In the Sight of God
A Sermon on 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Scripture
1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight …
Sermon Description
In this sermon on 2 Corinthians 4:1–6 titled “In the Sight of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks of Paul’s concern to defend both his ministry and his calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ. There were those in the church at Corinth that opposed Paul and thought he had a weak presence. According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, it is important that Paul defends his apostleship as God used the apostles to give the Scriptures, and they were foundational to the early church. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, Paul is not only defending his ministry, but he is also fighting for the validity of the gospel message that confronts the world. When Paul does defend his ministry, he appeals to the calling that he received from the risen Lord. Paul makes it clear that his authority does not come from people, but from God. Therefore his message is also from God. The church would do well to look to the example of Paul who defends his message not by boasting in himself, but by boasting in Christ Jesus.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is writing to the Corinthians to address misunderstandings about his authority and message.
- Paul's concern is not for himself but for the Corinthians and the effectiveness of the church's witness.
- Paul reminds the Corinthians of his visit to them, where he came in "weakness, fear and much trembling." He was fearful not of the congregation but of obscuring the truth in some way.
- Paul did not come with "enticing words of men's wisdom" but with the simple message of "Jesus Christ and him crucified."
- Paul did not preach himself but Christ Jesus as Lord. He did not use flattery or dishonesty but plainly manifested the truth.
- Everything Paul did was "in the sight of God." This governed his behavior and message. He would have to give an account to God.
- Paul made himself the servant of the Corinthians for Jesus's sake, out of concern for their well-being. He preached the truth plainly so they would understand their need and believe the gospel.
- Paul's supreme desire was to glorify Christ. He was Christ's bondservant, and Christ was his master who directed everything in his life.
- The most important fact is that the eternal Son of God came into the world as Jesus of Nazareth. He is Lord of all and the only Savior.
- Nothing matters but knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Paul's only ambition was that people would see and know Christ and be saved by him.
- At the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- The question for all is: Have you seen Jesus Christ as Lord? Do you know him as your Savior? Nothing else matters in comparison.
Other Sermons
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.