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The Spirit and The Power

What is the power in preaching? Is it in the preacher’s own preparation and scholarship? If it is, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that they are to be most miserable. In this sermon titled “The Spirit and the Power,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds upon what he believes to be the most important ingredient in preaching: the unction, or power, of the Holy Spirit. Consider the apostles: they had all of the teaching and preparation, but this was not enough. The Holy Spirit must come and give these men power to preach the gospel. In one’s own strength, the preacher is filled with only fear and trembling. He is a weak man; an “earthen vessel.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones tells of a minister who went to bed feeling utterly incapable, and awoke the next morning feeling like a lion ready to preach. What happened? This man was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. This power in preaching gives the preacher clarity of thought and speech. It gives assurance and confidence in their proclamation of God’s word. This power, however, is not something the preacher can conjure up. It is a gift of God. Unction is something that comes upon, and takes hold of, the preacher. Listen as he encourages his students to pray for this power in their preaching.

Revival Sermon: The Holy Spirit in Revival

Genesis 26:17-18

What is a revival? In this sermon on the Holy Spirit in Revival from Genesis 26:17–18, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers that a revival is a work of the Holy Spirit wherein He moves amongst God’s people and unbelievers. The Holy Spirit is the one who works in God’s people to equip them and gift them for the work of spreading the gospel and building up the church. It is the Holy Spirit who gives the church apostles, preachers, and prophets. It is also the Holy Spirit who moves in the world to convict fallen sinners of their wicked ways and of their need of repentance. But one of the church’s greatest dangers is to quench the work of the Holy Spirit by denying His work. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that one of the biggest problems with the church today is false teaching about the nature of the Holy Spirit’s work and ministry amongst the people of God. If the church is to be faithful and equipped to serve God, Christians must return to a doctrine of the Holy Spirit that recognizes His working and power in the world. This sermon has a message for both believers and unbelievers in that it calls all to recognize the grace of God in giving His Spirit to the world.

Scriptural Love

Romans 13:8-10

Vestiges of the Christian call to “love one’s neighbor” can be found throughout Western culture. What has been lost, however, is the Scriptural understanding of love and a strong theological foundation to support the command. Without Scripture and theology, love of neighbor is either reduced to sentimentality or the gospel is denied. The seriousness of the latter is highlighted in this sermon on Romans 13:8–10 titled “Scriptural Love.” Modern teaching claims sinful people are able to fulfill this important command despite the fact that they have not experienced regeneration. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines both Scripture and culture, arguing that a biblical view of self and neighbor is necessary to understand Paul’s words correctly. This also answers one of the fundamental questions Christians ask: what is the Christian relationship to the law? Be warned against the trap of mysticism with its emphasis on mere contemplation of love and also watch out for rigorism with its emphasis on the merely knowing the letter of the law. Rather than falling into mysticism or rigorism, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues for both the letter and the spirit of the law. Listen closely as he argues for a balanced approach to the law and seeks to challenge contemporary views of love of the neighbor.

Christmas: an Event in History

Titus 2:11-14

Christmas can come and pass without Christians truly questioning what the season means. This is a tragedy because Christians can easily adopt the world’s view of Christmas if there is not proper effort and diligence. The world will celebrate the season with a vague principle called the “Christmas spirit” – general benevolence and encouragement to each other to be a little nicer than before. Or the world will tout a gospel of peace where nations, political leaders, and governments are addressed about their bombs and armaments. But how does the apostle Paul react to the coming of Christ? What does the celebration of Christmas mean to him? In this sermon on Titus 2:11–14 titled “Christmas: An Event in History,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that Paul reacted with the deepest feelings, emotions, and praise at the appearing of the Son of God. This praise and shouts of joy were because of an actual event in history that took place. God’s grace appeared, not in a teaching or principle primarily, but in a real person whom Paul declares is the great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener to ascribe to the “facts” of Christmas without losing the joy that the event should bring.

Future of the Jews

Romans 11:28-32

How has God chosen to show mercy to Israel? Some argue that God is done with the nation of Israel and that when Paul says that Israel will be saved, he is speaking of the gathering together of the elect. In this sermon on Romans 11:28–32 titled “Future of the Jews,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has a different interpretation of this passage. He argues that the apostle Paul is prophesying of the day when God stirs up the hearts of the people of Israel and causes a great revival amongst them. God will fulfill His promises to the patriarchs and save many of their physical descendants. The hardening that has come upon Israel is only temporary and is used by God to send the gospel to the nations of the Gentiles. Did Israel stumble in order that they might fall? Paul says no. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that the church should look forward to the day when God moves and brings a great revival in Israel and brings many to faith in Jesus Christ. This should encourage the church to evangelize the people of Israel, knowing that God has promised to do a great work of salvation among them, bringing many to faith and new life in Christ.

