine of the Christian faith, namely, the doctrine of progressive sanctification. He elaborates that the Christian is always being made more holy by God. The way that God sees fit to accomplish this task is not all at once, like an explosion, but more like the wearing away of rocks along the seashore. At times there are great storms that move boulders, but more commonly there is the constant ebb and flow of the tide that slowly erodes the rocks on the shoreline. Similarly the Christian life will have great times of power where sin is cast off with great vigor, and at times it is a constant reviving of faith in the word of God that will erode the strongholds of sin in the Christian’s life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones highlights that this work is done by God through His word and Spirit. The Christian’s walk is enabled and led by the Spirit.

Born Again

John 3:8

In this sermon on John 3:8 titled “Born Again,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses those who wrongly assume they are believers and illustrates signs of a truly born-again Christian. The condition and position of the Christian is foundational: they must be born again. Listen and learn about the love that ought to characterize all believers – love for the brethren. This is not merely to have a natural liking for fellow believers, but it is a choice. Find out how love and church unity are inseparably bound together, and how these serve as the foundation for what influence the church can have. Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks about the clear and visible marking of the true Christian in that the child of God ought to be more interested in the state of one’s soul than in their nationality, class, or ability. Christ-like love is the one common language that binds the church together. The Christian must be grieved by godlessness and weaknesses of the present church, but anxious about the future of the Christian church. Love for one another must be ever increasing, growing in the hope of the glory to come, and bearing patiently with one another. The Christian is a “man who prefers the society of the brethren to the best society that the world can afford.”

And the Jews Marvelled

John 7:15

Trimming Christianity to mere ethical teachings or to matters of political agitation may interest certain people. Christians may even gain the respect of others through their good deeds or for their dedication to Sunday morning service. But in neither case, argues Dr. Martyn-Lloyd Jones, will people marvel at the Christian gospel. The one thing that true Christianity leads to is wonder and amazement. In this sermon on John 7:15 titled “And the Jews Marveled,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the essence of the gospel always leads people to marvel and true Christianity will have this effect. In the sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones traces this theme of amazement, astonishment, and marvel through the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He asks whether or not the church is causing people to marvel, and if not, why? The listener will be challenged if they think Christianity is a set of rules to follow or a political program; that Jesus Christ came to help people live a better life; or that Jesus was simply a good man who left an example to follow. Listen to what the Bible says about the effect of the true gospel and hear the message of God’s grace, His salvation through Jesus Christ.

To Seek and to Save

1 Corinthians 1:31

Christianity is always contemporary since Christians live in this world too. What differentiates the Christian? People have mastered many things in this life, but they cannot master the lust in their own life and mind – all are failures, none are righteous. People proclaim what they are by what they glory in. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preached this sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:31 titled “To Seek and to Save” after the first man had gone into space. One can hear the boasting of humanity over the course of history. What does the Christian glory in? Christianity is not just an intellectual knowledge; it is an actual boasting in the Lord. Learn that to glory in any person is merely self-worship. There cannot be two things glorified because to glory in one is to crucify another – God and self cannot both be exalted. There is nothing special about a person in themselves, but there is every reason to glory in Jesus Christ alone – He is not an ordinary man. The world is as it is because it is not glorying in Christ. People come from earth and go to heaven; Christ was sent from heaven and came to earth. Learn of the purpose of His coming and rejoice in Christianity’s message.

His Power from Beginning to End

Ephesians 1:19

Does the Christian need God’s power just a little bit? Is it only God working as He is asked to work that sustains Christians? In this sermon on Ephesians 1:19 titled “His Power from Beginning to End,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues in this message that Christians would not stand a single hour if it wasn’t for the power of God. The Christian life is only sustained by the continuing working of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes a compelling case from Scripture that this must be so. If one considers what they are up against in their daily life, they are forced to acknowledge that they are in desperate need for God’s power to work in them. The powers against the Christian – the world, the flesh, and the devil – are tremendous. It is only exceeded by God’s power. It is not enough to simply think one needs power against these forces. This would be difficult enough. There is also a call by God towards holiness and to keep the law of Christ. It is foolish to think Christians will attain perfection and glory on their own power or with little power from God. Rejoice while listening to this powerful sermon on the nature of God’s power working within His people.

