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What is Man? Part 3

Psalms 8:3-4

In this sermon on Psalm 8:3–4 titled “What is Man…?” spoken at Trinity Road Chapel Centenary in 1970, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones responds to the accusations of the world that Christians are stuck in the past and unaware of what is happening in the modern world. The Christian gospel is necessary to consider the past and to face the future. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that the only people truly thinking in this world are the Christians. Governed entirely by the Bible, this is a new way of thinking and “considering” things. Christians are not anti-scientific. In fact, true Christianity has been the greatest stimulus for scientific discovery. Learn how the Protestant Reformation liberated people from Greek philosophy and encouraged the scientific revolution. The mind of God alone offers an adequate explanation for the intricacies of creation. Listen to the majesty of humanity, the companion of God, the mark of the divine stamp, the tragedy of humanity, and the great contradiction of humanity. People are hero worshippers with marred faculties. This life determines eternity, there are no second chances—enter in and be eternally safe.

A Fear of the Lord

Jeremiah 2:19

What is the essence of sin? What is it that makes sin so destructive and alienating from God? In this sermon on Jeremiah 2:19 titled “A Fear of the Lord,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that sin is not merely something that people do, but it is a state of the heart and mind. At the center of this state is the complete absence of the fear of the Lord. Just as the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, the absence of this fear is the ground of sin and evil. But humanity does not see sin as the deadly thing that it is. To people, sin is a game and a source of fleeting worldly pleasure. But God tells that all those that sin will suffer for their sin in this life and the next. The truth of the gospel is that God comes to humanity not only in judgment, but also in grace. God has not left anyone without hope—He has sent His only Son into the world to die upon the cross so that sin would be vanquished. All those who repent and believe in Jesus are freed from sin and its curse, and they are made righteous children of God.

Characteristics of the Kingdom

John 3:1-7

What changes when someone is saved? In this sermon on John 3:1–7 titled “Characteristics of the Kingdom,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones unfolds the difference between those who know Christ and those who merely know about Him. True salvation is a change from death to life, darkness to light. It is to come out of the kingdom of darkness and to enter the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God cannot even be seen by those who are in sin and have a darkened mind. Only a supernatural act of divine grace applied by the Holy Spirit can possibly overcome the fallen nature of humanity and allow them to see God and Christ Jesus. This new orientation causes people to seek the kingdom of God and to continually battle against sin and unrighteousness. This is the truth of the gospel, that those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ are made inheritors of all the blessings of God. They are transferred from the kingdom of the devil into the kingdom of God, but those who reject this message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ remain in sin and condemnation.

Christianity and its Message

John 2:1-5

Who is Jesus and what has He come to do? This was the question that everyone was asking when Jesus was performing miracles and proclaiming the kingdom of God. Modern humanity is still asking this question. In this sermon on John 2:1–5 titled “Christianity and Its Message”, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the question of who Jesus is and why it matters. Jesus said He came to do the will of the Father; He would not let other people define who He was or His mission. He tells this to the Jewish people, His disciples, and even His own mother. Jesus says He came to die and rise from the grave for sinners. He is not merely a political figure, but He is God in the flesh. The gospel is concerned with humanity’s ultimate reconciliation with the triune God, and not solely on ending war, temporal suffering, and pain. This sermon calls all to repent and believe in Jesus. It calls all to believe that Jesus has been sent from God and that He alone can redeem.

Emotion and Emotionalism

John 4:13-14

Where is joy found for Christians? In this sermon on John 4:13­–14 titled “Emotion and Emotionalism,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how a joy that is simply based on emotions is not the joy that Christ gives. True and lasting joy comes about when Christians put their trust in Jesus and come to a full assurance of salvation. Knowing that God is wholly for His people in the sending of His Son to die for them is what gives Christians hope in this life. This assurance of joy is not simply the result of emotions, but it gives a true basis for emotions. There is nothing to fear from emotions in themselves, but only the misunderstanding of emotions in the Christian life. Cults and false religious teachers often appeal to emotions to gain converts and control them; this is wholly opposed to the truths of the gospel that provide a basis for true joy in the life of Christians. True emotions can be expressed many ways for Christians, provided that they have a basis in God’s truth. This sermon is a comfort for all who are searching for joy because it proclaims Christ as the true and lasting hope.

