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Ever wonder what makes a Christian different from everyone else in the world? Preaching on Acts 7:54–60, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that it is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It is He who empowers the lives and ministries of all believers. This is what made the early church in the time of the apostles so transformative and powerful. The apostles were bold in the face of persecution and even death. They did not fear what anyone could do to them because the Spirit-wrought faith in the person of Jesus Christ. One of the clearest examples of this is Stephen, the first martyr of the church. He was brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching the message of Jesus Christ. As Stephen preached in Acts, he boldly told who Jesus is and how Jesus fulfills the whole of the Old Testament. Because of this boldness, he was stoned to death but as he was dying, he asked God to forgive the very people who were killing him. This is the life lived in the Spirit, unlike the Jewish leaders who represented the unregenerate who reject the Holy Spirit and fight its influence. This is the greatest tragedy: those who are dead in sin fight against the only power that can save them and give them eternal life.
In this sermon on John 1:12-13 titled “Leading with the Spirit,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains one of the finest tests of faith known in the Scriptures: is the Christian led by the Holy Spirit? If one is led by the Spirit, they are unmistakably a child of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches how knowledge of the Trinity affects one’s knowledge of assurance. He explains that the Spirit came to glorify the Son. Therefore, if led by the Spirit of God, His leading will always be toward Christ, the Messiah. If the Christian is being led to believe, follow, submit, and glory in Christ, they are undoubtedly led by the Spirit of God. From regenerating hearts to inspiring Scripture, the Spirit’s work always points toward Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones elaborates on doctrines including the Trinity, the inspiration of Scripture, and the spiritual gifts. Those weary in heart who question their salvation can listen along as Dr. Lloyd-Jones brings hope to the heart of Christians and clarity of the doctrine of assurance.
Will a Christian’s mortal body be raised from the dead when Christ returns? Based on Paul’s teaching in this passage, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says it will. In this sermon on Romans 8:8–11 titled “Complete Salvation,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that Paul is painting a picture of the Christian in today’s world by showing what the future will look like. While a Christian is still in this world, their body remains dead because of sin, but it will be raised from the dead when Christ returns. The two phases of the Spirit dwelling within the Christian points to the physical body as a temple of the Holy Ghost. Just as Christ was filled with the Spirit, so is a Christian and He serves as the seal and assurance that Christians’ bodies will be resurrected. They can be certain of this because Christ will always finish His work in their lives. Christ will redeem them and their mortal bodies from the fall and anyone who says otherwise is denying Scripture. Christians can look with great anticipation to the day when their salvation will be complete and that their mortal bodies will be free from disease and decay, worthy of the Holy Spirit that dwells within.
As Christians anticipate heaven, the most glorious reality will be seeing the Lord face to face. Until that day, what is the connection between the heavenly reality that awaits the Christian and their life now? According to the apostle Paul, it is the work of the Holy Spirit as the pledge or guarantee of future inheritance that connects the future with the present. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:14 titled “The Earnest of Our Inheritance,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones labors to explain the apostle’s words by arguing that the translation “earnest” fits the context of Paul’s teaching. This rich term communicates the guarantee or pledge, but it also speaks of an installment. The Christian has a glimpse or foretaste of heaven through the work of the Holy Spirit. While one does not fully see Christ in this life, they should be encouraged that they do indeed see Him, even if only as through a mirror dimly. Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener to share in Christ’s life now by pursuing holiness, purity, peace, and love. Wonderfully, when one does this, they taste what righteousness will be like in the future.
How is the baptism of the Holy Ghost defined? In this sermon on John 1:26–33 titled “Baptism of the Spirit (4),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question and addresses both the direct and indirect work of the Spirit. Great caution is given toward the tendency of Christians today to reduce everything to the ordinary but there is nothing ordinary about such an amazing divine work. The outworking of the Spirit is seen through the prophecy of Joel and the examples from the New Testament to be clear, immediate, and direct in nature, far from being rooted in the reflection of humanity. The Spirit of God bears witness to confirm the regenerated cry of a believer to God as “Abba, Father.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones greatly cautions his listeners not to confuse such extraordinary work with that of the ordinary as this is the danger of quenching the Spirit. Such clear, unmistakable, and phenomenal work of the Spirit is the third principle in this series of “The Baptism of the Spirit” from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He addresses how the problem of restraint and the Lord’s sovereignty are connected to baptism and clearly defines the outworking of such a baptism.
