The Effect of Christianity
A Sermon on Matthew 9:14-17
Scripture
14¶ Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 15And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, …
Sermon Description
What is it about Christianity that brings about such strong reactions from people? In this sermon on Matthew 9:14–17 titled “The Effect of Christianity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how believers and unbelievers both have strong opinions on Christianity. Some are hostile to Jesus and His claims, some want to reduce Him to a mere teacher of morality, and others claim that He is the Savior of the world. All these responses were present in the days of Jesus when some believed in Him and became His disciples, while others rejected Him and ultimately put Him to death. Jesus was opposed because He contradicted the false and hypocritical religion of the day. While many were only concerned with the outward appearances and looking good, Jesus taught that true religion was a matter of the heart. No one can make themselves holy or pure before God. That is why Jesus came to die and suffer in the place of sinners. This idea of Jesus dying for sinners is as offensive today as it was in the time of Jesus. People do not want to be told that it is only by believing upon the suffering servant that they can be saved, but it is this message of a crucified King that is the only means of salvation for all who believe.
Sermon Breakdown
- Christianity is always surprising. It shocks and staggers people.
- People think they know what Christianity is, but when they discover the truth, they are surprised.
- If Christianity has not come as a surprise, you have never known it. It is a shocking truth, especially to religious people.
- Christianity is unique. It cannot be added to anything else. It is complete in itself.
- Christianity depends entirely on Christ himself. It is a relationship to a person, not just a set of teachings.
- While Christ is present, his followers cannot mourn. Their state depends entirely on him.
- Christianity does not depend on our own activities or goodness. It is like receiving an invitation to a wedding feast. We simply accept the invitation.
- The chief characteristic of Christianity is joy, because it is a free gift of grace. We can have joy in Christ's presence.
- Christianity offers free pardon, forgiveness, new life, adoption into God's family, and an inheritance. This should lead to rejoicing.
- The test of Christianity is whether we know this joy in Christ. We should praise him for his redemption and sit at his feet.
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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.