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Relationships and God's Purposes

Romans 9:1-3

There is much to learn from the apostle Paul. In this sermon on Romans 9:1–3 titled “Relationships and God’s Purposes,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines Paul’s attitude towards his fellow Jews, most of them who are still unbelievers. Paul does not have an attitude of anger or antipathy towards them, but rather he shows love and compassion. He mourns that they have rejected the very Messiah that their Scriptures speak of and that they remain blinded in their sin. How often does one become frustrated with those that do not believe? However, this is not how Paul responds at all. His love for Christ informs his faith and missionary zeal for his lost kinsmen. He is motivated not towards anger, but rather to love and evangelism towards his fellow Jewish brethren. Often times, intellectualism in the church gets in the way of evangelism, but this is not the case with the apostle Paul. Though he was well-educated and brilliant, this did not hinder him from being concerned with the souls of the lost, nor did it make him arrogant toward unbelievers. The church has much to learn from Paul, not only in his teaching but also his way of living. In the apostle Paul is found a heart that is truly dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Did God Reject His People?

Romans 11:1-4

Has God cast away the Jewish people? After several passages concerning the fate of the Jewish nation, in this sermon on Romans 11:1–4 titled “Did God Reject His People?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones unfolds how Paul asks this question and then follows his answers with several pieces of evidence. Paul says that there is no way the Lord has cast out His chosen people because Paul himself is an Israelite. Paul is saying this not just as a nationalist or proselyte, but he shows his historical lineage which proves he is of Jewish descent. It is possible that some Jews will be saved because Paul was saved. There are a large majority of Jews that do not believe the true gospel. God did not cast them all away because He foreknew them. This means that God foreordained them and knew that they would be believing Christians. The Jews were a group of people that God took special interest in and had a special affection for. Israel was set apart by God for a purpose. If God cast them out, this would mean that God changed His mind and Christians know that the Lord does not change His mind as it is not part of His character.

None Righteous

Romans 2:13-15

There are a few people in the Old Testament that were considered righteous but had never heard the gospel. How can this be? In the sermon titled “None Righteous,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains Romans 2:13–15 where Paul is careful to point out that they were not considered justified by the law, since no one can keep the law, but that they were a kind of people who knew the commandments of God and followed ordinances given by God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that these individuals understood that the ordinances given by God were the only way to approach the Lord and have their sins forgiven. They were not “good” pagans or “noble” philosophers, nor were they like so many who were not only hearers of the word. These Old Testament saints were doers of the word, whose faith was not in the law but in the Giver of the law. Philosophies, knowledge, and good works do nothing in the eyes of Christ if He is not truly known. Paul elaborates this in the second section of the passage by openly expressing how many Jews were guilty of hypocrisy. All are condemned and subject to God’s wrath, even the Jews who were given the law of the Lord. The Jews who relied on their possession of the law for salvation were severely misguided.

The Affliction of My People

Acts 7:30-33

What gives comfort and security? In this sermon titled “The Affliction of My People” where Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from Acts 7:30­–33, he presents one of the most comforting truths one can know: that God has acted in history for His people. God knows of human suffering and pain, the sorrows and hardships of life, and the oppressive nature of the world and the enemy, the devil. The great hope of the gospel is that God in Christ Jesus came down from Heaven and delivered His people. This is seen in the Old Testament when the people of Israel are suffering under the cruel bondage of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. God raises up a deliverer, Moses, and through him led Israel to freedom. This is continuous throughout the entire Bible. God’s faithfulness is manifested again and again as He provides a way to deliver His people. It is in Christ Jesus that true freedom over the bondage of sin and the destruction of the enemy’s forces and work is found. When Jesus came to redeem His people from their sins, He came to establish a new kingdom where there is no oppression and evil, and where there is no eternal suffering. All who believe in Jesus Christ as the only Son of God are freed from their sin and may partake with him in the new creation and in the kingdom of God.

