Testing the Spirits (1)
A Sermon on John 1:26-33
Originally preached Feb. 14, 1965
Scripture
26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where …
Sermon Description
What does one do if confronted with miraculous spiritual events? In this exposition of John 1:26–33 by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones titled “Testing of the Spirits (1),” he begins the discussion of how to process and test the spirits. First, Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that, throughout history, revival (which he deems as “many people being baptized in the Holy Spirit”) may or may not be accompanied by miraculous gifts, and is actually more often than not lacking these miraculous occurrences. However, in light of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes several errors. First, some people say that the baptism always has to be accompanied by the miraculous gifts, but it is arrogant to say the Holy Spirit has to work that way. Next, there are those who deny the miraculous gifts and quench the Spirit. This, too, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is unbiblical. Lastly, there are those who accept all things without testing anything, which Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues can be dangerous. The Christian must accept and test. In light of this, Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that they must not rely solely on feelings, nor the credibility of people, but should examine what is being taught. The Christian must not be surprised if Satan attacks those closest to the Lord.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon is focused on the doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts.
- The sermon opens by examining John 1:26 and 33 which discuss Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit.
- The sermon then discusses how some dismiss spiritual gifts as only for the early church while others say they should always be present. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says both views are unscriptural.
- Spiritual gifts are under the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit - they may or may not be given. We should be open to them but not expect them always.
- Revivals are outpourings of the Spirit and often involve spiritual gifts. While gifts are possible in revivals, they are not always present. This shows baptism of the Spirit and gifts are distinct.
- There are two dangers: quenching the Spirit by dismissing gifts and uncritical acceptance of claimed gifts. We must avoid extremes.
- We must not accept every claimed gift uncritically. Scripture and church history warn us evil spirits can counterfeit gifts. We must "test the spirits."
- Examples of counterfeited gifts include: the magicians in Egypt, claimed miracles in the Roman Catholic church, the French Prophets movement, Irvingism, and various cults.
- Evidence from spiritism and psychology shows phenomena like tongues, healings, etc. can be counterfeited. We must not base faith on phenomena alone.
- To test spirits, don't rely only on feelings, reports from others, or the character of people involved. Prove all things and hold fast to what is good.
Sermon Q&A
What Did Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts?
What is the relationship between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts should be distinguished as separate matters. He emphasizes: "The baptism of the spirit itself may be present in great power, and yet none of these gifts may be manifest as such." This is a crucial distinction because some people mistakenly believe that specific gifts (like speaking in tongues) must always accompany the baptism of the Spirit. Lloyd-Jones points out that this confusion can lead people who reject certain phenomena to also reject the doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Spirit altogether.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe spiritual gifts aren't always present in revivals?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones examines church history and notes that in many great revivals, certain spiritual gifts were notably absent. He references "the great revival of 1859 in Northern Ireland, 1857 in America" and "the great evangelical revival of the 18th century," observing that while these were "undoubted revivals," there was "very little by way of miracles, practically nothing by the way of gift of tongues and prophecy." This historical evidence supports his view that the baptism of the Spirit doesn't always manifest with the same gifts.
What position does Dr. Lloyd-Jones take on whether spiritual gifts continue today?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones rejects two extreme positions. First, he disagrees with those who claim spiritual gifts were "only meant for the early church" and have ceased. Second, he rejects the view that these gifts "should be permanent in the church" and that their absence shows "lack of faith." Instead, he takes a middle position that spiritual gifts are "entirely in the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit. He giveth severally to each one as he wills." Lloyd-Jones concludes they're "always possible, but we mustn't say that we should expect them always."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggest Christians should test spiritual manifestations?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns against uncritical acceptance of spiritual phenomena, citing 1 Thessalonians 5:21: "Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good." He cautions against relying solely on:
- Subjective feelings - "You must not rely upon some inner inward sense because that's the very thing the devil wants you to do."
- Emotional responses - Even if something makes you feel love toward God, as with Robert Baxter in the Irvingite movement, it can still be misleading.
- The character of those reporting experiences - "The mere fact that the report is brought to you by good people... isn't enough."
What historical examples does Dr. Lloyd-Jones use to warn about false spiritual manifestations?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones references several historical examples of questionable spiritual phenomena:
- Montanism in the second century, which violated biblical principles
- Roman Catholic reported miracles beginning in the fourth century
- The "French prophets" during the time of Whitefield and Wesley
- The Irvingite movement of the 1830s, particularly Robert Baxter's experience
- Various "freak religious sects" in 19th century America
He uses these examples to demonstrate that sincere believers can be deceived by spiritual counterfeits.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones see as the main need of the church in his time?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the church's greatest need is "the power of the Holy Ghost" and a "revival of religion." He states, "If you, my friend, as a Christian, are not concerned at this moment more than anything else with the need of the power of the Holy Ghost in the christian church, I'm afraid I don't understand your christianity." He believes this power is essential for "the proclamation of the truth with authority" in a world of moral declension.
The Book of John
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.