Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 13:11-14

What is the main theme of Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon on Romans 13:11-14?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones is addressing the apostle Paul's appeal to awaken from spiritual sleep and live appropriately as Christians. He focuses on the practical application of Christian doctrine, particularly how believers should rouse themselves from spiritual lethargy, cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. The sermon emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to be alert, disciplined, and properly clothed in spiritual armor.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean by "awaking out of sleep" in a spiritual context?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, "awaking out of sleep" refers to shaking ourselves out of spiritual lethargy and torpor. It involves general self-discipline, taking ourselves in hand, and rousing ourselves to spiritual alertness. This awakening includes examining ourselves, talking to ourselves, questioning our spiritual condition, and ensuring that our lives are truly governed by our Christian faith rather than being carried along by habit or momentum without real spiritual engagement.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones recommend Christians practice self-examination?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages Christians to ask themselves probing questions such as: "To what extent am I really being governed in my life and living by my Christian faith? What is the main governing factor in my life? What determines the general tenor of my life? Is it the world and its outlook and its teaching? Or is it Christian teaching?" He emphasizes that self-examination is biblical (referencing Paul's instruction to "examine yourselves") and essential to prevent spiritual drift.

What does Paul mean by "casting off the works of darkness" according to the sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that "casting off the works of darkness" means completely removing and divesting oneself of sinful behaviors that are foreign to our true nature as Christians. He emphasizes that Paul uses the term "works" of darkness because sins are not natural to humans as God created them but are artificial creations that man has introduced. These works don't belong to Christians who have been born again, and believers should put them away "once and for all."

What is the significance of "putting on the armor of light" in Romans 13?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, "putting on the armor of light" means clothing ourselves with what is appropriate for children of light. He explains that this armor or "weapons of light" (his preferred translation) serves two purposes: (1) it's the appropriate clothing for those who belong to God who is light, and (2) it allows us to stand unashamed in the light, as our deeds can be made manifest. Additionally, the military imagery reminds us that the Christian life is a constant warfare requiring both defensive and offensive spiritual weapons.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones structure his sermon on Romans 13:11-14?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones structures his sermon by first addressing the doctrinal considerations (what Christians should "know"), then moving to practical applications. The practical section includes: (1) a general appeal to "awake out of sleep," (2) particular exhortations in two pairs—first about clothing (cast off works of darkness, put on armor of light) and second about walking (which he plans to address in his next sermon), and (3) a final exhortation. This structured approach reflects what he calls "expert teaching."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasize the importance of reading in the Christian life?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes reading, particularly of Scripture, as a crucial way to awaken from spiritual sleep. He stresses that reading should be deliberate and engaged—not merely "dashing through the portion for the day." Christians should read the Word, listen to it, ask it questions, and allow it to search them. He also recommends reading books that help understand Scripture and biographies of spiritual men and women that can search and examine us, helping us see the possibilities of the Christian life.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about the relationship between what we are and how we should live?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Christians should pay heed to practical details "because of what we are and because of who we are, and because of what has happened to us." He uses the analogy of washing: "It is because the Christian has been washed that he's got to keep himself clean." Our behavior should flow from our identity. Because we have been cleansed and belong to the light, we should cast off works of darkness and put on the armor of light that is appropriate to our true nature.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones interpret the "weapons of light" in relation to Christian warfare?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones interprets the "weapons of light" (his preferred translation for "armor of light") as a reminder that Christians are constantly in warfare. He connects this to Ephesians 6:10-20, which details the whole armor of God—defensive and offensive weapons including the breastplate, helmet, shield of faith, and sword of the Spirit. He also connects it to 2 Peter 1, suggesting that adding virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity to our faith equips us to "fight the world and the flesh and the devil."

What is the danger of theoretical knowledge without application according to the sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that theoretical knowledge without application is valueless. He states, "You can have great knowledge in your mind. If you don't apply it, it's of no value to you." He notes that sometimes reading can become a substitute for thinking, and advises balancing theological reading with biographies that will search and examine us. He emphasizes that details count tremendously in the spiritual life, and if we keep ourselves only to generalities, we will soon go astray.