Summary
Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace, particularly for Gentiles who were previously excluded from the covenant relationship with God. In his discussion, Paul highlights the dire state of those outside of Christ, describing them as "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel" and "strangers from the covenants of promise," ultimately leading to a life "without hope and without God in the world." This stark contrast serves to remind the Ephesians of their newfound identity and the significance of their salvation through Christ.
The apostle addresses the historical context of the Jewish-Gentile divide, underscoring that the distinction was divinely instituted but misinterpreted by the Jews, who placed undue emphasis on physical circumcision rather than spiritual connection. Paul argues that the true essence of being part of God's people transcends physical markers, focusing instead on a heart relationship with God. He asserts that all that God did for Israel was preparatory for the coming of Christ, who breaks down barriers and unites believers from all backgrounds.
Paul's message serves as both a warning and an encouragement. He urges those who are outside of Christ to recognize their hopeless condition and to seek reconciliation through faith. For believers, the reminder of their previous state is intended to deepen their appreciation for the grace they have received, fostering a sense of unity and gratitude within the Christian community. Ultimately, Paul calls for a response of faith, emphasizing that through Christ, all can become part of God's family and experience the fullness of life and hope.
Show Notes
The greater one understands the depths of their sin, the more they understand the greatness of God’s mercy. For the Christian there is a reciprocal relationship between looking to their life before Christ and the amount of praise they offer to God. If the believer never examines their state of being without Christ, thanksgiving to God for salvation will unlikely mark their life. In this sermon on Ephesians 2:12 titled “Without Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones follows Paul in challenging what it means to be without Christ in order to see just how astounding salvation really is. The worst condition of a person is that they are without Christ. But what does this really mean? Dr. Lloyd-Jones walks through the biblical text in order to show what it means to be a stranger towards God’s covenant people, to be an alien to the commonwealth of Israel. This alienation from God and His covenant people will undoubtedly lead to a life without hope. Soberly listen and contemplate a state without Christ and then rejoice that one can flee to him and find new hope.
More from Sermons of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
In this sermon on Ephesians 3:12 titled “Prayer: Boldness and Access,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the privilege and importance of prayer. The apostle Paul makes the point that Christians have access to God in prayer through Christ and can come with boldness and confidence. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also shows the importance of doctrine and practicing in one’s prayer life. If Christians focus on doctrine only, they will miss the point. But if all doctrine is abandoned and one simply hopes to “practice,” then the point is missed again. Rather one must know what God says about the Christian life, prayer, and faith in Christ and then apply those things in practice. How can one expect to come to God with boldness if they do not first understand how? Christians can boldly approach the throne of grace in prayer through faith in Christ; He has made the way. He is the access to God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives two principles to think about in prayer life. First, when coming to God in prayer, Christians must not rely on feelings, mood, or state of being to inform how to pray or if they pray at all. They must realize that these can be tools used by the devil to keep the Christian from prayer, to plague them with doubts, and remind of their sins. Secondly, Christians must preach to themselves. They must remind themselves over and over of the truths of Scripture. They must remind themselves in the throes of doubt that Christ is the redeemer and mediator. He is faithful to forgive and the Christian can boldly approach God in prayer through Him. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes with this great reminder, “Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.”
What is the greatest manifestation of the wisdom of God? In this sermon on the manifold wisdom of God from Ephesians 3:10 titled “The Wisdom of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points to the church. The church, that is Christianity and the salvation that it proclaims, is the greatest manifestation of God’s wisdom ever witnessed. Even the angels in Heaven see it and are amazed. It is this manifestation of God’s wisdom that Dr. Lloyd-Jones discusses first in a series of three propositions from this text. His second proposition is that the church is the median through which the variegated wisdom of God shines like light through a prism into its many beautiful colors. From these two propositions, Dr. Lloyd-Jones dives deeper and gives two conclusions to be considered. First, consider that the church was a part of God’s plan for His creation from the very beginning, not an afterthought as some believe. Second, consider that the church is not temporary as some have suggested, but is the final expression of God’s people on earth. Dr. Lloyd-Jones’s third and final proposition from this text is the consideration of how God has shown His wisdom throughout history. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages believers to meditate on and consider God’s wisdom through the ages, in the Bible and in all of history, and most importantly, to consider the greatest manifestation of His wisdom, salvation through Christ.
Is there hope for the world? Is there a purpose and plan for the Christian? In this sermon on Ephesians 3:9–11 titled “Hope for the World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the question of hope amidst the seeming chaos and pointlessness of life on earth. The only hope is in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the darkness of the world and in the minds of men and women, Christ is the light of the world. The world is God’s creation and He has had a plan and purpose for His creation since before the foundations of the earth were formed. This plan is revealed in God’s word, the Bible. The ultimate hope that is found in Christ does not, however, mean that the end of war, evil, and darkness will end in this age. The end of these things will come with the return of Christ. Rather, the Christian’s hope is the hope of salvation in Christ that points to the eternal home and reward, not a temporary peace in the circumstances of humanity.
In this sermon on Ephesians 3:7–8 titled “The Minister – Task and Calling,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones lays out the calling and job of the minister as addressed here by Paul. The minister is called and appointed by God alone. He is called to preach the unsearchable treasures of Christ, that is Christ himself. Dr. Lloyd-Jones goes on to show that the treasures of Christ are for all believers. In Christ all that is needed is found, including wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. When one has understanding and realizes their sin, how can they possibly approach the holy God they know they need? He can be approached only in Christ who clothes Christians with His righteousness. Christians can continue their lives with God when they face sin and evil only through sanctification in Christ. Christ sanctifies through the power of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones ends with an encouragement – knowing the unsearchable treasures of Christ, that is, knowing Christ, is the greatest treasure. It is a great privilege and responsibility to take that treasure and show it to the unbelieving world.
True unity can exist within the church. Since Christians are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise, harmony can be found between Jew and Gentile. In this sermon on Ephesians 3:2–7 titled “Two Mysteries – Jew, Gentile,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the general mystery of Christ that is the glorious story of the gospel and the particular mystery of the Gentiles now being fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise just as the Jews. Dr. Lloyd-Jones stresses here the importance that there now is no difference as to membership in the family of God between Jews and Gentiles. There is no longer a need for a Gentile to become a Jewish proselyte since they are now members of the same body. This is important because this mystery had not always been known to the people of God. Paul, here in this text, is pointing out that this mystery has now been revealed and Jew and Gentile are members of the same body. Amidst this glorious message of salvation Dr. Lloyd-Jones also takes time to address a particular fallacy that is believed by some regarding this text and the biblical evidence against it.