The Christian Soldier: an Exposition of Ephesians, 6:10 to 20

Description

Lloyd-Jones presents the Christian life as a continuous spiritual battle against evil forces, emphasizing that believers must actively engage in warfare through reliance on God’s strength and the “whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10–20). He stresses that this conflict is not optional but inherent to faith, requiring vigilance, discipline, and unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty.

Key Elements of Spiritual Warfare

The Nature of the Battle: The struggle is against spiritual forces (“principalities and powers”) and involves every believer. It is not a personal, isolated fight but part of God’s cosmic plan to defeat evil.

God’s Sovereignty: Victory is assured because God Himself is engaged in the battle. Believers fight as part of His army, with His honor and glory at stake.

The Armor of God: Each piece (truth, righteousness, gospel readiness, faith, salvation, Scripture, and prayer) is analyzed in depth. Lloyd-Jones highlights their practical application, such as the “helmet of salvation” protecting the mind and the “sword of the Spirit” (Scripture) as the offensive weapon.

Practical Exhortations

Active Responsibility: While trusting God, believers must “keep their powder dry”—remaining alert, prayerful, and disciplined. Passivity or self-pity has no place in this warfare.

Perseverance: The battle lasts a lifetime, with no respite until death. Lloyd-Jones urges Christians to stand firm, drawing strength from God’s promises and the fellowship of other believers.

The Centrality of the Cross: Salvation through Christ’s sacrifice is the foundation of victory, emphasizing justification by faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ.

Critical Reception
Readers praise Lloyd-Jones’s ability to blend rigorous exegesis with practical urgency, though some note his occasional digressions into tangential Scriptural references. His focus on God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, and the Cross resonates as a hallmark of his preaching.

Legacy
The book remains a definitive guide to spiritual warfare, offering both theological depth and actionable insights for believers seeking to navigate the challenges of faith with resilience and hope.