Peace I Give to You

John 4:28-30

What is the peace that God gives His people in Christ? Humanity is always searching for something to put their trust in, something to hope in in the face of life’s many hardships. In this sermon on John 4:28–30 titled “Peace I Give to You,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the great doctrine of peace in the Christian life. When sinners repent and believe in Jesus Christ, they are made new and are given new desires and loves. They then love God rather than the world and their hope is in God, not the world. This is very different from the life of the unregenerate. They must always look for something in this world to place their hope. Many look to the philosophy of stoicism, which says that one cannot change their life, so hardships should just be accepted. This is wholly contrary to the message of Christ. Through the gospel Christians can know that they have a Savior who is wholly for them and not against them. This sermon calls all to forsake themselves and run to God as the only stronghold in this life.

Deliverance to the Captives

Luke 4:17-19

Why does the Bible tell that people are captives? This is an odd statement to many today, just as it was in the time of Jesus, but this truth is at the heart of the gospel. In this sermon on deliverance from Luke 4:17–19 titled “Deliverance to the Captives,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the glorious truth that Jesus has come to save the captives from sin. God Himself came into the evil world to die upon the cross for the salvation of His enemies so that they might become His children. When God saves sinners, He not only frees them from sin, but also makes them new creatures with new desires for righteousness and the things of God. In His grace, God takes people out of their sin and makes them a new creation. The call for all who have believed in Jesus is to stand in faith and resist the devil, pursue godliness, and flee all sin. This sermon contains the most important message any can ever hear because it is the message of grace and salvation. It is the message of the good news of Christ.

To Heal the Broken-Hearted

Luke 4:18

In this sermon on healing the broken hearted from Luke 4:18, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the disease in humankind—sin. This disease has many symptoms, and there are numerous manifestations of sin. “Do you regard this gospel as the greatest good news you have ever heard?” One must know they are sick if they are going to be healed. “Sin is something that leads to a broken-hearted condition.” Christ’s coming does judge, but He did not come only to judge. He brought salvation and healing. How does Christ heal and what does salvation contain? Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims the word of the ultimate physician. Christ came because humanity was a failure. Christ came not only to offer comfort, but to cure people of the disease of sin and reconcile His people to God. “You are not healed by Christ if you are not rejoicing.” This perfect and complete work turns ashes into beauty and the listener is encouraged to not rest until they are clothed with the pure white garments of Christ.

What is the Good News?

Luke 4:18-19

What is Christianity all about? There is no one better to get an answer to this question than Jesus Himself. In this sermon on Luke 4:18–19 titled “What is the Good News?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at Jesus’s statement concerning Himself. Jesus tells that He has come to bring good news to the poor and to give sight to the blind. What does this mean? First, Jesus brings healing not to the self-righteous, but to those that know they are weak and poor in spirit. Only those who know they are poor seek the riches that Christ brings. Secondly, Jesus is the source of blessing and wisdom. From an early age, Jesus confounded the teachers of the law with His wisdom and knowledge of the things of God. What then is Christianity about? According to Jesus Himself, it is about Him and His gospel message of salvation for sinners. All Christians must look to Jesus Himself for an understanding of what Christianity truly is, not tradition and culture, but the person and work of Jesus Christ.

A Complete Redemption

1 Corinthians 15:12

Why is it so dangerous to deny the physical and bodily resurrection of believers? There were those in the early church who denied this doctrine. This is one of the reasons that the apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians, to dissuade them of this great error. In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 15:12 titled “A Complete Redemption,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that without the resurrection, there is no hope. It is only in the resurrection that Christ completes the redemption that He began on the cross, and it is only by the bodily resurrection that death will finally be conquered and vanquished. Jesus died to not only save souls, but also to redeem the whole world from the bondage and corruption of sin. By resurrecting the bodies of those that believe, this corruption that began with the sin of Adam is removed. It is a lie of the devil that says Christ will not complete the salvation that He began. This resurrection is no mere spiritual event as some have claimed. The bodily resurrection means that Jesus perfectly saves all those that repent and believe in His gospel. It means that Jesus alone is Savior and Reconciler between God and sinful man.

