Called By God Through the Gospel
A Sermon on Galatians 1:6-9
Scripture
6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But though we, or an angel from heaven, …
Sermon Description
What is the Gospel? Paul was forced to defend and expound the Gospel of grace alone in Galatians 1:6-9 because there were those that were preaching a different 'gospel.' Paul says that Christians are those that have been called by God out of the world of sin and evil into the new life of Christ. All those that are called by God will come to Him and they will persevere. While many will hear the Gospel, only those that God effectually calls will come to Him and be saved. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how this doctrine has great practical significance. It shows us that salvation is a matter of grace, no one can come to God until he enlightens them and draws them to himself. This sermon forces us all to asks ourselves, am I trusting in Jesus? Am I resting in God’s grace alone? The Gospel that Paul defends is one of grace and peace. Only the Gospel of grace can transform us and bring us into a loving relationship with God.
Sermon Breakdown
- The gospel offers wonderful things: forgiveness of sins, reconciliation to God, new life, adoption as children of God.
- How can we obtain these blessings? By faith alone, not by works. We are justified by faith.
-
But how can we know we have faith and are justified? There are tests:
-
We have been called by God. This is an effectual call that leads to belief, not just hearing the general call of the gospel. It is powerful, personal, illuminating, and compelling. Have you felt God's power and heard his personal call?
-
We have received the gospel message. This means being persuaded of its truth, convicted of our sin, repentant, and believing in Christ. Have you understood the gospel, repented of your sin, and trusted in Christ?
-
We have been moved to action by the gospel. Though works don't save us, true faith produces works. Have you thanked God for salvation? Forsaken the world? Surrendered to God? Been determined to live for his glory? Shared the gospel with others?
-
Examine yourself to see if you have these marks of true faith. Have you been called, received the gospel, and been moved to action? Your eternal destiny hangs on this.
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.