Putting on the New Man
A Sermon on Ephesians 4:25
Scripture
25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
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
- Truth must always be applied. Truth is not just to be enjoyed intellectually but applied practically.
- A true understanding of truth will lead to application. If truth is not applied, there is a defect in understanding.
- The Christian faith applies to and affects all of life in every detail. There are no compartments in the Christian life.
- The apostle's method: Put off the negative, put on the positive, give the reason.
- The reason for Christian behavior is always special and unique. It is not the same as reasons given by pagan or humanistic moral teachings.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.