The Leading of the Spirit
A Sermon on John 1:12-13
Originally preached March 3, 1963
Scripture
12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Sermon Description
How does one know that they are born of God? How do they know if they are walking by the flesh or by the Spirit? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the Christian’s lack of assurance in John 1:12–13 by discussing the leading of the Holy Spirit in the daily life of the Christian and connects the Christian’s conscience and convictions to the inner work and leading of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, he addresses the grave error of antinomianism and religious traditionalism for the Christian. He also addresses if a Christian should abstain from certain foods or practices for the season of Lent and confronting a religiosity that embraces the “leading of the Spirit” apart from the Word of God, considering that the Spirit is instrumental in the illumination of the Word and the renewing of the Christian’s mind. Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides this as a test for the Christian who lacks assurance: “Does your conscience allow you to return to sin again and again or does it rebuke you and draw you further and further into a holy life and practical love for God?” Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses these and other issues surrounding what it means to be led by the Spirit of God and know what it is to be born of God.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon examines what it means to be led by the Spirit through looking at our relationship to the Spirit.
- Being led by the Spirit is one of the most practical tests of being a Christian. It shows that we have truly been born again.
- The leading of the Spirit is constant and continuous in the life of a Christian. It is not confined to certain times of the year or periods.
- The leading of the Spirit is not mechanical or imposed. It does not mean rigidly following a set of rules. Rather, it means realizing our identity in Christ and living out the implications.
- The first evidence of being led by the Spirit is recognizing God working in us, even against our own desires, to will and to do His good pleasure.
- The Spirit leads us to self-examination. We become dissatisfied with ourselves and desire to be conformed to Christ. We are afraid of being superficial or "Laodicean."
- The Spirit leads to breathings after holiness - a longing for heart purity and righteousness. Our desire for holiness becomes greater than our desire for happiness.
- The Spirit leads to an increasing sensitivity to temptation and sin. We become grieved not just by sin we have committed but by its very approach.
Sermon Q&A
Understanding Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Teaching on Being Children of God
What is the primary focus of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon on John 1:12-13?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on how believers can know with certainty that they are children of God. He explains that the ultimate purpose of the incarnation was "that we who believe in him should be made the children or the sons of God." His sermon examines practical tests by which Christians can verify their salvation, particularly focusing on their relationship with the Holy Spirit and how this manifests in daily conduct and behavior.
According to Lloyd-Jones, what does it truly mean to be a Christian?
According to Lloyd-Jones, being a Christian is not merely being a good or moral person who likes Jesus' teaching. Rather, a true Christian is "a man who is born again, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of men, but of God." He emphasizes that true Christianity involves a supernatural transformation where one becomes a child of God through spiritual rebirth, not through human effort, heritage, or decision.
What is the danger of antinomianism that Lloyd-Jones warns against?
Lloyd-Jones defines antinomianism as the dangerous idea that "now we are saved and we're eternally safe and saved. Therefore, it doesn't matter what I do." He warns against the fallacy that being free from the law means a believer can live however they please. He emphasizes that this misunderstands justification by faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, stating, "We are dead to sin and we must no longer walk therein." True faith will always manifest in changed conduct.
How does Lloyd-Jones explain the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Word of God?
Lloyd-Jones warns against separating the Holy Spirit from the Word of God. He states that "the spirit guides through the word" which is "his customary way of leading us." He cautions against those who claim direct guidance from the Spirit apart from Scripture, noting this makes one vulnerable to subjective errors. He explains that it was the Holy Spirit who "indicted" (inspired) the Word, and now illuminates that same Word to guide believers.
What test does Lloyd-Jones provide regarding holiness versus happiness?
Lloyd-Jones offers this powerful test: "If you've got a greater desire to be holy than to be happy, you, my dear friend, are being led by the spirit of God." He suggests that a true believer will value holiness over personal happiness and will even be willing to embrace suffering if it makes them more holy. He says, "The moment you can say that holiness is to you more important than happiness, you are a child of God and you are being led by the spirit."
What does Lloyd-Jones mean when he speaks about "God working in us"?
Based on Philippians 2:12-13, Lloyd-Jones explains that God works in believers "both to will and to do" through the Holy Spirit. This divine work often manifests as an internal conviction that disturbs believers when they sin or drift from God. He describes it as God "pulling you back, disturbing you" when you try to enjoy sin, noting that the Christian "won't be allowed to sin with impunity." This internal work is evidence of being led by the Spirit.
How does self-examination function as evidence of being led by the Spirit?
Lloyd-Jones teaches that "the spirit always leads us to self-examination" and that a person truly led by the Spirit "is never glib, never feels that he or she is complete." He contrasts this with superficial Christianity that reduces faith to a mere decision. The Spirit-led believer regularly examines themselves, fears becoming like the Laodicean church (lukewarm), and never assumes their salvation without testing the evidence in their lives, as commanded in 2 Corinthians 13:5.
What distinguishes Christian ethics from merely philosophical morality?
Lloyd-Jones explains that Christian ethics differ from philosophical morality in that Christian conduct must be "the outcome of our doctrine." Rather than merely following imposed rules or regulations, Christian behavior flows from understanding who we are in Christ. He states: "If our conduct is not the outcome of our doctrine, if our behavior is not dictated to us by the fact that we realize who and what we are as the children of God and in Christ, then it is not New Testament ethics and morality."
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.