Explore Sermons By Dr. Lloyd-Jones

Spiritual Depression

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General Consideration

#SD01 — Psalms 42:5

Are you unhappy? Are heavy burdens weighing you down? Do you feel that you cannot escape feelings of despair? Christian, you are not alone! Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows us how God's Word addresses depression from Psalm 42:5,11. A depressed Christian is not a contradiction of terms, it is a reality we must learn to address with the hopefilled truth of Scripture. The Doctor addresses the extravert and introvert, both with their tendency to overanalyze one’s self which leads to weariness and dejection. His challenge is to “get to know” yourself and understand your own triggers. Do you know your own dangers? Physical conditions also play a part in spiritual depression, says Lloyd-Jones. The Christian must be aware of this so as to readily push back against the Devil. Our enemy cannot control us, but he can and will use exaggerate circumstances to futher discourage us. The Psalmist in turn encourages us to do two things: first, speak the Word to ourselves instead of allowing our minds to wonder into despair. Second, remind ourselves of God and His love for us. Defy yourself and the world by putting your hope in God!

Mind; Heart and Will

#SD04 — Romans 6:17

Are you experiencing the joy of your salvation? Why do Christians become spiritually depressed? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that we often do not realize the greatness of the Gospel. In this sermon, the Doctor shows that the Christian message is to involve the whole person; and the whole person is to be affected by it. We cannot rejoice in the Gospel if our doctrine is unbalanced or lopsided. Some Christians emphasize merely the morality of the Christian message. Others believe Christianity is only about forgiveness of sins. This is due to the fact that many preachers embrace doctrine which lacks balance. Converts often look like those used in their conversion, picking up their characteristics. Thus, for many, their understanding of the Christian message is lacking. Listen as Lloyd-Jones argues that the Gospel transforms the whole man––not simply part of him. A Christian is a man who knows why he is what he is. A Christian must be ready to give a reason for the hope within. As we battle spiritual depression, it is imperative that we know the whole Gospel and that we have been affected by it. In this way, one may, once again, experience the joy of their salvation.

That One Sin

#SD05 — 1 Timothy 1:16

Sincere Christians face real problems in life. The idea that someone might become a Christian and never deal with doubt, discouragement, depression, and suffering of various kids is unbiblical. It’s possible for genuine Christians to be miserable. While Satan cannot rob Christians of their salvation, he can make them miserable Christians. In this sermon, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines one particular strategy which Satan may use in depressing Christians: reminding them of past sin. Something one did, or said, can haunt him years later. While this Christian certainly believes God saves sinners, he feels that his sin is in a different category; that the gravity or volume of his past sin places him outside of God’s grace. Listen in as the Doctor explains that depression caused by looking at past sin stems from a poor understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not die for a certain kind of sinner––he died for the greatest of sinners. The grace required to save the most respectable person in society is the same grace which saves the least. As Satan tempts us to despair, we must look to the cross of Jesus Christ and see him who died for all of our sin.

Vain Regrets

#SD06 — 1 Corinthians 15:8-10

Our past often reminds us of years wasted. What could I have done with that time? How might my present be different if I had a better past. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones believes that meditating upon our past failures is a waste of time. “If you can't do anything about a thing,” he argues, “stop thinking about it.” The Apostle Paul was a man whose past was filled with sin. His energies were devoted to harm and destroy the Christian message. He was the last Apostle to come to Jesus. Yet, with all of his past sin, Paul does not find misery in the present. His past does not affect his new identity in Jesus Christ. Lloyd-Jones wants Christians to know that we certainly were what we once were, but now we are what we are. We must study Scripture, know who we are, and be prepared for these spiritual attacks. Bemoaning our past cripples us in the present. Listen as the Doctor encourages Christians to ruthlessly fight against this condition so that one does not behave like a fool. The fool focuses on self and seeks to change what he cannot control. The Godly man, on the other hand, is more interested in Christ, and less interested in self.