Since Christians do not actively “take” the Spirit, but passively receive the sovereign Spirit, what are they to do? As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones pursues this question in this sermon on Romans 8:15 titled “Spirit Baptism and Fullness,” he sets the context of the passage. He notes that Spirit baptism is an extra – a plus. It is an additional assurance children of God experience. In other words, it is not something every believer who has the Spirit of adoption experiences. Nevertheless, it is something all should desire. In Romans 8:15, the apostle Paul elaborates on Spirit baptism, or being filled with the Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages all Christians to genuinely seek the fullness of the Spirit, but not by trying to “seize” the Spirit. Furthermore, Christians cannot pretend they can take it by someone laying hands on them. How does one get it then? Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that it is through obedience and prayer. In the end, however, Christians rest knowing the Holy Spirit is sovereign. If indeed the Spirit does grant this assurance, the Christian will surely know it. Let them not, however, pretend to have it, warns Dr. Lloyd-Jones, unless they actually do. Listen as he teaches on the joys, and potential pitfalls, of Spirit baptism.
Does the Christian need power to live a Christ-filled life, and for evangelism and obedience in the face of persecution? Do they find that they lack boldness to share the gospel? In this sermon on John 1:26–33 titled “The Spirit Fell on the Church,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes how the disciples received power when the Spirit descended on them at various times throughout the book of Acts. He considers that their receiving of the Spirit was not limited to the regenerative work but instead was multifaceted and involved multiple fillings of the Spirit. He elaborates that this is the normal method that God uses to give power to the church and argues that a baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs with any true revival. He determines that revivals are not built on the church’s obedience, but by God sending His Spirit with power to the church. Therefore, the Christian should pray for revival in order that the church would be given great power by the Spirit in order to do the work of the kingdom of God on earth. In a time when the work of the Spirit is debated, listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks clarity into the discussion and encourage prayer for the empowerment of the church.
What is sanctification? How is the Christian moved toward greater holiness and away from sin? In this sermon on Romans 8:12–13 titled “A Call for Action,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that Paul has been referencing the process of sanctification throughout the book of Romans but specifically addresses the theology of it in this passage. While Romans 7 is a battlefield for a Christian’s flesh and spirit, Romans 8 shows the victory that they have in Christ. While there is a war that wages in mortal bodies, God always provides a way for a Christian not to sin. A Christian is immediately released from the reign of sin by giving it over to Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that it is a matter of their own actions and Christ does the rest. If they live by the flesh, they will die by the flesh. However, if they live by the Spirit, they are able to continually mortify their flesh and give it over to Christ. Paul is phrasing this using the present tense, meaning that this is a process where one must continually be active. Christians can rejoice that they are no longer under the obligation of the flesh and that Christ has given the Holy Spirit as their helper.
What is the nature of sanctification? In this sermon on John 1:16 titled “Strangers and Pilgrims,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tells that sanctification is essential to all Christians. It is not a result of legalism, but of living according to the gospel. The great truth is that Jesus died for sinners and that the Holy Spirit came into the world to give new life. Though all are born in sin, no one is beyond the grace and power of God. There is no sinner so dark that they cannot be made a child of God. As the gospel says, Christians flee worldliness and immorality because they are new creatures in Christ. Christians are called to flee sin and the flesh and to put to death all immorality not in order to be saved, but because they have been saved. There is no place for legalism in the Christian life, but it is the gospel that compels toward holiness. For those that sow in the flesh reap according to the flesh, but those that sow according to the Spirit reap according to the Spirit. The sermon asks: “what are you sowing? Are you trusting in God and in His gospel, or are you still trusting the flesh?” There is no more important question one can ask.
Critics sometimes claim that the Holy Spirit does violence against human will when He leads people to salvation. Since the apostle Paul teaches that the assurance of adoption is based upon this sovereign work of the Spirit, is it then true that the Spirit is culpable of such violence? In this sermon from Romans 8:14 titled “Leading and Guidance,” the answer given by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is a resounding no. By parsing out the language of the Scriptures, he demonstrates that the Spirit’s leading is not a violent power, but a persuasive power. Moreover, the guidance of the Spirit cannot be segregated from the testimony of truth found in the Scriptures. The Spirit’s work of leading and guiding in sanctification is then directly tied to both the Bible and the saving work of Jesus Christ. Regardless of what any person may say about a vision or an experience, if the teaching cannot be found or reconciled with the Scriptures, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that it is a false teaching. Romans 8:14 is a brilliant passage on the assurance of standing as children of God and the sovereign leading of the Spirit. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds the implications of the Spirit’s work for the Christian life.