The Right Approach

John 12:21

Why do some people never seem to find fulfillment when they come to Jesus? Why do they never find rest, peace, and satisfaction in Him? In this sermon on John 12:21 titled “The Right Approach,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones demonstrates from the account of the Greeks and their discourse with Jesus that many seek Him with the wrong approach. Jesus regularly and willingly granted access to Himself to all types of people. But in the account of the Greeks, Jesus denies their request. This denial falls outside of the boundaries of Jesus’s normal response because the approach and the request of the Greeks illustrates many worldly people who seek Jesus only when everything in their world falls apart. They do not want forgiveness of sin; they want a more serene life in sin. They come for wrong reasons and with wrong motives and when Jesus does not pluck them from the floodwaters of their broken life, they find nothing in Him and leave. In this account from John’s Gospel, Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates how the Greeks come with the wrong approach and challenges the listener to take the right approach in coming to Christ. The right approach takes the road of humility and repentance, believing in the saving work of His death, burial, and resurrection.

Give Thanks Unto the Lord

Psalms 107:1-31

In this sermon, “Give Thanks Unto the Lord” from Psalm 107:1–31, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones defines the Christian as the one who sees their sin and brokenness. They see their weakness and flee to Christ, abandoning all efforts of saving themselves. Regardless of one’s background and upbringing, what unifies all of humankind is their fallen nature and their need for redemption in Christ. All are born in Adam and are children of wrath. It is from this mess of fallen humankind that Christians are saved through the work of Christ. It is Christ that delivers people from sin and gives them new life in the midst of their distress. All Christians are saved through the same blood, Savior, and God. This common salvation applies to all people regardless of their personality. It saves all people regardless of their ethnic background and cultural background. The peace that Christ brings applies to everyone in all times and in all places. This is because Jesus Christ fulfills the deepest need of everyone. He delivers all who cry out and believe from their sin and brokenness by leading them into the heavenly Jerusalem, making them a new people by the power of His blood. Jesus delivers from all brokenness and sin by the power of His gospel.

Follow Me

Acts 7:1-8

The Christian life is one of constant movement away from sin and toward holiness. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains in his sermon from Acts 7:1–8 titled “Follow Me,” the Christian life is fundamentally God-centered. It requires the abandonment all other things for the sake of the gospel and Christ. Abraham exemplified this God-centered life when he left kindred and country to go to a foreign land to serve and worship God. In this way Abraham is the great example that is given in the New Testament, and he is appealed to by the writers of the New Testament to show that service to God is not something that comes with the advent of Christ. Abraham and all those that believed in the Old Testament were trusting in the promises of Christ. It is by trusting in Christ that they were counted righteous before God. Furthermore, many of them were persecuted and suffered for their faith as martyrs, as did many suffer in the New Testament and even in modern times. This should serve as an encouragement to Christians in all times because they stand in a long line of faithful and Godly believers who were willing to forsake this world and to suffer as Christians for Christ. Christians should see and rejoice in the God who calls and loves His people, and who has sent His Son to die in their place so that they may live.

God or Man?

Jeremiah 17:5-8

Why has humanity strayed away from God? Many men and women go throughout their lives not caring about God, salvation, or eternity. They concern themselves with everything other than God and His ways, yet all were created by God and for God. In this sermon on Jeremiah 17:5–8 titled “God or Man?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that the reason for humanity’s refusal to love and serve God is found in the fact that people are sinners and rebels against God. Adam and Eve listened to the voice of the serpent rather than that of God Himself and fell into sin. However, people are still unwilling to accept that they are sinners; they claim that they do not believe in Christianity because it is intellectually ridiculous. What then is one to make of humanity in sin? How can they be saved? The answer is found in God’s great plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. God saves sinful and rebellious people by sending His only Son to die in their place that they might live as children of God. It is God incarnate in Jesus Christ that overcomes human sin and hatred for all that is good by living and dying as a person. Jesus was then raised from the grave and now reigns and intercedes for all those that trust in His gospel of grace.

