The Call to Battle
A Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-13
Originally preached Oct. 8, 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
Christians are in the midst of a fierce battle; how can one fight and stand strong? An important step in this battle, says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, is to recognize one’s role in this conflict— Christians are called to fight. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “The Call to Battle,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones tells of Paul’s two commands: to stand strong in the Lord, and to put on the full armor of God. What does this look like in practice? First, Christians must recognize the need to be strong— not only because they will need strength in order to stand until the final day, but also because they are the children of God and have the God-given ability to be strong. Next, Christians also need to realize their own weaknesses and need of help and this awareness helps the Christian to know the areas that can be potential trouble spots. Third, Christians must recognize that He is their source of strength. God has not called His people to live the difficult Christian life on their own. Rather, He wants them to lean on Him because that is the only way they will make it through. Instead of focusing on how capable one thinks they are, the Christian must meditate and focus on Christ’s strength and might because He alone is powerful enough to see them through this life.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul issues an order to Christians to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might."
- This phrase is not meant as a mere incantation but requires understanding and application.
- There are two main reasons we must be strong: the power of the enemy and the evil days we face. If we are to withstand evil, we need God's power and armor.
- We must realize our own weakness and need for help. We cannot defeat the enemy in our own strength.
- Even perfect beings like Adam fell to temptation. Many biblical saints and Christians throughout history have testified to their own weakness and the fierceness of the battle.
- Our experience shows we fail often and need repentance. We cannot stand in our own willpower or morality alone.
- We must fight this spiritual battle in a spiritual manner, relying on God's strength.
- We must realize the Lord's great strength. The "power of his might" refers to his inherent power and strength as well as his ability to manifest that power.
- We see Christ's power in his sinless life, miracles, authority over demons, temptation, death, and resurrection. He defeated the devil and powers of evil.
- We must know Christ to know his power. We must look to him objectively through Scripture and realize his might belongs to us.
- Christ's power is not just potential but is shown in our lives. Relying on his power, we can stand, fight, and honor him.
Sermon Q&A
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Questions on Ephesians 6:10-13
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the main focus of Ephesians 6:10-13?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, this passage is about how Christians can be enabled to triumph over spiritual forces despite the challenges they face. He states that "here and here alone we are told the way in which, though everything is so true about us and of the world in which we live, and of all the strain and the stress of the hour, though all that is absolutely true, as christian people we can be enabled to triumph and to rejoice in the midst of it all, and to know that victory is assured."
What are the two essential elements for spiritual victory mentioned in the sermon?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out two elements that are essential for spiritual victory: "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might" and "Take unto you the whole armor of God." He emphasizes that both are necessary and must be taken together, not separately, and in the proper order - first being strong in the Lord, then putting on the armor.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say we need to be strong in the Lord?
He gives multiple reasons: first, because of the power of the enemy we face (principalities and powers); second, because we are living in an "evil day" with particular challenges; third, to avoid the personal misery of failure; fourth, because we represent God's name and family in the world; and fifth, because our standing firm serves as a powerful testimony to others who are watching us.
According to the sermon, what is the first step toward spiritual strength?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the first step is recognizing our own weakness and need for help. He says, "This is half the battle. We need to know that we are ill. In other words, we need to indulge in a great deal of self examination." He points out that "principles of morality are not sufficient" and "willpower alone is not enough" to win the spiritual battle.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the difference between "might" and "power" in the phrase "the power of His might"?
He explains that "might means inherent power, something a man is given" - the inherent strength and ability. "Power" refers to "the manifestation of that might" - the actual operation and demonstration of that inherent strength. The phrase refers to God's unlimited inherent strength (might) being put into active operation (power) on behalf of believers.
Where can Christians see evidence of Christ's might and power according to the sermon?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones points to several demonstrations of Christ's power: in His sinless life where "He stood with the world and the flesh and the devil...against Him"; in His miracles, especially casting out demons where "at a word from our Lord, the devil is driven out"; in His own temptation where He defeated Satan; on the cross where "when they think they've beaten him, he's beating them"; and in His resurrection when He "bursts asunder the bands of death."
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones warn against regarding how we approach Scripture?
He warns against approaching Scripture mechanically or as a psychological trick. He cautions: "Be careful that the devil in his wilderness doesn't come in, you see, and make you content with a mechanical reading of your scriptures. Without looking at them, meditating upon them, realizing what they're saying." He emphasizes that we need to spend time really looking at Christ in Scripture and meditating on His power.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe our current era in the sermon?
He describes it as "a very evil day" where "evil and sin are so powerfully organized, so deeply entrenched." He mentions "the confusion in the church herself, which sometimes seems to deny not only the whole of the gospel, but even belief in the being of God." He states, "It's not an easy thing to be a Christian at a time like this."
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.