Is revival possible without the teaching and preaching of doctrinal truths? Can there be a revival in the presence of defective orthodoxy? In this sermon on Genesis 26:17–18 titled “Revival Sermon: Defective Orthodoxy,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones denies any possibility of revival without the presence of right doctrine. Listen as he expounds upon the hindrances and obstacles of revival, the failure expected without respect of doctrines such as the Holy Spirit, justification by faith alone, regeneration, the church, and the sovereignty of God. “These doctrines are bare essentials, and without them I see that we have no right at all to pray for or expect the influence and the demonstration of the Holy Spirit of God.” Christians must remember that one can be orthodox but dead if they believe doctrine is an end to itself. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also points out the increase of entertainment, programs, and advertisements among the church that should not be there. He even addresses the overemphasis put on singing that is permeating many churches today. The church must also beware of being right in doctrine and orthodoxy, but wrong in the Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches here about the behaviors and actions that must be thrown out in order to avoid this.
All worship that is truly Christian must have its final focus in the person and work of Christ Jesus the Son of God. In this sermon on singing from Ephesians 5:19 titled “Singing to the Lord,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones states that all who are truly Christians have been united to Christ and are beneficiaries of His death and resurrection by the regenerating and transforming power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in all who believe the gospel. It is only by the Spirit that any can come to a true and saving knowledge of Jesus and partake in the new life that He has provided in His death. Not only this, but Jesus Christ intercedes for all who believe interceding between people and God. Furthermore, Jesus Christ is the great prophet who reveals God and His will for the world. He serves as the final revelation of who God is and what He has done in His Son and through His Holy Spirit. This great person and work of Christ is the center of all Christianity, but this is the very heart of all true Christian worship. For the majesty and glory of Christ should compel and inspire all the children of God to sing and proclaim the praises of God now and forever.
How does one come to enjoy spiritual blessings? What are the spiritual blessings in Ephesians 1? In this sermon on Ephesians 1:3 titled “All Spiritual Blessings…,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on two themes. He insists that the Christian only enjoys blessings through Christ. While acknowledging God gives common grace to everyone, the Holy Spirit gives unique grace that only Christians enjoy. Dr. Lloyd-Jones connects Paul’s words in Ephesians to his other letter to the Colossians (1:19; 2:3), showing the absolute necessity of going to God through Christ, the mediator. A second blessing Christians enjoy through Christ is that His grace flows through the Holy Spirit. The sovereign work of the Spirit quickens, convicts, enables, and keeps the Christian. Dr. Lloyd-Jones recaptures the “other-worldly” nature of the Christian’s blessings by criticizing movements that insist that blessings are of this world. The Christian, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, does not deny or despise the world, but this is different from setting their affections upon it. If they do not keep an appropriate distance, they forget that this is a fallen world and that their citizenship is in heaven.
Revival is conceived through the prayers of one who is burdened. Continuing the examination of where revival comes from, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that there are intermediate steps that are common before a revival begins. This begins with prayer. In this sermon on Exodus 33:12–17 titled “Revival Sermon: Preparatory Stages of Revival,” he explains three stages of prayer. This prayer toward revival begins with a longing for separation. As God used the intercession of Moses on behalf of rebellious Israel, it is explained that revival is initiated with the prayers of just one person. This one person feels a great burden for the people of God and wants to do something about it. He prays for holiness and separation from the ways of the world. There is a concern to be holy. This leads to an incredible assurance of God. Prayer turns from dread to delight as God promises His presence among the people. The praying church and individual then grow in expectancy, looking for and expecting change that only the Holy Spirit can bring. This change is not managed by people but by the sovereign Spirit of God. If the listener is burdened for the church in this world, Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages that revival begins with the prayers of one.
What are some characteristics of a true Christian? In this sermon on Romans 8:5–8 titled “Controlled by the Spirit,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is adamant that Paul is contrasting a Christian and a non-Christian and outlines several key points that should set a Christian apart. Paul’s primary object is to establish the final certainty for all who are in Christ. A Christian is one who is habitually dominated by the Holy Spirit and minds things of the Spirit, which is not something done out of duty. They also do not set their mind on religion, religious phenomena, or theology. Rather, they are fully committed and guided by the Spirit. A true Christian is concerned about themselves as a soul first and foremost. This means that their identity is in Christ and His work of salvation, not in a person’s human identity, career, family, or hobby. A Christian is also aware of their own sinfulness and concerned about the state of this world. These traits and more show someone who is guided by the Spirit as a true Christian.
