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Sermon #4134

Putting on the New Man

A Sermon on Ephesians 4:25

Originally preached June 1, 1958

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Scripture

Ephesians 4:25 ESV KJV
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (ESV)

Sermon Description

What does it mean to “put on the new man”? What is the role of truth in the life of a believer? In this sermon on Ephesians 4:25, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on these points and more. Dr Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the truth must always be applied — learning is useless if one does nothing with it. The Christian faith and teaching affect every area of life in every detail. Ultimately, the Christian walk should not be separate from the other aspects of life; they are to be interwoven. God gives his commandments to be followed, and as a good Father, he gives reasons why. First, Jesus’ sacrifice is reason enough to follow all his commands. Second, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, the Christian system of belief is for all people, even those the world and pagan religions regard as poor and unimportant. Third, Dr. Lloyd-Jones brings attention to the far reach that Christianity has into the lives of its followers. Going further than merely being a part of every aspect of someone’s life, Christianity addresses foundational issues rather than just outward behavior.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. Truth must always be applied. Truth is not just to be enjoyed intellectually but applied practically.
  2. A true understanding of truth will lead to application. If truth is not applied, there is a defect in understanding.
  3. The Christian faith applies to and affects all of life in every detail. There are no compartments in the Christian life.
  4. The apostle's method: Put off the negative, put on the positive, give the reason.
  5. The reason for Christian behavior is always special and unique. It is not the same as reasons given by pagan or humanistic moral teachings.
  6. Pagan and humanistic moral teachings:
    • Isolate virtues and conduct in themselves. Reasons given are impersonal and abstract.
    • Presume natural ability. Only appeal to certain types of people. Have nothing for failures.
    • Minister to self-satisfaction and pride.
  7. Christianity:
    • Reasons given are always in terms of Christ - who he is and what he has done. Reasons are personal.
    • Presumes the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. For all people, regardless of natural ability.
    • Keeps us humble, shows us what we are not and are failing to do. Looks to Christ, not self.
  8. Pagan and humanistic moral teachings:
    • Leave the old nature untouched. Just whitewash the surface. Deal with outward behavior, not the inner man.
    • Only hinder outbreaks of vice. Do not deal with the root of vice.
    • Are manufactured, lack life and spontaneity. Violate personality by pressing into a mold.
    • Are cold, artificial, lack warmth and sympathy.
  9. Christianity:
    • Gives a new nature. Deals with the root and depth of sin.
    • Positive as well as negative. Allows for freedom and spontaneity. Respects personality. Produces diversity in unity.
    • Is living, organic, warm, sympathetic, encouraging. Radiates love. Looks to grace of God, not self.

Sermon Q&A

What is the Difference Between Christian Morality and Other Ethical Systems According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores the important distinction between Christian ethics and other moral systems. Here are the key differences he highlights:

What is the context of this sermon on Ephesians 4:25?

The sermon focuses on Ephesians 4:25: "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this verse begins a new section where Paul moves from doctrinal teaching to practical application. The apostle follows a pattern of presenting a negative command (what to stop doing), a positive command (what to start doing), and a reason for this change in behavior.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasize the difference between Christian morality and other ethical systems?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes this difference for several important reasons: 1. To preserve the uniqueness of the Christian message 2. To maintain the uniqueness of Christ (not making Him just one among many ethical teachers) 3. To effectively reach "cultured pagans" who believe they are already living morally without Christianity

What are the key differences between Christian morality and humanistic ethics?

  1. Different reasons for moral behavior: Pagan systems appeal to abstract virtues or social codes ("gentlemen never do that"), while Christianity's reason is always personal, referring back to Christ.

  2. Natural ability vs. new life: Pagan ethics presume natural ability, while Christianity presumes regeneration and the Holy Spirit's enabling.

  3. Pride vs. humility: Pagan morality ministers to self-satisfaction and pride, while Christianity keeps us humble.

  4. Surface change vs. inner transformation: Pagan systems merely whitewash the exterior, while Christianity gives a new heart and nature.

  5. Restraint vs. renewal: Pagan systems merely hinder outward manifestations of vice, while Christianity deals with the root causes.

  6. Public vs. private consistency: Pagan morality often only applies to public behavior, while Christianity transforms all aspects of life.

  7. Repression vs. expression: Pagan systems are primarily negative and restrictive, while Christianity offers positive expression and freedom.

  8. Standardization vs. individuality: Pagan systems produce standardized personalities, while Christianity allows for variety within unity.

  9. Coldness vs. warmth: Pagan ethics produce a cold, artificial morality, while Christian living radiates warmth, sympathy and love.

How does Christian ethics apply to life according to Lloyd-Jones?

The Christian faith applies to and affects the whole of life in every detail. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that there should be: 1. No compartments in our spiritual life 2. No separation between Sunday religion and weekday living 3. No difference between our public/professional conduct and our private behavior 4. A consistent application of Christian principles in every area

As Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes, Christians must live in such a way that even "the poor drunkard, the poor hopeless man who's lost his very willpower" can feel there's hope for him when meeting a Christian.

The Book of Ephesians

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.