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Relationships

Romans 13:1-7

What are the Christian’s duties and responsibilities to government and the state? In this sermon on Romans 13:1–7 titled “Relationships,” this is the perplexing question that Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to address. While Christians are citizens of heaven and the kingdom of God, they still live on Earth and are subject to the earthly authorities. When believers disobey the government or refuse to honor earthly powers on the basis of their new citizenship in the kingdom of God, they bring dishonor to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christians must seek to be faithful to God by obeying his commandments rather than humanity’s, but they also are to live at peace with all. Many Christians have misunderstood this teaching and brought contempt to the name of Christ. Paul says that the government is a minister of God to bring about righteousness. When the government commands what is not contrary to Scripture, Christians should obey and live as good citizens. Natural relations are not destroyed by a believer’s new relationship with God, but it encourages believers to live in a peaceful way as far as they can. This is ultimately so that God is glorified and honored by the lives of Christians in all aspects of life.

The World (2)

Romans 12:1-2

Avoiding the world is not an option for Christians. Some still try it anyway by setting up rules and regulations because fear of conforming to the world drives their choices. A great distance is then placed between the Christian and the world. History has shown the various extremes which men and women will go and all of it is contrary to the gospel. In this sermon on Romans 12:1–2 titled “The World (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is concerned that Christians who seek to live a life of holiness may fall into this sort of trap of legalism or Pharisaism. All of it is governed by fear and this is not what the apostle Paul had in mind. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses this grave misstep. The Christian is not to be so focused on the world that their pursuit of holiness becomes driven by it. What God has given the Christian is His word and they must not be concerned about the additional regulations that some say the Christian should follow. On the contrary, what one must be concerned about is simply the expression of their new character in Christ. This is what drives the believer: the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thou Art Inexcusable. O Man

Romans 2:1

Does sin really condemn all people? In this sermon titled “Thou Art Inexcusable, O Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones introduces Romans 2 by connecting the theme from Romans 1 which tells of how God has provided a righteousness by faith for humanity. The Jews listened to Paul preach, but thought he was only condemning the Gentiles to which Paul declared that they were missing the whole point. The Jews thought they were already saved based on their works and today’s humanity can fall into that same trap. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that sin can lead to many consequences when interpreting the Scripture. Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines the various ways sin skews the view of Scripture and ends with a warning to all. The Christian should never be so wrapped up with knowledge and the studying of theology that they miss the repentance at the heart of the gospel. Learning the Scriptures draws the Christian closer to Christ so that their daily practice matches their position as a child of God

God's Great Plan of Salvation

Romans 1:16-17

What is salvation? Christians may use this word out of context and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses what the Bible means by the terms “being saved” and “salvation.” Romans 1:16–17 is filled with meaning regarding what happened as a result of the fall of humanity. In the sermon “God’s Great Plan for Salvation,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones conveys that the Christian has a three-fold deliverance from sin through the power of salvation: deliverance from the guilt of sin, the power of sin, and the pollution of sin. Dr. Lloyd-Jones goes on to explain that salvation also has an implication of time: the Christian has been saved, is being saved, and will be saved. Paul glories in this because it emphasizes his point that he is not ashamed to preach this message of reconciliation and deliverance. This gospel applies to both the Jews and the Gentiles, those who followed the law and those who did not, and it shows that all have hope in Christ by grace through faith. Christians were previously under the wrath and destruction of God, but salvation restores them again in the hope of glory.

The Day of Judgement

Romans 2:6-10

What will be revealed on the day of judgement? After a thorough study of the wrath and judgment of God, in this sermon on Romans 2:6-10, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the impending day of condemnation. Paul is preaching to both Jews and Gentiles and explains that the judgment will be both universal and individual. In the same way, no one will be judged according to their nation or their family; it is solely based on the heart and personal righteousness. The entire human race will be characterized into two people groups: the righteous and the unrighteous. In the sermon titled “The Day of Judgement,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones further discusses how Paul differentiates these two groups. If one is seeking the glory of God, the honor that He gives, immortality in His presence, and righteousness by faith, then they will be granted eternal life. However, if a person is malicious toward God, self-centered, and defiant of truth, they will be subject to tribulation and anguish. May all closely examine their hearts and always seek the righteousness of the Lord. This message also brings a great reminder to share the gospel with unbelievers, for they also will see the day of judgement.