As Christians consider controversial topics such as predestination and election, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds that one must beware of their prejudices. Christians have to keep their minds open to understand what the apostle Paul actually says and teaches, even if at the end they do not agree with him. In light of this reminder, Dr. Lloyd-Jones presses into the topic of predestination and argues that God has marked out His people for His particular purpose and end. Taking it a step further, he asks why does the “call” come as the middle link in Paul’s great chain in redemption? Why must it come before justification? He shares that it is because justification is by faith alone and God’s effectual call of the Christian must come before or there would be no movement of the person to trust in Christ. Were it not for the power of the Holy Spirit in calling the person to the Lord Jesus Christ, states Dr. Lloyd-Jones, no one would ever believe the gospel. He then elaborates the work of the Spirit by providing biblical evidence on the nature and character of the doctrine of the effectual call of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones answers several practical objections to this sovereign work of the Spirit. Listen to this sermon on Romans 8:28–30 titled “Calling: the Middle Link” as he gives insight to what he calls the “middle link” – the effectual call of the Holy Spirit.
When does the believer receive the Holy Spirit? Is it at the moment of adoption into the body of Christ through faith or is it sometime later? Often after accepting the gift of salvation, one may not feel the flooding nature of spiritual baptism. Others may feel the Spirit immediately. In this sermon on Romans 8:16 titled “Faith and Experience,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones comments on this phenomenon in this message of assurance and unity. The sermon also surveys other examples in the New Testament where the Spirit is received. He provides context into the sealing of the Spirit, as well as context into the translation of the word. He answers the question: Who baptizes with the Spirit? Dr. Lloyd-Jones elaborates on what rights a believer has, both before and after receiving the Spirit. He delves into the wide scope of Puritan writers, as well as other Christian perspectives, concerning this theological argument in order to further expand this topic and solidify its interpretation. Listen as the power of the Spirit is unraveled and opened to the believer in its ability to unify the church body of Christ across its many differences to do His good work in the world.
While the spirit of bondage and fear is a work of the Holy Spirit, it has a specific and limited role in the life of the Christian. It is to awaken the person to their desperate condition. However, as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues in this sermon on Romans 8:15 titled “Freedom from Fear,” the spirit of bondage and fear cannot coexist with the spirit of adoption. The former is always replaced by the latter. But how can Dr. Lloyd-Jones claim this when the New Testament has much to say about fear in the Christian life? Are there not numerous examples where Christians experience what could be called a spirit of bondage and fear? Are these examples that prove the spirit of adoption does not replace the spirit of fear? Dr. Lloyd-Jones walks through objections to his understanding of the apostle Paul, detailing how his understanding of Romans 8:15 is compatible with the rest of Scripture. In so doing, he engages a number of pastorally pressing concerns such as depression in the Christian life, demonic aggression against believers, and the Scriptures in counseling. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones hits on a wide-range of topics in this fascinating teaching on Romans 8:15.
How is one to face the problem of evangelism? Listen to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones as he preached this sermon on Acts 5:32 titled “Witness in the Power of the Spirit,” onboard the OM ship Doulos on September 18, 1978. The church is fighting for life amidst pagan countries. Be certain of the authority of God and not humanity, and replace the fear of humanity with the fear of God. Learn of the two elements that are absolutely necessary for witness. One can be perfectly orthodox and yet still dead. There is great danger in taking the Spirit without the Bible and apostolic witness. Hear of the baptism of the Spirit and the transformation of Peter. To what does the Spirit bear witness? Is it to Himself, humanity, gifts, or something else? He was sent for one great purpose. Learn of one test to know whether a person has been filled with Spirit: do they point to Christ? There is great danger in living off other people’s experiences. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the true understanding of a revival. This is not something that can be announced and planned for: it is the falling of the Holy Spirit upon people in great power.
According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, every Christian is a part of “something more”—the church. This church is described as a “temple” in Ephesians 2:21. In this sermon on Ephesians 2:20–22 titled “The Growth of the Church,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones dives deeper into this illustration given by Paul and helps the Christian understand the privilege and responsibility that comes with being a part of the church. He notes that in temple construction the stones would be hewn before they were brought to the temple structure and from this he draws several principles. One, there is work done by the Holy Spirit prior to entrance to the church—the Holy Spirit saves the soul. Each Christian has been fashioned spiritually by God and in a way that won’t make sense to the watching world. According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, this is not because Christianity is irrational but because it is supra-rational. Also, the church is not simply a group of stones thrown together but a group of stones fashioned together by the builder. The church consists of believers and Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that God is not interested in a big church, but a holy church. He’s not interested in how many are on the church rolls, but how many “believe right doctrine and live accordingly.”
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