Dependent on God's Mercy

Romans 11:28-32

In this sermon on Romans 11:28–32 titled “Dependent on God’s Mercy,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that faith is not merely an intellectual belief; it is an action and an obedience. Even while God frowns, He still loves. Look at the position of a non-believer – blind and disobedient before God. Rejoice in knowing that salvation is entirely a result of God’s mercy looking down upon humanity with pity. It is no result of a person’s doing. These are God's people. Jews and Gentiles alike are found to be disobedient, yet God pours out His mercy to both. God’s object is to show mercy; the concept of “mercy upon all” is not universalism. There is a great distinction between the saved and the lost. He caused the evangelization of the Gentiles to rapidly grow due to the rejection of the Jews to the very same gospel. God used the belief of the Gentiles to stir the Jews and bring them to salvation. God made foolish the things of this world and natural humanity cannot believe the things of God because He has shut them up in unbelief. God shows that nothing matters except for His mercy.

Love Fulfills the Law

Romans 13:8-10

Debt is burdensome and being obligated to another is a constant weight on one’s shoulders. But there is one great exception, according to the apostle Paul. That exception is the debt of love. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones notes in this sermon on Romans 13:8–10 titled “Love Fulfills the Law,” Paul calls the church to be perpetually obligated in their love for one another. Paul himself was likewise indebted to all: to the Greeks and Barbarians and both to the wise and the unwise. He had the medicine in the gospel that they needed and this meant he was under obligation to share it. Paul expects nothing less from the church. The church in Rome, as well as the church today, are in a constant state of debt to one another. But Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that if one thinks love and law are at odds with one another, then they have misunderstood the Bible. It is an abuse of the law – by the Pharisees, moralists, and in legalism — that is at odds with Paul’s thoughts on law and love. The law begins with the negative, but God’s commandments ultimately have a positive effect. In other words, “love is the fulfilling of the law.” Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides insight into this beautiful synthesis of law and love.

The World (1)

Romans 12:1-2

When the church becomes like the world, the gospel message is eclipsed. Today it seems the church is often bending to the desires and the thoughts of the world. Who determines morality? What is right? Some church leaders argue that the message must change or else become irrelevant. In this sermon on Romans 12:1–2 titled “The World (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that this very thinking is conforming to the world. The world, according to the Bible, thinks of, organizes itself, and lives life apart from God. Fallen humanity is corrupt in their very thinking. They do not know God. They do not understand the depth of the human problem and their proposed solutions lack the answer. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that Christians are not to conform to the world. The understanding of morality comes from the word of God and nothing else. Christians are a distinct people who have a new mind and have become enlightened to the will of God. The great tragedy today is not that the devil is controlling the world but that Christians are looking to the world for answers. That theology is conforming to the ideas and expectations of sinful humanity. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains in this sermon that this admonition is as much needed today as it ever was: be not conformed to the world.

The Riches of His Grace

Romans 10:11-13

In this sermon on “The Riches of His Grace” from Romans 10:11–13 Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues unfolding the apostle Paul’s argument for the inclusion of Gentiles in salvation. Working from this passage, his second point in the series draws from the glorious fact that the same Lord Jesus Christ, who is Lord over all, is rich in grace to all who call upon Him. Since salvation depends entirely upon God and His power to forgive, there is hope for anyone. It’s the great central theme of the Scripture foretold by the prophets, brought about by Jesus in the gospel, and proclaimed by the apostles and the early church. What does this mean for today? It doesn't matter how much one has sinned or how profound their ignorance is, the riches of God’s grace are endless and He is sufficient to give to all. There is no work or effort one can add to their salvation because His riches in salvation are all-sufficient. All worldly distinctions and prejudices are foolish because God is rich to all, without distinction, and there is nothing one can ever need that cannot be found in this endlessly rich savior.

Dead to Sin; Alive to God

Romans 6:11

Christians are alive unto God in the reign and realm of God. They were dead in sin, but now have been raised together with Christ into an entirely new sphere. But what does it mean to be alive to God? In this sermon on Romans 6:11 titled “Dead to Sin, Alive to God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches about the new relationship the Christian has with God. “The most terrible thing about a life of sin is that you are not open to the blessings of God,” he states. Common graces are not the real blessings of God; they pale in comparison to these spiritual promises. To be alive unto God means to be part of His purpose. Christians are united to Christ because they are now in Him and members of His body. Be encouraged and learn the result of being in God and the importance of the word “never.” The same Spirit that comes upon the Christian was in Christ. God has begun this work in the Christian and He will complete this work. Be dead to sin and alive to Christ. This helps the Christian fight sin through the great assurance and confidence this gospel provides. The joy of the Lord is the Christian’s strength. Rest on the sure and perfect word of God.