All Spiritual blessings ...

Ephesians 1:3

How does one come to enjoy spiritual blessings? What are the spiritual blessings in Ephesians 1? In this sermon on Ephesians 1:3 titled “All Spiritual Blessings…,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on two themes. He insists that the Christian only enjoys blessings through Christ. While acknowledging God gives common grace to everyone, the Holy Spirit gives unique grace that only Christians enjoy. Dr. Lloyd-Jones connects Paul’s words in Ephesians to his other letter to the Colossians (1:19; 2:3), showing the absolute necessity of going to God through Christ, the mediator. A second blessing Christians enjoy through Christ is that His grace flows through the Holy Spirit. The sovereign work of the Spirit quickens, convicts, enables, and keeps the Christian. Dr. Lloyd-Jones recaptures the “other-worldly” nature of the Christian’s blessings by criticizing movements that insist that blessings are of this world. The Christian, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, does not deny or despise the world, but this is different from setting their affections upon it. If they do not keep an appropriate distance, they forget that this is a fallen world and that their citizenship is in heaven.

Prayer: Boldness and Access

Ephesians 3:12

In this sermon on Ephesians 3:12 titled “Prayer: Boldness and Access,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the privilege and importance of prayer. The apostle Paul makes the point that Christians have access to God in prayer through Christ and can come with boldness and confidence. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shows the importance of doctrine and practicing in one’s prayer life. If Christians focus on doctrine only, they will miss the point. But if all doctrine is abandoned and one simply hopes to “practice,” then the point is missed again. Rather one must know what God says about the Christian life, prayer, and faith in Christ and then apply those things in practice. How can one expect to come to God with boldness if they do not first understand how? Christians can boldly approach the throne of grace in prayer through faith in Christ; He has made the way. He is the access to God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives two principles to think about in prayer life. First, when coming to God in prayer, Christians must not rely on feelings, mood, or state of being to inform how to pray or if they pray at all. They must realize that these can be tools used by the devil to keep the Christian from prayer, to plague them with doubts, and remind of their sins. Secondly, Christians must preach to themselves. They must remind themselves over and over of the truths of Scripture. They must remind themselves in the throes of doubt that Christ is the redeemer and mediator. He is faithful to forgive and the Christian can boldly approach God in prayer through Him. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes with this great reminder, “Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.”

At the Cross

John 3:14-15

Why is the cross of Jesus Christ so important for Christians? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives a very practical reason: it is the basis of sanctification. He says that often times Christians separate their walk with Christ from what He has accomplished on the cross. They think that the Christian life is only a matter of striving and seeking in one’s own power, but this is wrong. For Christians can only live the Christian life in the power of Jesus’s atoning work and sacrifice. The power of the cross is to see the glory of Christ as the redeemer and Lord who has saved, who preserves, and who will glorify on the last day. This sermon on John 3:14–15 titled “At the Cross” offers hope for all, believers and nonbelievers. It exhorts everyone to put their trust in Jesus Christ as the only hope for this world, and as the only one that can redeem each and every fallen sinner that believes upon His name.

A Vain and Empty Life

1 Peter 1:14

Why is Salvation necessary for the non-Christian man? What is the purpose of life for the non-Christian? In this Sermon on 1 Peter 1:4 titled “A Vain and Empty Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers these questions and addresses the fact that the non Christian life is hopeless, vain, and has no purpose until they are born again and delivered out of darkness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones firstly explains the origin of the non Christian life and says that these men and women simply do what they think needs to be done because of tradition; they are following what other people have done in the past. Although they might think that they are living their own life, they are getting their ideas from someone in the past or around them who has done the same. Secondly, he explains that the life without God is a life of lust always controlled by the passions and desires of the flesh and mind. Everything the non-Christian does in this life is controlled by their mind and flesh, including anger and ambition. Lastly Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that although the non Christian life seems attractive and wonderful at first, it is empty inside and there is no meaning to it. In the ungodly life, there is no hope and it is merely hopeless. He concludes by saying that salvation is necessary to deliver you from this empty life, and so that God can give you light, joy, and hope in this world. It is necessary for the Christian to realize that he is just a journeymen in this world and one day will be in glory with the Father.