The Lie

Numbers 11:4-6

Why is it important to study history? In this sermon on Numbers 11:4–6 titled “The Lie,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows a powerful lesson from the Old Testament and the example of Israel in this passage. The Israelites were brought out of Egyptian slavery when God worked miracles by His sovereign hand. Not only this, but as they traveled through the desert, he provided food to sustain them and clothes that did not wear out. But they soon began to grumble against God and Moses because they were dissatisfied. They spoke of the many foods they had in Egypt, even though they were there as slaves. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that modern humanity is just like Israel. It refuses to see God’s work in the world and remains ungrateful for all the blessings He has given. In its sin, humanity is like the Prodigal Son, refusing to see his blessings or hold himself accountable. Sinful people will never see themselves for who they are until the gospel works in their hearts and minds to make them new. Jesus came and died so that ungrateful sinners could be freed from sin and death. Those that believe in Christ Jesus are given a new heart and mind so that they can live as new creatures who serve God in truth.

Simon the Sorcerer

Acts 8:18-24

Can people do anything to save themselves? Are all good deeds really worthless? In this sermon on “Simon the Sorcerer,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims the powerful gospel from Acts 8:18–24, showing that it does not matter how many good works one does or how religious they are: human effort is powerless to save. The severity of sin cannot be undone by good deeds and righteous works. Those who believe it can do not understand the reality that sin absolutely corrupts. Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes sin’s impact on humanity as every aspect of a person, their heart, will, and soul is corrupted. The message of the Bible is not good religiosity but it is one of supernatural regeneration and new birth. Salvation is obtained by Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave. It is applied to everyone who believes by the Holy Spirit, giving them new life. Those like Simon the magician who see salvation as something that is simply a choice fundamentally distort the biblical notion of salvation. They detract from the supernatural aspect of salvation and from the work of God. The church must preach both the necessity of the new birth, as well as the supernatural aspect of salvation. They must make clear that desires alone do not save, but it is the Spirit working to give faith that saves.

The One Mediator

Ephesians 2:16

Because of sin, all are alienated from one another and God. In this sermon on Ephesians 2:16 titled “The One Mediator,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is quick to explain that by the blood of Christ, sinful people can be reconciled to one another and God. Jew and Gentile can be one in the new body of Christ where all who repent and believe in His name are adopted. Rebellious sinners can only be made right with God through the atoning death of Christ on the cross of Calvary. There He removed the offenses against God, ensuring redemption for all those who God elected. This death was not simply a moral example for others to follow, nor was it merely a display of God’s love. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones asserts, it is in the cross where God was reconciling the world to Himself through the blood of Christ so that all who believe are made holy and righteous before Him. The death of Christ Jesus at the hands of sinners is the only way that there can be fellowship restored between fallen sinners and the holy God who created them. This is the great message of the gospel. There is no other true message of reconciliation and salvation between God and sinners. The church must be faithful and bold in its proclamation of this truth to the whole world, for it is the only hope for sinful people.

In the Heavenly Places

Ephesians 2:4-7

There is true hope in Christ. One of the most comforting and practical teachings of Scripture is that all who are united to Christ in faith have been seated with Him in the heavens. But what does it mean to be seated in the heavenly places? In this sermon on Ephesians 2:4–7 titled “In the Heavenly Places,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones brings this great news of hope with the reminder that the Christian has been delivered from this present evil world and its coming judgement because of the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. For this reason, Christians should seek to set their minds not on earthly and carnal things, but in that which is heavenly and good. Christians should put their hope with Christ who has died in their place and ascended to heaven where He rules. This does not mean that the Christian has no obligation to do good while on this earth, but it simply means that they should be as pilgrims who are always looking toward the inheritance with Christ Jesus in heaven. This affects how Christians are to conduct themselves, for they should seek what is good, pure, and holy, fleeing from all worldliness and immorality. They should not be like the unbeliever who in their worldliness cares for nothing but what is present in the here and now. The Christian should always seek the heavenly inheritance that they have in Christ by believing in His gospel.