A Child of God in Christ

What is regeneration, and how can one know if it has taken place in their life? In this sermon on regeneration titled “A Child of God in Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tackles these questions as he leads through key passages in 1 John and Galatians. Dr. Lloyd-Jones systematically shows how salvation is proven in the life of a believer. Regeneration occurs when God implants spiritual life into people. Authentic regeneration proves itself in those who are living under the lordship of Jesus Christ as they outwardly demonstrate His holiness. But what does it look like? A genuine believer will show this regeneration in their love of other believers, conviction over sin, and desire for spiritual things. No one can produce this on their own. Regeneration means union with Christ. As Jesus taught in the gospels, a believer’s relationship with Him is similar to the interaction of a vine and its branches—just as a branch cannot thrive or survive without the support from the vine, change in the life of a believer cannot take place apart from that person’s union with Christ.

Salvation Guaranteed by Grace

Romans 4:13-17

What is the difference between the promise of God and the law of God? In the sermon “Salvation Guaranteed by Grace,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the teaching of the apostle Paul in Romans 4:13–17. Here is the promise that Christ’s salvation given by God to Abraham and his descendants is a gift of grace. The law, on the other hand, says, “Do this and live!” These are two different things that are both explained in Jesus Christ. He died and fulfilled the law wholly, and it is by grace that all who believe become inheritors of His salvation. Does this mean that the law is evil? Paul gives an emphatic no to this question. The law's purpose was to point toward a gift of salvation, not provide salvation. What does the law and the promise have to do with today’s Christian? This is not an abstract theological question but it concerns the central question of salvation. It asks all to examine themselves to find out if they are truly resting in the promise of Jesus Christ or in themselves. This sermon on salvation by grace calls all to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation.

Conversion

False converts are more common than one might think. True conversion is an act of God upon the human heart. But what exactly are characteristics of a true conversion? In this sermon on conversion, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tackles these questions, showing how conversion is the first exercise of the new nature in ceasing from old forms of life and starting a new life. For the new convert, it is the moment at which one passes from spiritual death to eternal life in Christ. Imposters throughout church history claim to accept Jesus and then turn from Him after a period of time. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out, it is entirely possible to undergo a counterfeit, temporary conversion if one submits to a false gospel based on feelings or experiences. “Yet,” Lloyd-Jones notes, “the defense of the Christian faith must not rest on something we experience, but on its objectivity.” True salvation is not based on whimsical feelings but on two essential factors of salvation. Believers are less concerned with personal experiences and emotions, and instead yearn to know God Himself.

Governed By Darkness

John 3:19

What is the source of humanity’s objections to Christianity? Many in modern times claim that Christianity has been refuted by modern science and learning. They believe that while it may have been acceptable to believe in things such as miracles, the deity of Christ, and the bodily resurrection in more ignorant times, people are now enlightened. In this sermon on John 3:19 titled “Governed by Darkness,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that the word of God gives a different answer. According to Scripture, people reject Christianity not because of intellectual objections, but because of their sinful nature. Scripture teaches that all are fallen and blinded by sinful desires. What is the answer to this great dilemma? People can only see the world, themselves, and God when God reveals Himself to them in His grace. There is no other way to know God truly. This act of grace is not based on human intellectual capabilities, but on God’s grace. In the gospel Jesus is the answer to humanity’s fallen and sinful state. Only Christ can heal the spiritual blindness and give true life.

The Wrath of God

Ephesians 5:6

Why is the world the way that it is? In this sermon on the wrath of God given on Armistice Sunday from Ephesians 5:6, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reflects on the world wars and proclaims the great reality that all are either in the kingdom of Christ, promised an inheritance of glory, or outside the kingdom and under the wrath of God. Since the time of the fall of mankind, humanity has been deceived by vain words about this reality. Modern humanity has gradually gotten rid of the concept of sin and wrong and replaced it with psychological explanations and treatments. Because of this, God reveals His wrath, His settled hatred of sin, in various ways from condemnation of conscience, to sufferings that come from sin, to giving people over to their sin (Romans 1). Yet His wrath is not only a present reality, but also a sure future reality. Though the world ridicules all who hold to and proclaim this truth, Jesus Christ will come back to judge the whole world, universally and individually, in righteousness, casting all who have rejected His gospel into eternal misery and reigning with all who believed in Him in eternal glory.