Patient in Tribulation

Romans 12:12

The Christian should ask themselves if they are “fervent in spirit” and learn to look at their total view of life in this world as Christian people. There is nothing so fatal for the Christian than to misunderstand his or her life in this present world. “The only way a Christian can rejoice is in the life of this hope [Christ].” How are they then to live in this present world? “We must never allow tribulation to do us any harm at all.” In this sermon on Romans 12:12 titled “Patient in Tribulation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asks, “Is your reaction one of grumbling or of patient endurance in the midst of tribulation?” The Christian ought to expect trouble to come their way. Nothing teaches the believer better than tribulations: weakness, pride, and selfishness is brought out in trials. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that these trials yield the fruit of righteousness. Prayer results from tribulation and one ought to quickly seek this refuge. Christians are in the fight of faith; not against the things of this world, but against the spiritual matters. Do not continue in ignorance and self-confidence that pervades common humanity. Rejoice in knowing that truly nothing can separate the believer from the love of Christ, not even the hardest of trials or tribulation.

Hearing and Learning Christ

Ephesians 4:20-21

Those who try to separate the call of the gospel from the call to be holy make a great error. In this sermon on Ephesians 4:20–21 titled “Hearing and Learning Christ,” Dr Lloyd-Jones argues that the Bible presents the life of faith as a pursuit of holiness and righteousness that comes out of the new person through the Holy Spirit. Christians ought not separate belief in the gospel from living out the call of God in their lives to be imitators of Christ and to obey all that He commands. Preachers who misunderstand the connection between holiness and belief in the gospel often confuse listeners that they seek to evangelize by presenting the Christian life as compartmentalized. However, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out, even the pursuit of holiness in the life of the Christian is ultimately a result of what God has done in and through His Son Jesus Christ. Christians can easily fall into legalism when they disconnect the sovereign act of salvation from everyday Christian life. Christians must avoid dualisms knowing that Christ made them a new people by His death and resurrection. Therefore they respond in love and obedience, not as a way to gain favor with God, but because Christ has already done so for them.

Mobility

Ephesians 6:15

The Christian soldier must always be ready and prepared for action because the enemy is always active and his attacks are unexpected. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:15 titled “Mobility,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns to know the devil will do anything to get a Christian down. Paul exhorts believers to have “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace,” meaning there must be a firmness and a mobility, ready and prepared for action. Preparation is the element of mobility, which is of great significance in warfare. Christians must not only watch the enemy, but be ready to counter his moves and meet him where he is attacking. Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggests that this means the Christian cannot be sluggish of spirit, dull, or complacent. Like David, the Christian must be ready to fight in God’s way, no matter how impossible or ridiculous it seems. They must have firmness in strategy: the battle against the devil is the same as it always has been. But they must have mobility and adaptability that is always true to the fundamental teachings of Scripture, because the enemy is always varying his tactics. Christians hold onto old principles, but apply them in a manner that is effective against and adaptable to modern challenges.

Worthy of Our Calling

Ephesians 4:1-3

The Christian life is not to be lived in a purely intellectual way, nor is it to be lived in a way that forgets about doctrine. The Christian life is to be lived worthy of the calling to which the Christian has been called. In this sermon on Ephesians 4:1–3 titled “Worthy of Our Calling,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives clarity to how to walk worthily and the calling to which the Christian has been called. Dr. Lloyd-Jones begins by giving two definitions for the word worthy. First is simply to have equal weight. The way Christians walk in a worthy manner is by placing equal emphasis on both doctrine and practice. The second definition is becoming or proper. It is proper to wear matching clothes. In the same way, it is proper for lives to match doctrine. Doctrine must come first as the foundational garment, and the life comes second as the adorning garment. The second word Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on is calling. God has called His people with an effectual call, and through this call He has saved them to Himself. He has called them to be holy, a royal priesthood, His sons and daughters, co-heirs of Christ’s inheritance, and so much more. Because of this calling Christians are to walk in a manner that is worthy and pleasing to God.

