Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on The Water Made Wine: Questions and Answers

What is the main biblical passage that Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is expounding in this sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones is preaching on John 2:9-10, the passage that describes Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee where He turned water into wine. The preacher points out that this is both a historical fact and a parable that illustrates profound spiritual truths about the Christian life and the fullness of Christ.

According to Lloyd-Jones, what is the greater purpose of Jesus' coming beyond forgiveness of sins?

According to Lloyd-Jones, Jesus came not only to teach or to procure forgiveness of sins but primarily to give us "life, more abundant life, which is life indeed." The sermon emphasizes that the goal of salvation isn't merely pardon but a positive, transformative life that allows us to partake of Christ's fullness, as John 1 states: "of his fullness have all we received, and grace upon grace."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the difference between being a Christian and experiencing the fullness of Christian life?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes a clear distinction between merely "existing" as a Christian and "enjoying" the Christian life. He compares it to the difference between "the bread and butter of the Christian life and enjoying the banquet." He even quotes Spurgeon who claimed that the difference between a Christian who knows Christ's fullness and one who doesn't is greater than the difference between that second Christian and a non-Christian altogether.

What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the primary condition needed before experiencing Christ's fullness?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that we must come to a place of complete emptiness and recognition of our desperate need. He refers to this as "a kind of wilderness experience" that precedes spiritual fullness. Like the wedding where the wine ran out, we must reach a point of exhaustion and desperation before Christ's miracle of abundance is manifested. As long as we remain self-reliant, we'll never know this fullness.

How does Lloyd-Jones critique the "take it by faith" approach to spiritual blessing?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones strongly critiques the teaching that tells people to "take it by faith" without expecting any real experiential change. He calls this approach "dangerous" because it encourages people to thank God for something they haven't actually received. He insists that when Christ truly enters and "sups with us" (Revelation 3), it's an unmistakable experience: "When you're healed, my friend, it happens and you know it. You don't take it by faith."

What qualities does Lloyd-Jones say characterize the wine of Christ's blessing compared to what the world offers?

Lloyd-Jones highlights several qualities that distinguish Christ's blessing: 1. It is pure and unmixed - unlike the world's offerings which are fraudulent 2. It is better than the world's best - "The Christian life, at its very lowest, is infinitely superior to everything that the world has got to offer" 3. It is miraculous and sudden 4. It is transformative - turning water into wine, mourning into joy 5. It is unmistakable - both to the recipient and to others who observe them

How does Lloyd-Jones describe the transformative nature of Christ's fullness in a believer's life?

He describes it as a complete transformation: "water into wine, need into profusion." He references Isaiah 61, showing how God gives "beauty for ashes," "oil of joy for mourning," and "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." He compares it to the contrast between death and life (Ephesians 2:1), and illustrates with biblical examples like the Philippian jailer and the Ethiopian eunuch who went from anguish to rejoicing.

What evidence does Lloyd-Jones say proves someone has truly received Christ's fullness?

Lloyd-Jones insists there are two clear evidences: first, the person themselves unmistakably knows it has happened - "When it's given to you, when it happens, you're not uncertain. You say, 'He's come, he's come.'" Second, everyone around them can see the change: "Not only does the recipient know, but everybody who knows him knows that he has received." This visible transformation becomes a powerful testimony that even impacts unbelievers.

Why does Lloyd-Jones believe this sermon topic is so important for Christians?

Lloyd-Jones believes this message is crucial because many Christians are settling for less than what Christ offers. They may have forgiveness but not the "celestial fruits" and "sacred sweets" of the abundant life. He preaches on the assumption that his hearers "desire to partake of this celestial fruit in greater freeness and in greater fullness," and wants to show them how this becomes possible.

How does Lloyd-Jones relate the miracle at Cana to revival in the church?

Lloyd-Jones connects the visible, transformative nature of Christ's fullness with revival, noting that true revival occurs when ordinary Christians suddenly experience Christ's presence in a powerful way that even the world can recognize. He describes people in revivals who, after seeking earnestly, would suddenly exclaim "He's come!" This visible transformation becomes a powerful evangelistic witness, as "the world is convinced by what it sees."