Stand Therefore
A Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-13
Originally preached Dec. 17, 1961
Scripture
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against …
Sermon Description
This great appeal comes to Christian people: “Stand therefore.” In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Stand Therefore,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains about the power God gives His people to remain faithful. First of all, he says that Christians must not feel disappointed or unhappy because this causes a conflict. Christians should never feel sorry for themselves. The moment they do, they’ve already lost the battle. Secondly, they must recognize the power of what they are up against but not be frightened. Because of the power of God in them, they can resist the devil. Thirdly, they are not to be half-hearted. When they doubt, they are already defeated. Fourthly, do not consider retreat. Thinking or talking too much about personal weaknesses (or those of others) is depressing and an enemy tactic to sap the Christian of strength. Fifthly, always be ready. Spiritually, Christians are to be well balanced and not carried about by every wind of doctrine. Sixthly, realize the privilege of being in this great battle. Consider the captain and leader — Jesus Christ Himself. Lastly, think of the glory that is coming. Paul said, “There is henceforth a crown of righteousness laid up for me [.…] And not to me only, but to all who have loved his appearing."
Sermon Breakdown
- Don't be surprised or disappointed that there is conflict and battle as a Christian. We must expect difficulties and trials.
- Don't be frightened by the enemy or his powers. We have the power of God within us through the Holy Spirit. We must stand firm.
- Don't be half-hearted or uncertain in the fight. We must have a clear understanding of what it means to be a Christian. We must be fully committed.
- Never give even a thought to possible retreat. There are no "backdoors" in the Christian life. We must stand our ground.
- Take up your position and always be ready. Be sober, vigilant and watchful. Don't relax.
- Realize the privilege of being in this fight. It is God's battle, not ours. We fight for the glory of God.
- Consider who your captain and leader is - the Lord Jesus Christ. We follow in His footsteps.
- We are fighting for the honor of the faith. How we live reflects on the gospel.
- Think of the crown of glory that is coming. We will receive our reward and hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Sermon Q&A
What Does It Mean to "Stand" in Spiritual Warfare According to Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
Based on Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon on Ephesians 6:10-13, here's an exploration of what it means to "stand" as a Christian in spiritual warfare.
What is the significance of the command to "stand" in Ephesians 6?
According to Lloyd-Jones, the word "stand" is a military command that summarizes the entirety of the Christian's posture in spiritual warfare. He points out that this command appears four times in the passage (verses 11, 13, and 14), showing its importance. It represents a "summing up of this whole exhortation" to be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God. Lloyd-Jones calls it "the order for the day, every day, always" - a military command that addresses Christians as soldiers rather than as sick people.
Why should Christians not be surprised by spiritual conflict?
Lloyd-Jones teaches that Christians should never be disappointed or surprised by conflict. He states, "There are many Christian people who seem to be disappointed when they find that the Christian life is a fight." He reminds his listeners that Scripture consistently warns believers to expect trials: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened unto you." In fact, he suggests that "because we are Christians, we should expect more difficulties in some senses than anybody else," since the devil specifically targets believers.
How should Christians respond to fear in spiritual warfare?
Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that believers must "not be frightened" but instead should "stand." He explains: "See the man who's frightened. He's not standing. He's half running away already." The Christian paradox is that while we are "terribly weak" in ourselves, we are "tremendously strong" in the Lord. As he puts it: "In and of himself, hopeless. But in the power of the Lord and His might, invincible, more than conqueror." When the devil tries to terrorize us like a roaring lion, we must remember: "He can roar, but he can't touch."
What does it mean to be wholehearted in Christian commitment?
According to Lloyd-Jones, standing means "don't be half-hearted and uncertain" about the Christian faith. He states firmly: "You can't be in both camps, you can't serve God and mammon." He quotes James: "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity against God?" and adds that God demands total commitment: "Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and all thy soul and all thy mind and all thy strength, the whole of it." Any half-heartedness indicates we are not truly standing but "staggering" or "slouching."
How should Christians stay vigilant in spiritual warfare?
Lloyd-Jones interprets Peter's command to "be sober, be vigilant" as essential aspects of standing. Being sober means "to be free from every form of mental and spiritual drunkenness" - maintaining balance and self-control. Being vigilant means "keep wide awake," because "the sentry who's half asleep at his post is not only a danger to himself, but to the whole of the army." He advises believers to "watch for his very first approach" and to "resist him at once without any hesitation."
What perspective should motivate Christians to stand firm?
Lloyd-Jones reminds believers to "realize the privilege of being in such a fight." This isn't merely a personal battle but "God's battle." He states: "The battle is not yours, but God's. Christianity is not our affair. It's God's." We fight under the leadership of "the captain of our salvation," Jesus Christ himself. Finally, we stand in anticipation of reward: "Think of the crown of glory that is coming to you." Just as Paul wrote, "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness," this same crown awaits "all them that love his appearing."
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.