Discipline

Ephesians 6:10-13

Does God ask more of His people than they can do? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 on “Discipline,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says no. God gives believers the ability to do what He calls them to do. This is seen throughout Scripture in the many instances of miracles. God commands people to do seemingly impossible tasks, like Moses striking the rock in the wilderness so that water would flow out, or Peter asking Jesus to command him to walk on the water. God gave these men the ability to perform these miracles, not because they could do them of themselves, but because God aided them through His Holy Spirit. Sanctification is similar as well. Believers are never passive nor are they able to be transformed daily by their own strength. This is why the grace of God is needed to enable and to empower believers to live lives of holiness and service. Many people mistake this to mean either that sanctification is entirely a work that they do, or think that sanctification is wholly a passive act. But it is the Spirit that enables believers to live as God commands. For as in all of life, it is the Holy Spirit that makes all who repent and believe in Christ new creatures who seek to love God and neighbor and honor the gospel.

Like Unto Me

Acts 7:17-29

Many people have heard one story or another from the life of Moses. However, it is in this hero of the faith that Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones finds a vivid illustration of the power and work of Christ. In this sermon titled “Like Unto Me,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones shares that in Moses can be seen in several of the functions that Christ would ultimately perfect. Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to the promised land and freedom. He interceded for the people before God and gave the law of God to the Israelites. Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows how in a far greater way, it is Christ who leads those who believe out of this world and brings them into the kingdom of God. He sets Christians free from spiritual slavery and bondage to freedom from their sins and the condemnation they justly deserved. For by His death and resurrection He makes a new people that are sanctified in the power of the gospel and God’s grace. In this way Moses is only a shadow of what is revealed in Christ. Whereas Moses could lead the Israelites out of bondage and oppression, he could not deliver them from their sins and make them holy before God but Jesus Christ can and does. It is only by believing in Jesus and His atoning death on the cross and His resurrection that anyone can be saved.

Meeting Trials and Tribulations

1 Peter 1:13

Persecution of Christians is on the rise around the world and it’s not limited by geography or governmental laws. How can people of faith stand strong in the face of trials and tribulations? Is it better to ignore the issues, or face them head-on? The Apostle Paul acknowledges that instead of encountering fewer trials, Christians will have more tribulations than those who aren’t saved. Biblical trials and tribulations come from striving to live godly lives in a world that hates anything that resembles God's holiness. But yet, they are still called to rejoice. This can be hard to do, and Christians may struggle with finding joy while going through hard times. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that Christians, while talking about the joy and peace Jesus gives us, often respond to trials the same way the world does— with despair and anxiety. In this way, the Christian testimony does not line up with how they live their lives. In 1 Peter 3, the author challenges us to conquer this defeatist mindset, not by building up positive emotion, but rather by “girding up the loins” of the mind and by choosing to dwell on the greatness of salvation as shown in the biblical text. The Christian can often think too lightly about their salvation, but is encouraged to fight this and preach the gospel to themselves. God is the sovereign Father, and eternal inheritance in Him is guaranteed.

Facing the Evidence

Luke 5:17

Who is Jesus? To answer this question, one must look at all the extraordinary miracles and deeds He performed before many witnesses. These all affirm His claim that He is who He said He was: God in the flesh. If the evidence is clear, why did so may in Jesus’s time reject Him, just as many reject Him today? In this sermon on Luke 5:17 titled “Facing the Evidence,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that the answer is simple: prejudice. Sin has corrupted every part of a person, including the judgment of facts. People do not have a detached mind that can assess the evidence because they are bound to sin. They cannot have a truly open mind to the claims of Christianity and the Bible. Is there a way out of this predicament? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tells that no one can come to know God through their own accord, but by the grace of God, a person’s eyes can be opened so that they see the truth. No one can fight their sin on their own, but by God’s grace, they can be set free. This sermon brings the message of hope and peace in the gospel for all who believe in Jesus. Humankind does not have to suffer for their sin because Jesus has come to take their place.