Serving God

Romans 1:7-15

The apostle Paul dedicated his ministry to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and making known the glory of God. This singular focus is made clear as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches “Serving God” from Romans 1:7–15. Paul was not a cultural commentator, nor was he a politician, but he was concerned that what God has done in Jesus Christ be known to all. From this, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that the church should imitate Paul with the great doctrines of salvation and of God. Many preachers have lost this focus on biblical truth and use the pulpit as a platform for nothing more than social or political change. He says that this is in contrast to Paul who said that his ministry was to proclaim Christ and Him crucified, not the changing interests of humanity. This is why Paul writes to the Romans, expounding many great teachings, some of which are hard to understand. The church today should not be content to substitute God’s word with the mere opinion of people, but they ought to stand firm on the truth of God as given by the Holy Spirit in the writings of the apostles and prophets. For it is only God’s word that has the message of salvation.

Post-millennialism and the Spiritual View

In this sermon on postmillennialism and the spiritual view, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues his series on Great Biblical Doctrines by preaching on the other possible interpretations of Revelation and the end times. The postmillennial view, once popular in mainstream evangelical circles, holds that Christ will not return until after the millennium, which its supporters hold as a period during which the earth will experience a long period of immense blessing and knowledge of the Lord. However, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out, the difficulty with this view is that Scripture says the earth will go through an absolutely devastating time before the end. If the postmillennial view isn’t correct, what is? In place of this and the other perspectives discussed in this mini-series, Dr. Lloyd-Jones proposes what he calls the “Spiritual View.” He argues that this section in Revelation and the parallel passages in the gospels point to Satan having been bound and cast out at the time of Christ’s death on the cross. What about the 1,000 reign that Scripture references? Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents why he thinks that it is occurring now and why it is not going to be a future, literal 1,000 year period.

Evangelical Unity

Evangelical unity is not simply a matter of associations and coalitions, but it is a based on the central doctrines of the faith. In this sermon titled “Evangelical Unity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches that unity is centered on doctrine; the doctrines of the natures of Christ, the sufficient atoning work of Christ, the doctrine of justification by faith, and the doctrine of God’s word. This is a Spirit-empowered supernatural work in the life of believers that unites them to God and to one another. The church cannot sacrifice the truth of the Christian faith and God’s word for the appearance of union, for true evangelical union is found in the non-negotiable doctrines of Christianity. Evangelicals should seek to build up the church around God’s truth as found in His word. To substitute unity in the gospel for worldly unity based on nothing more than human institutions is to compromise the truth of the Christian faith. The pursuit of evangelical union will often cause controversy and division, but this is the inevitable effect of seeking to follow God above people. Evangelicals are not to compromise the glorious truths of God’s word for the fading recognition of sinful people and the world. God commands His church to follow Him no matter the cost.

Union with Christ: its Nature

Romans 7:4

The truth that all Christians are united with Christ changes everything. It is no overstatement to say that the doctrine of Christians’ union with Christ is one the most important truths for anyone to understand. It is this glorious doctrine that Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds in this sermon on Romans 7:4 titled “Union With Christ: Its Nature.” Looking at the apostle Paul’s epistle to the Romans, he shows that those who believe in the gospel have been delivered from sin and darkness once and for all. While all are born in Adam, all who believe are born supernaturally into Christ Jesus. It means that the law of sin and death no longer reigns in the Christian, and that they are now part of God’s family and now forgiven from all sin. They are safe in salvation as Christ is loving and powerful. This doctrine is the ultimate hope against all depression, sorrow, and loneliness because it teaches that Christians have a great friend in Jesus. Listeners are encouraged to ask: “do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe that He has died for sinners? Do you have assurance that God loves?” There is great hope to all who have truly forsaken themselves and put their trust in Jesus.

Philosophy and Vain Deceit

Ephesians 6:10-13

Why is philosophy and worldly thinking such a danger to Christianity? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Philosophy and Vain Deceit,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the relationship between biblical revelation and philosophy. The apostle Paul was aware of the temptation to substitute divine revelation for worldly thinking. This is to subordinate God’s wisdom to the vain teaching of the world, according Dr. Lloyd-Jones. This is a great threat to the church in all times and places, but especially in the modern world where science is given such a high place of authority. Many are willing to reinterpret the Bible in light of what Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones refers to as “mere theories.” Christians are called to stand on the word of God in all areas of life. Scripture is to be the ultimate and final authority in all matters of life, faith, and philosophy. The gospel calls Christians to believe in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ, even when they do not understand Him. It is a call to rest in the knowledge of who God is, even when they do not fully grasp everything there is to know about God. This sermon is an invitation to trust in God for all blessings and happiness in this life.

