Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones's Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-13

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the true cause of the world's problems?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the true cause of the world's problems is not merely human or earthly (flesh and blood), but spiritual forces - specifically "the devil and his unseen forces and powers." He emphasizes that modern thinkers often focus on symptoms rather than the disease itself. "The ultimate cause" is spiritual, not merely political, social, or educational. The sermon stresses that "the problem is not merely on the human level" but involves "the devil, principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones claim his message about spiritual warfare is more relevant than political discussions?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones claims this message is more relevant than political discussions because it addresses the root cause rather than symptoms. He states: "What I am going to say is more relevant to the condition of the world at this hour than all talk about politics and international relationships and everything in which the statesmen and their followers indulge." He compares modern political solutions to "medicating the symptoms" while ignoring the underlying disease. The church alone can identify the true cause of world problems, which makes this message uniquely relevant and important.

What does the phrase "we wrestle not against flesh and blood" mean in this sermon?

In this sermon, "we wrestle not against flesh and blood" means that our primary struggle as Christians is not merely against human opponents or earthly powers. Lloyd-Jones explains that "flesh and blood" here refers to "human nature" or "men" - it means our problem "is not merely a human, earthly problem. It's much higher than that, and therefore much more difficult." The phrase indicates that our real battle is against spiritual powers - "principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places" - rather than merely against other people.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast the Christian view of the world's problems with the modern secular view?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts the Christian view, which recognizes spiritual causes behind world problems, with the modern secular view that sees problems as purely human and material. The modern view believes problems stem from "men's ignorance" and "lack of knowledge" and can be solved through "progress, development, evolution" and education. The Christian view, however, recognizes "unseen spiritual forces" behind human affairs. Lloyd-Jones argues that modern thinkers are "medicating the symptoms" while Christianity addresses the true disease - spiritual warfare with demonic powers.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about the evolutionary and educational approach to solving world problems?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones dismisses the evolutionary and educational approach as inadequate because it fails to recognize the spiritual dimension of our problems. He states that this view claims: "if only you can teach people and educate them and teach them how to reason... there'll never be another war." He finds it "almost beyond understanding that anybody who looks at the modern world and reads a newspaper can still go on believing that," noting that even educated, cultured people still "fail drastically" in their personal lives. This approach is fundamentally flawed because it assumes problems are merely human rather than spiritual.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe a person cannot truly understand salvation without believing in the devil?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that "a belief in the devil and his forces is absolutely essential to a true understanding of the biblical doctrine of salvation." Without recognizing the devil, one cannot understand why Christ had to come or what He was accomplishing on the cross. He cites Paul's teaching that on the cross, Christ was "putting principalities and powers to an open shame, triumphing over them in it." Without believing in spiritual warfare, one has merely "a little psychological treatment" rather than true understanding of salvation, including Christ's temptations, conflicts, and victory over demonic powers.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean by "the whole armor of God"?

While Dr. Lloyd-Jones doesn't elaborate extensively on the specific pieces of armor in this particular sermon, he emphasizes that "the whole armor of God" represents the complete spiritual protection and resources God provides for believers to withstand spiritual attacks. He stresses that we need "every part and portion of it" and that Christianity is "complete" and "entire" - "it doesn't need any help or assistance." The armor enables believers to "withstand in the evil day" and, "having done all, to stand" against the devil's schemes. It represents God's provision for victory in spiritual warfare.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones connect biblical authority with belief in the devil?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that rejecting the devil's existence actually reveals a deeper problem with biblical authority. He states: "The problem rarely is not a belief in the devil. It's a belief in the authority of the scripture." He points out the inconsistency of those who claim to believe in God or the Holy Spirit while rejecting the devil, noting that teaching about the devil is "an essential, vital part of the biblical teaching... found everywhere from Genesis to Revelation." Jesus himself taught about the devil. Therefore, rejecting the devil means placing one's own reason above biblical authority.