The sermon video of this post is from the YouTube site, MLJTrust.
A sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Ephesians 6.10-13 https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/book… “Armor of God” playlist: • Introduction ― A Sermon on Ephesians …
“In an age such as this, with godlessness rampant, the evil one abroad, the church weak and powerless and ineffective, so largely apostate and guilty of vile heresy, to me, the supreme tragedy is that evangelical people are divided and divided solely on grounds of tradition, simply because they happen to have been brought up in a certain section of the church.” ―Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Ephesians 6.10-13
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against…
Sermon Description [by MLJTrust]:
The Protestant Reformation created a monumental break within the Western church. It is difficult to deny the necessity of Luther and the Reformers’ break from the Roman Catholic Church whose leaders were unwilling to address heresy and apostasy within the church.
But what about the subsequent divisions following the Reformation? Do they carry the same legitimacy as the magisterial Reformers’ break with Rome? Can one know if a division is justified or not?
In this sermon on Ephesians 6.10–13 titled “Schism in the Church (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones engages these most difficult questions.
No doubt this sermon challenges every church, denomination, and individual Christian. He treats the danger of schism throughout church history.
On the other side of those who champion a vague doctrine stand those Christians who create schisms over every minute point of interpretation.
Dr. Lloyd-Jones says this is part of the wiles of the devil.
Acknowledging that division and schism within the church cannot be fixed with a simple formula, he offers several principles to consider as individuals, churches or denominations consider whether division is justified.
Listen to wise counsel from Dr. Lloyd-Jones on divisions in the church with this timely message for the evangelical church.
Sermon Breakdown [by MLJTrust]:
- The devil works against God’s people through heresies, apostasy, and schism.
- Schism refers to unjustified division in the church that tears the body of Christ apart.
- Schism often arises from too much interest in personalities, desire for preeminence, divisions over gifts or rites, or bigotry.
- Schism is often perpetuated by honest, sincere, and intellectual people who want to be right.
- There are cases where separation is clearly justifiable, like from apostasy or heresy. Further Protestant division can be justified to avoid tradition before truth, imperfect church views, lack of freedom of worship, or return to Catholicism.
- Separation is questionable over non-essential matters, uncertain interpretations, or practical application disagreements. We should agree to disagree on baptism, prophecy interpretation, church government, etc.
- Our chief concern should be knowing God, souls, and glory – not proving ourselves right. Consider the whole situation and consequences. Timing and preparation matter. Balance all factors.
- We should only divide over essentials like the evangelical faith. We can fellowship with those who agree on salvation by faith alone, Christ’s deity and atonement, and the resurrection – regardless of label. Division over tradition alone is tragic. We need wisdom to unite around revelation and the biblical gospel.
MLJTrust video-page link: https://www.youtube.com/@MLJTrust/videos
Playlist-page link: https://www.youtube.com/@MLJTrust/playlists