Quenching The Spirit, Part 1

Ephesians 6:10-13

In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Quenching the Spirit (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones makes the bold claim that the church’s quenching of the Holy Spirit hinders it more than anything else. What is quenching the Spirit? In a desire to avoid making Christianity reliant on subjective religious experiences, many Christians leave no room for the work and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This is quenching the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells that the Holy Spirit is a person who indwells all who believe. The church of today ought to look at the early church found in Acts to see what it looks like to rely on the Holy Spirit for power and guidance. What are the practical applications of this message on Ephesians 6:10–13? Christians should seek to look to the Holy Spirit to empower their ministries and lives as they follow Jesus Christ. The church as a whole should look to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as He allows Christians to understand the gospel and God’s word. Christians must not overreact against those who abuse the Bible’s teaching on the Holy Spirit by suppressing what the Bible does teach about the Holy Spirit and His ministry in the church.

The Truth Revealed in Scripture

Ephesians 6:14

In Ephesians 6:14, Paul calls believers to have “loins girded by truth.” What is this truth? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:14 titled “The Truth Revealed in Scripture,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains it is not subjective feelings or opinions, but doctrine. Proclamation is a chief means by which Christians are to lay hold of doctrine. A sermon is meant to bring out the doctrine. There cannot be proclamation without exposition, but one can have expositional analysis without proclamation. The doctrine of salvation is the great message of truth about which the whole Bible is concerned. This message of salvation, the truth with which one is to gird themselves, is found most clearly in the Epistles. The main function of the Gospels and the book of Acts is to attest the person of Jesus Christ, not to expound doctrine, though it is implied. All the Reformers have spent most of their time in the Epistles. The truth Paul refers to begins, but doesn’t stop, with belief in God, worship and Christian living. It is the whole plan and scheme of salvation. How are Christians to be strong and withstand the wiles of the devil, as Paul says? By taking hold of the whole doctrine and the whole message of salvation, not just bits and pieces, and applying it to their lives.

The Mystery of His Will

Ephesians 1:8-9

Can anyone discover the mysteries of God? Does God hide His will from humanity? As the apostle Paul expands his teaching on God’s grace, he moves from election and predestination to “mystery." In this sermon on Ephesians 1:8–9 titled “The Mystery of His Will,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns that this mystery is no incomprehensible mystery as taught in the ancient religions, reserved only for a select few. Nor is it a vague teaching, antithetical to propositional truth as many contemporary Christian movements want to make it. Instead, biblical mystery is something hidden from natural humanity, yet God has fully revealed it. It is an open secret that sinful humanity cannot see. It is a truth that God must reveal to individuals. This has great implications for evangelism. The gospel is comprehensible to anyone, no matter their intellect, as long as God reveals it to them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones insists that this is the work of the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of men and women to the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures. Faith is not opposed to reason, but reason alone cannot bring someone to God. The mind of a person, at its best, is inadequate; God must bring them to this truth. All desperately need His grace.

The Fullness Experienced

Ephesians 3:19

In this sermon on Ephesians 3:19 titled “The Fullness Experienced,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that the fullness of Christ that Paul speaks of is not a theoretical idea, but it is at the very heart of the Christian life. For all Christians should live a life that is marked by the transforming presence of Christ and His gospel. Christians live this life by pursuing Christ and seeking to come to a deeper understanding of who He is. It requires self-examination of one’s heart and actions. It is primarily by reading God’s word and seeking Him in prayer that believers come to a greater knowledge of who they are and their relationship to Christ. This requires Christians to subject themselves wholly and completely to God’s word and Holy Spirit. This includes their emotions and desires, as well as their mind and intellect. As this happens throughout the lives of Christians, they grow in both their knowledge and love of God and Jesus Christ. For this reason, Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener to grow in sanctification daily by taking up one’s cross and forsaking sin and unrighteousness. This is one of the most important marks of a true Christian. They continually seek God throughout their lives and strive to know him more every day.

Assurance and Sanctification

John 1:16

How can one be sure of their salvation and that they belong to Christ? In this sermon on John 1:16, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the nature and relationship of assurance and sanctification. He shows that assurance does not require a perfect life, nor does assurance give license to live in sin but the assurance which is found in God’s word begins with a recognition of new life in Christ. This recognition keeps Christians from either seeing assurance as a result of perfect sanctification or seeing assurance as license for no sanctification. But biblical assurance is a product of a heart that has been transformed by Christ, and this life is then lived out in the power of the Holy Spirit. Christians can have knowledge of their assurance by living a Spirit-empowered life of love and faith. The devil often uses false assurance to deceive and destroy people, but by seeking to live a life of faith and obedience lived in the power of God, Christians can have a true knowledge of their relationship with God. This knowledge should encourage Christians to seek to live a life of love toward God and neighbor. It should compel them to hate sin and love righteousness and lead Christians to a deeper love of Christ and His gospel.