State of the Nation

In this sobering assessment of the moral and spiritual state of the nation, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones diagnoses the root causes of societal decay in Britain and the West. In this sermon, preached in 1971 to the British Evangelical Council, he argues that the problems go far deeper than mere disobedience or "sleeping sickness," as in the 18th century. Rather, he asserts that a moral "poison" has entered the very bloodstream of society, leading to a denial of God, moral law, and the supernatural. Tracing factors like Victorianism, the novelists, the World Wars, and the trivializing influence of the media, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows how foundations have been steadily eroded. He emphasizes that the church alone truly understands the gravity of the predicament and its only remedy. The church's role is indirect but vital in determining the state of the nation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones cautions against superficial analysis and insists the root issue is theological - the abandonment of God and His moral law. Citing historians and thinkers, he argues the "morality gap" is greater than ever as man's rebellion reaches its climax. Yet he concludes that the church, armed with the gospel, remains the only hope to speak to the culture and see God's transforming work. Please note that the end of this sermon is missing from the original recording.

They Became Fools

Romans 1:18-32

In this sermon titled “They Became Fools,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns that the world as it is today is the greatest proof of the wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. The world with all of its moral problems is proving what Paul is saying in Romans 1:18–32. Paul is warning that God’s wrath has been revealed and those who reject it and suppress the truth will be turned away from God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines the slippery slope that humanity can fall into if they attempt to live on their own morality. It is extremely easy for humanity to suppress the truth and try to create its own truth. In thinking themselves wise, they became fools and suppressed the truth in unrighteousness. However, humanity was never meant to fully understand God and Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that one should always approach God and the Savior with reverence and respect. Paul further warns that God will likewise dismiss those who refuse to acknowledge God and dismiss Him. Those that do this are in danger of hell, a place without God and without restraint. Dr. Lloyd-Jones hopes that by hearing this great message of warning the listener will be encouraged to live a life with a burden for the souls of humanity. The righteous blood of Christ can make even the vilest clean again, give hope in that gospel, and the desire to share it with others.

My God; Through Jesus Christ

Romans 1:7-15

Conversion is not the end of the Christian journey; it’s the beginning. The apostle Paul was aware of this and longed to visit the Christians in Rome so that he might strengthen them. In this sermon titled “My God, Through Jesus Christ” from Romans 1:7–15, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones displays the apostle Paul’s love for others which stems from his confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. Filled with the Spirit, Paul’s passion is clearly seen as he thinks of others, prays for them, and seeks to visit them. Among many Christians today, the primary concern is for oneself. A person talks about their own personal journey toward God. It’s not uncommon to hear a Christian declare, “I'm just focusing on myself right now.” But is this the way of Christ? Through Jesus, Christians have confidence before God. Christians are no longer simply “seeking God,” but rather seeking to love others through the assurance they have found in Jesus Christ. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates how the gospel motivated Paul, not only with the desire to visit and strengthen others, but to pray for them. As Paul comes to God in prayer, he comes through the one in whom he has such confidence: the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way of salvation and the Christian desires all others to be built up in Him.

The Infirmity of the Flesh

Romans 6:19

Just as children grow up to become adults, so too new believers will grow up in Christ. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes in the sermon from Romans 6:19 titled “The Infirmity of the Flesh,” Paul uses an illustration. It is rare for Paul to tell a story or use an analogy, but he chose to do so by relating that Christians are now slaves to righteousness instead of slaves to sin. In Romans 6:19, he clarifies by saying, “I speak after the manner of men.” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that this specific verse is Paul explaining why he uses an illustration to make his subject matter simple and clear. Dr. Lloyd-Jones remarks that this should be the only use of illustrations for any teacher or preacher of the Bible. Paul also notes that he only used the illustration so that others would not misunderstand what he was saying. He wants to emphasize that righteousness combines both slavery and freedom: slavery to righteousness but a freedom from the reign of sin. Paul chose to use an illustration because some of his listeners are still children in a sense of Christianity. Dr. Lloyd-Jones goes on to warn that believers should never stay children of the word of God only drinking milk, but instead should constantly be growing and maturing to take in the meat of the gospel.