The Call to Battle
A Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-13
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.
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.