Glorying Only in the Cross

Galatians 6:14

Why do Christians preach the cross? Why is it that this cruel tool of murder stands at the heart of God’s gospel? The answer is found in the power of the cross for salvation. Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones unfolds the words of Paul that the cross is the means by which God has conquered sin, death, and the devil by dying a cruel death. In this sermon on Galatians 6:14 titled “Glorying Only in the Cross,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains not only the fact of the cross, but also the need. God the Father sent His only Son into the world to die for all because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. All are in dire need of salvation and forgiveness and this salvation only comes through Jesus’s sacrificial death upon the cross. Now those that believe are freed from the curse of the law, sin, and death. This is the only way to salvation. This sermon calls each and every sinner to leave their evil ways behind and come to Jesus. Come to the cross and find salvation in God’s Son who has died for sinners.

Sin and Self-Deceit

1 Samuel 15:22-23

The story of Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22–23 is the story of someone who rationalizes and explains away their own sin. Saul was God’s chosen king over Israel, yet he disobeyed God and followed his own desires. Saul is a picture for how everyone rationalizes sin and their own rebellion; everyone feigns ignorance of their own wrongdoing and sinful desires. The answer is never found in more law-keeping because the Bible is clear that no person can keep the law but instead is called to trust in Jesus Christ as the only way to be saved and overcome sin. “To obey is better than sacrifice” Samuel declares to Saul. Christians are those that are not like Saul in that they truly repent of their sin and seek God’s grace. Christians are those that believe in Jesus Christ and trust Him alone for salvation. The message of the gospel is that humanity does not have to suffer for their sins because Christ died in their place and took sin upon Himself so that all can be saved and made righteous.

The Children of God

John 1:12-13

Can Christians know that they are the children of God? Can they know that they have been forgiven of all sins and made new in Christ? The answer given by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on John 1:12–13 is a resounding yes. Part of the gospel hope is the peace in the full assurance that God is for His children. The Bible gives a number of different ways that Christians can test themselves to see if they are truly in the faith. Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents these tests to see if Christians are truly in a relationship with God or if they are self-deceived. He asks “how do you respond to your sin? Is it to fall back in legalism?” If so, this might be a sign of resting in works rather than in what Christ has done. Another sign is questioning if there is interest in the church and the things of God. Just as a natural child is interested in what their parents find interesting, so also spiritual children are interested in the things of God. This sermon calls all to believe in Jesus, and that those that do can know that they have been truly saved by Him!

The Law given by Moses

John 1:17

What is the balance between the law and grace? How should a Christian approach the law of Moses? Do they live as though they are under the law? In this sermon on John 1:17, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones elaborates on the right perspective on the law. The law that came through Moses is something to be studied and appreciated. Without the law, there is no need for grace and no one would feel the full weight of sin. However, the Christian is no longer under the law. This is the balance that must be struck. The Christian must look at the law and study it ravenously, not to gain righteousness by it, but instead to know the depth of the grace and mercy that is received through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Christian’s confidence is not in what they can do to obey the law, but in the one who perfectly fulfilled the law on their behalf. If the Christian finds themself constantly trying to measure up and falling short of their own conscience, the solution is not merely to try harder, but instead to trust in Christ who forgives and who gives His Spirit for sanctification and empowerment.

Second-hand Religion

John 1:26-33

In this sermon “Second-hand Religion,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from John 1:26–33. He tells his audience that no one can merely receive the fullness of Christ from the tradition of religion. According to John the Baptist, passive participation in Christian tradition gets the soul nowhere. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that following practical religious steps are not enough for salvation. This can include baptism, church attendance, prayer, and even preaching. Dr. Lloyd-Jones communicates that without a true, heartfelt, and deep acceptance of the gospel in one’s soul, one gets no closer to heaven. He also condemns the idea that intellectual appreciation or acceptance are enough to be filled with Christ’s fullness. One who appreciates the Christian for his deep faith is not credited Christ’s righteousness for doing so. One who accepts the existence of God and the truth of the doctrines of the Christian faith is not a believer unless they have repented of their sins and turned to Christ to be filled. In this sermon, listeners are encouraged to be filled with the fullness of Christ by repenting of sins and obeying God’s decrees.