Reflecting His Glory

2 Corinthians 3:18

What does it mean to reflect the glory of Christ? In this sermon from 2 Corinthians 3:18, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on this question. He says that man was created good and in the image of God. But man was tempted to sin by the serpent and rebelled against God. While man is still in the image of God, he is nevertheless full of sin and immorality. But in the Gospel, God has sent His only Son in order that the grip of sin upon all of creation might be destroyed and sinners would be adopted into the family of God. God is recreating humanity according to the image of Christ Jesus. What does it mean to reflect the glory of God? It means to be conformed to the image of God. It means to turn away from oneself and trust wholly in Christ. It means that all who believe now seek righteousness and holiness in all aspects of their lives. Do you seek the glory of Christ, or are you still in sin? This sermon calls each and every one of us to ask ourselves this question.

Two Views of Life

1 Peter 4:1-5

They are only two kinds of people in this world: those that live according to Christ and those that live according to the principle of sin. In this sermon on 1 Peter 4:1–5, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds the teachings of the Apostle Peter on the divide between the way of the world and the way of Christ. Because all are born in sin and depravity, they are, by nature, slaves to darkness and sin. They live a life that is for the passing pleasures of this world, not for what is eternal and godly. Those who have been saved by Jesus have been saved out of this world and are no longer slaves to immorality and sin. They live for Christ and not for themselves. These two ways of living correspond to two eternal destinies and for those who do not believe in the Gospel, there is only wrath and judgment. But for those that repent and believe upon Jesus, there is salvation and true peace. In this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks not only of humanity’s wretched condition, but also of God who gives grace freely to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Be Reconciled to God

2 Corinthians 5:6

Learn of the calmness and assurance that comes with this Christian gospel. There is a confidence that comes with believing. All things are of God and for God. In this sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:6 titled “Be Reconciled to God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that the first result of this new creation that Christianity proclaims is a new perspective. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims the necessity of this radical reorientation and looks at the example of Paul. Examine the natural view of humanity versus the biblical view of humanity. No one can face the end of life without first accepting this teaching. No one will ever know the comfort of the Scriptures if they do not accept it from beginning to end. Are people merely animals? The world thinks that there is nothing outside of the concrete and material world, but there is an entirely other reality beyond humanity’s comprehension. The world thinks that people are essentially and fundamentally good. Learn to think of them in terms of their relationship to God, and seen in the context of God. No one is the arbiter of their faith. God alone saves.

His Workmanship Alone

Colossians 1:12

In this sermon on Colossians 1:12 titled “His Workmanship Alone,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the necessity of praise in the life of all Christians. There is no other response they could give after receiving this great salvation that made them a Christian. In His grace, God brings His people out of the world and its sinful ways and offers forgiveness and adoption through His Son. One must never think that they can be saved by their own works or merits, for all are in sin and saved only by grace. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that no one can contribute anything to their salvation. This is why Christians are to worship out of a heart of thankfulness and praise. The greatest tragedy is that there are those who do not praise God because they do not know Him. This sermon calls all to forsake themselves, trust in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and rest in His mercy. There is no other way of salvation but through Jesus Christ.

In the Sight of God

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

In this sermon on 2 Corinthians 4:1–6 titled “In the Sight of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks of Paul’s concern to defend both his ministry and his calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ. There were those in the church at Corinth that opposed Paul and thought he had a weak presence. According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, it is important that Paul defends his apostleship as God used the apostles to give the Scriptures, and they were foundational to the early church. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, Paul is not only defending his ministry, but he is also fighting for the validity of the gospel message that confronts the world. When Paul does defend his ministry, he appeals to the calling that he received from the risen Lord. Paul makes it clear that his authority does not come from people, but from God. Therefore his message is also from God. The church would do well to look to the example of Paul who defends his message not by boasting in himself, but by boasting in Christ Jesus.

