Understanding Nathaniel's Response to Philip's Testimony: Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Insights

What can we learn about spiritual discernment from Nathaniel's encounter with Jesus?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Nathaniel's encounter with Jesus teaches us crucial principles about spiritual discernment. Nathaniel wasn't guilty of credulity (blindly accepting Philip's testimony) nor of prejudice (rejecting it outright). Instead, he applied critical thinking by questioning "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" while remaining open to investigation. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Nathaniel "tests it by the scripture" while still being "prepared to listen further." This balanced approach—using Scripture as the standard while maintaining openness—demonstrates proper spiritual discernment that avoids both fanaticism and quenching the Spirit.

How does Lloyd-Jones describe the character of Nathaniel that pleased Jesus?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones highlights two key aspects of Nathaniel's character that pleased Jesus. First, he was "without guile"—sincere, honest, without hypocrisy. Lloyd-Jones states, "This is something that always wins the commendation of our Lord." Second, Nathaniel was genuinely concerned about spiritual matters, as evidenced by his time under the fig tree where he meditated, studied Scripture, and prayed. Lloyd-Jones notes, "Our Lord likes a man who really has a living concern about these things, to whom his religion is not something that he carries in a bag, as it were, picks it up on a Sunday morning, puts it down."

What are the dangers in reacting to others' spiritual testimonies according to the sermon?

According to Lloyd-Jones, there are two dangerous extremes in reacting to others' spiritual testimonies. The first is uncritical credulity—"There are people who are ready to believe anything and to rush into it." The second is blind prejudice—people who "seem to be waiting to turn things down" and "condemn a man on a phrase, on a word." Lloyd-Jones warns both attitudes are "equally bad and equally wrong." The right approach, exemplified by Nathaniel, is maintaining an open mind while exercising critical evaluation, particularly by testing experiences against Scripture.

How does Lloyd-Jones explain the significance of Jesus' statement "before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you"?

Lloyd-Jones interprets this statement as powerful evidence of Christ's divine knowledge and personal care. It revealed to Nathaniel that Jesus knew him directly and intimately, not through secondary information. This demonstrates Christ's omniscience and personal interest in individuals. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the encouragement this brings: "He knows all about your desires. He knows about your heartaches. He knows about your longings... My friend, you feel discouraged... Don't, I say. He knows all about it." This personal knowledge of Christ is "the whole glory of salvation."

What does Lloyd-Jones teach about the role of motive in seeking spiritual experiences?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that motive is "all important" when seeking spiritual experiences. He warns against coveting experiences merely for personal enjoyment or validation, quoting James 4:3, "You ask and receive not because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts." The proper motive is captured in the Beatitude "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that without proper motives, there is "no point in praying or agonizing or attending meetings." True spiritual blessing comes to those who sincerely desire righteousness rather than merely seeking thrills or experiences.