Suffering - as Christ's Prisoner
A Sermon on Ephesians 3:1
Originally preached Oct. 14, 1956
Scripture
1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
Sermon Description
Is there something worth giving up one’s life for? In this sermon on Ephesians 3:1 titled “Suffering as Christ’s Prisoner,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones contends with Paul that Jesus is worth it. Paul was concerned because he knew his suffering would trouble the Ephesians because suffering is confusing. However, he also gives the Ephesians the principles by which to process his suffering and theirs. According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Paul examined his situation in light of the gospel, Jesus, and his salvation, and came to several pivotal conclusions. First, suffering is worth rejoicing in. He knows that he is following in the footsteps of Christ. Paul states that he is “Christ’s prisoner,” implying that he is suffering on behalf of Jesus. He was there because he preached the gospel and specifically he preached it to the Gentiles. Paul also argues that his suffering should be an encouragement to the Ephesians (verse 13). Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that Paul said this because he knew that his suffering would encourage them as to the truthfulness of the gospel.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul was not complaining about his imprisonment. He did not have a stoic attitude either. Rather, he had an attitude of rejoicing and exultation.
- Paul saw his imprisonment as a privilege and an honor. He was suffering for Christ and the gospel. His suffering was proof of his calling and discipleship.
- Paul's suffering allowed him to fill up what was lacking in Christ's afflictions. He was able to follow in Christ's footsteps.
- Paul was imprisoned specifically for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. He was suffering on behalf of the Gentiles so they could have liberty in Christ.
- Paul's suffering should strengthen the Ephesians' faith. It showed how certain Paul was of the truth that Jews and Gentiles were one in Christ.
- Paul's suffering set an example for how Christians should face suffering. Reading about the deaths of martyrs strengthens faith.
- If viewed properly, Paul's imprisonment would give the Ephesians insight into the glory of the Christian life. The Christian life was so glorious to Paul that it was more precious than liberty or life itself.
Sermon Q&A
How Does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Explain the Concept of Suffering for Christ?
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain about Paul's digression in Ephesians 3?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Paul begins Ephesians 3 with "For this cause I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ," but then abruptly stops and goes on a digression from verse 2 through verse 13 before returning to his original thought in verse 14. This digression occurs because Paul is concerned that his imprisonment might become a stumbling block to the Ephesians' faith. Paul interrupts his main argument to explain why his suffering should not discourage them but rather be seen as something glorious.
Why does Paul refer to himself as "the prisoner of Jesus Christ" rather than Rome's prisoner?
Paul refers to himself as "the prisoner of Jesus Christ" rather than Rome's prisoner because he sees his imprisonment not as a result of Roman law or the emperor's decision, but as a direct consequence of his relationship with Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Paul was imprisoned because of his conversion and commission from Christ. If Paul had remained Saul of Tarsus, he would never have been imprisoned. His captivity was the result of his faithfulness to Christ's call, not because of any wrongdoing.
What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the specific reason for Paul's imprisonment?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies that Paul was specifically imprisoned because he insisted on preaching that the gospel was for Gentiles as well as Jews. As he states: "For this cause the thing is referred to, the thing that really put Paul into prison was that he went around preaching that the gospel of Jesus Christ was as much for the Gentiles as for the Jews. And that was the thing of all things that infuriated the Jews." Paul would not have been arrested if he had withheld this particular aspect of the gospel message.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggest Christians should view suffering for Christ?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that Christians should view suffering for Christ not as something to merely endure stoically, but as something to rejoice in. He points out that Paul doesn't complain about his imprisonment or resign himself to it with "stoical fortitude." Instead, Paul has "a note of exaltation here. There's a note of triumph." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that suffering for Christ should be seen as "the supreme honor," as evidence of true discipleship, and as participating in "the fellowship of his sufferings."
How can suffering for Christ benefit others according to the sermon?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Paul's suffering benefited the Ephesians in several ways: 1. It reassured them about the truth of the gospel - Paul was so certain of his message that he was willing to suffer for it 2. It reminded them of Christ's and Paul's love for them - "The Son of God died for you, and I consider it a great privilege to be in prison for you" 3. It provided them with an example of how to face trials 4. It strengthened their faith by showing that the Christian life is so glorious that it's "much more precious to him than his personal liberty"
What criticism of modern preaching does Dr. Lloyd-Jones make in this sermon?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones criticizes modern preaching for becoming too concerned with literary style and scholarly presentation rather than focusing on pastoral concerns. He states: "I often think that what accounts very largely for the present state of the Christian church is that those of us who are privileged to preach have rather forgotten the apostolic method and the apostolic pattern." He suggests that around "the second quarter of the last century," preaching began to focus more on "literary style and literary form" rather than on conveying truth and life to people as Paul did.
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.