Beyond Understanding

John 3:5-9

What is Christianity interested in? In this sermon on John 3:5–9 titled “Beyond Understanding,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers that Christianity isn't interested in a person’s actions but instead is interested in a person’s individual relationship with God. That relationship secures eternal life. People come and leave this world individually, he states. And when they depart from this world, they are in two camps. They can be in the world’s, or they can be in God’s. There is only one way to enter God’s camp, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says. A person must be born again to receive eternal life. The New Testament has different names for this: regeneration, made anew, or God’s workmanship. However, the result is still eternal life with God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that this being born again is not of a person’s doing. This spiritual birth is made possible entirely through God. It is a miracle, purely unexplainable and beyond a person’s understanding. In closing, Dr. Lloyd-Jones points to the incredible power of the gospel in the life of Paul; no person is beyond God’s merciful and perfect love.

Look at Him

John 7:5

Throughout the New Testament is found the call to believe and the warning to examine oneself, lest anyone be found destined for hell. Belief is the central message of the Gospel of John. In fact, the entire book is an apologetic to believe in Christ. In this sermon on John 7:5 titled “Look at Him,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones once again calls all to believe by illuminating the manifestations of unbelief. The backdrop is found in a scene with Jesus and His brothers where it is time to go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Booths. Jesus announces that He is not going to the feast, and His brothers immediately criticize this decision. Their argument centers on worldly motivation. It is in their argument to Jesus that one finds manifestations of unbelief that apply to all sinners of all times. Through their words, Jesus’s brothers reveal their misunderstanding of Jesus and His mission, proving their focus on worldly problems. These carnal attitudes mark an unbeliever and will always be found in the unbelieving. In this sermon, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns listeners to examine their belief, lest they be found unbelieving.

Love Thy Neighbour

Mark 12:28-31

Chaos, conflict, and crisis are a regular part of the world. All of humanity’s attempts to bring peace and reconciliation fall short. In this sermon on Mark 21:28–31 titled “Love Thy Neighbour,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares that humanity’s priorities are misplaced. Humankind tries to appease their own desires with their own answers. This human-centered approach is unbiblical because it does not start with God in order to understand the nature of humanity. Only when people see themselves as created by God and in need of redemption and reconciliation with God can they properly diagnose themselves and their problems. Until a person recognizes their sin and rebellion before God, they will never understand the depth of their alienation from one another and God. It is only the gospel that can free anyone from their guilt and sin before a holy God, and it is only by believing in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that they can truly live in fellowship and communion with one another. It is only by divine aid that anyone can flee from themselves and turn to God so that they may be freed from their sin.

The God of the Bible

Psalms 107:32-43

The most important thing about life is not what one does, but who they know. In this sermon on Psalm 107:32–43 titled “The God of the Bible,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches about the psalmist confessing that God has the power to both save and to judge. The glorious truth of the gospel is that God has sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save it. Vile sinners are called to flee sin and come to Jesus so that they might be children of God, perfect and holy in Christ Jesus. Knowing Jesus is what saves His people, not their works or deeds. The most important question is whether one knows Jesus. To reject Jesus is to be damned before God in the final day of judgment. Dr. Lloyd-Jones pleads with sinners to forsake their sin and to come to the merciful arms of Jesus. Flee from hatred and strife and come to God who is loving and long suffering, not desiring that any should perish. It is only by believing in Jesus Christ that anyone can be saved and made holy before God.

The Message for Today

Jeremiah 36:2-3

Turning away from God has terrible consequences. Look no further than the Old Testament to see how the Israelites turned away from God and suffered terrible disaster. In this sermon on Jeremiah 36:2-3, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the need for all men to turn to God, and the consequences of not doing so. The Israelites had been delivered out of bondage and were in a special relationship with God, yet they rebelled and turned away from Him. Because of this, God brought judgement upon them as punishment for their sins. You may ask: what does this have to do with me? The answer is that Israel was like all men, living in sin and rebellion against God. Fallen humans naturally love sin more than they love God. Yet God has provided salvation and true forgiveness through Jesus Christ! No one is beyond salvation and redemption from all sin and evil. God has made a way for all the wayward and lost to be found. Do you trust in this Gospel? Or are you like the ancient Israelites, lost and wandering away from God?