The Meaning of Salvation

John 5:31-35

Is there convincing proof that Jesus was the Messiah? In part three of his series on John 5:31–35 in a sermon titled “The Meaning of Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question with a firm yes. The proof comes in the form of testimony from John the Baptist. As he testifies of Jesus as the Messiah, the Lamb of God, he offers one final prophetic affirmation that Jesus is indeed the consolation of Israel. Speaking of Jesus, John declares that He is the one who will come and baptize with the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament speaks of the coming outpouring of the Spirit, and John, as the last prophet, proclaims that Jesus will initiate and send that very outpouring. This fact alone demonstrates that Jesus is the Messiah. John the Baptist called the people to repent of their sins, be baptized in water as a sign of that repentance, and directed them to produce the fruit of repentance in their lives. In this message, Dr. Lloyd-Jones considers if John’s baptism was sufficient and how it compared to the baptism of the Spirit, and how they relate to the gospel and salvation.

The Kingdom of God is at Hand

Mark 1:14-15

In this sermon on Mark 1:14–15 titled “The Kingdom of God is at Hand,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones presents God’s message that calls all to listen to the truth. Humanity’s notion of Christianity is wrong. The depth of the knowledge of God’s truth is far from known. The modern position finds humanity without God and without a proper guide. Humanity is always ready to worship itself, but this must not be. Learn that all questions have already been answered, and the problems have already been solved. Listeners are encouraged to receive the revelation of God; His gospel announces a plan and a purpose and all that is needed has already been given. The problem of humanity today is the same problem that has always been. Christianity is the plan of God acting out in history. Salvation depends on what God has done in Christ, not on what a person can understand. Humanity is a slave of sin, but Christ has broken the chains to set them free for His kingdom and stand blameless before God in Christ.

The Wisdom of Man

Luke 1:51-53

How does Jesus shatter thinking of what it means to be great? In this sermon on Luke 1:51–53 titled “The Wisdom of Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at Mary’s song of praise and what it tells about Jesus. Worldly people look to what is outwardly strong and impressive. They look to what is grand and dignified. Yet the Bible tells that God uses the weak and the seemingly unimpressive things to shame the wisdom of the world. There is no better example of this than Jesus Christ. He was born as a baby to a family of no reputation in the land of Judea. But it is this Jesus who is the Savior of the world and the Redeemer of humankind. He did this by dying a humiliating death upon the cross of Calvary and rising from the grave three days later. This is a message of salvation, not to those who are prideful and arrogant, but to those that know they are weak and poor of spirit. It is a message for the outcast and the despised. This gospel asks the question of everyone: “do you believe in Jesus or do you trust in yourself for your own salvation?”

The Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:13-15

How can a Christian be victorious over Satan in spiritual warfare? In this sermon on the whole armor of God from Ephesians 6:13-15, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asserts that it is only in the strength of the Lord and His might. The apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus that they must put on the whole armor of God. The strength that the Lord provides for His people is putting on the armor of God, piece by piece with prayer. We need every piece of armor God provides for us beginning with the integument. We start with a foundation of the revealed truth of God—the girdle. We need the doctrines of the Bible set securely at the base of our protection. Secondly, we put on a righteousness capable of being judged at every angle—the breastplate. The devil aims to fuel our doubts by bringing up past sins and present iniquities. Christians must apply the breastplate of righteousness and protect themselves at every angle by looking to Jesus Christ on the cross. And thirdly, the Christian puts on the preparation of the Gospel of peace—the sandals. As quick as the enemy is, we must be quicker and more agile, prepared in the assurance of our salvation. Will you begin to apply this panoply?

Face to Face with Christ

Acts 9:6

“Lord, what will you have me to do?” This reveals the very heart of Paul. In this sermon on Acts 9:6 titled “Face to Face with Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones presses that the beliefs of a Christian’s heart will be proven by what they practice. Before his salvation, Paul, previously known as Saul, went about persecuting Christians. But at salvation, just as every true believer must, he surrendered his will to God instead of arguing against the gospel or searching for loopholes to avoid obedience. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the powerful peace one receives when they are finally ready to listen and to learn. Just as a child is curious to understand the world around them, so are new believers hungry to understand their Savior. At salvation, Paul saw the utter failure of his efforts. His self-reliance vanished and he turned to God, humbly asking “Lord what wilt thou have me to do?” He surrendered his will to the one glorious Father who died for him and for all. The proof of salvation is in a willing and eager heart to do the will of the Father.