The Peace of God

John 1:16

The gospel of Jesus Christ brings peace to all who believe and trust in it. This is not only peace with God, but it also gives the Christian peace knowing that they trust in a God who can free them from sin and evil. In the sermon “The Peace of God,” listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that Christ can and will complete the work He began in His people. They have access to God on the basis of what Christ has done in their stead and through the working of the Holy Spirit. The glorious truth of this message is what grounds and upholds the Christian life. The Christian can abide in Christ because of what He has done for them as their great Savior. This is not to say that there are not any struggles in the Christian life. As the Savior’s life was marked by willful suffering, so too the Christian life is marked by a willingness to suffer for God. Therefore, when they suffer as Christians, they can do so knowing that they can always rely on God to give them strength to suffer in a way that honors God. They go before the throne of God on the basis of Christ, pleading their case before God Almighty. It is this gospel that grants true peace for all who believe.

Living in the Light of Christ

Philippians 3:8-9

How does being a Christian change one’s life? In his sermon on Philippians 3:8–9 titled “Living in the Light of Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that it changes everything about the Christian as it totally reorients and directs them to Christ. Before one sees Christ, they are lost in darkness and alienated from God and His love. They live according to the principle of sin and evil. But when the Holy Spirit gives the gift of salvation, the person is moved out of this kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God. Christians now are to leave the world and its sinful desires behind and pursue Christ and His kingdom. How does one know that they are a Christian? They are to test themselves and see if they are in the faith and truly believers. All Christians ought to know that they are truly saved and live knowing that they are loved by God because Christ has made Himself known. God gave His word in the Old and New Testaments and in these Scriptures is found God’s will for His people and the way that Christians are to live. But most importantly they find the gospel of grace that frees them from sin and reveals the God of all love and peace.

The Importance of Spiritual Growth

Ephesians 3:16

In this sermon on Ephesians 3:16 titled “The Importance of Spiritual Growth,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer the question of why it is so important that the Christian grow spiritually. He says that the inner self must be continually strengthened because of the continual battle against sin that all Christians experience as they live in a fallen world. There are many forces that Christians must always fight against and some of these come from within, such as sinful desires and the flesh. Others come from without, such as the world and the temptations of the devil. It is evident when Christians fail to grow spiritually and into maturity. They are beset by sins that they are unable to overcome, and they show a lack of interest in God’s word. They are often unable to understand God’s word because, as Paul says, they are babes and are not able to eat meat. This is why, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, it is so vital that Christians continually seek and pursue Christ and His word. Christians must fight sin not only by fleeing what is evil, but by growing in Christ as mature believers who desire the holy and good things of Christ more than they desire the evil and sinful things of this world.

Introduction

Ephesians 6:10

Readers of Paul will soon recognize that he is a skilled and deliberate letter writer. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10 titled “Introduction,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones comes to the final section of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and reminds the listener that his final point is no mere afterthought. This passage is crucial for understanding the Christian life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones masterfully surveys the message of Ephesians and makes thematic connections between what Paul has said previously and what he writes in this passage. While the apostle Paul has been reminding Christians who they are and how they have come to this point, it is vital for them to know the nature of their opposition. Since the devil is a real and powerful enemy, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shares that any doctrine of sanctification that does not take a stand against him into account will fall short of biblical teaching. Moreover, any teaching about the Christian life that depicts it as sentimental and not as a battle not only misrepresents the Christian message, but often is a sign of a cult. There is a struggle that wages against the Christian and they must be ready and willing to fight this glorious battle. Listen to Dr. Lloyd-Jones as he encourages all to fight the war of the Christian life.