Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Moses and Assurance of Faith

What is the main focus of Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon on Moses and assurance?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on the importance of assurance of salvation in the Christian life. He argues that the greatest need in the church today is for Christians to be "sure and certain of their salvation and of the fact that they are the children of God." He uses Moses' example from Hebrews 11 to demonstrate how assurance of faith enables a believer to make difficult choices and face tremendous challenges.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones interpret Hebrews 11 differently than many people do?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that Hebrews 11 is often misunderstood and misused. He explains that many preachers use this chapter to exhort Christians to make sacrifices in order to receive blessings. However, he argues that this is "a complete misunderstanding and an utter misuse" of the chapter. The proper understanding is that "it was because of their faith and their assurance that these men were able to do these things." The emphasis should be on developing assurance first, which then enables sacrificial obedience.

What remarkable actions did Moses take that showed his extraordinary faith?

Moses demonstrated extraordinary faith through several key actions: 1. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, giving up royal privilege 2. He identified himself with Hebrew slaves rather than Egyptian royalty 3. He risked his life by killing an Egyptian who was abusing a Hebrew 4. He left the safe, comfortable life of a shepherd to confront Pharaoh 5. He defied Pharaoh without fear despite his naturally meek disposition 6. He kept the Passover and led the Israelites out of Egypt 7. He led the people through the Red Sea by faith

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean by "choosing" and "esteeming" in Moses' life?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Moses' actions were not based on impulse or intuition but resulted from a deliberate process of evaluation. "Choosing" and "esteeming" represent the careful calculation Moses made in weighing his options. He chose "to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" and esteemed "the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt." This reflects how Christians should evaluate life choices - through the lens of gospel truth rather than worldly values.

How did Moses obtain his assurance of faith according to the sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggests Moses obtained his assurance through several means: 1. Initially from his parents who had faith and taught him about God's people 2. Through direct divine encounters, particularly at the burning bush 3. By God speaking to him and revealing Himself directly 4. Through God giving him the covenant name "Jehovah" and explaining His purposes 5. By receiving supernatural powers to perform miracles 6. Through ongoing communion with God where "he always knew the way was open"

What was Moses certain of that enabled his extraordinary actions?

Moses was certain of several key truths: 1. God's purpose and plan of salvation 2. The coming of Christ (as evidenced by his prophecy about a coming prophet) 3. The significance of blood sacrifice for redemption 4. That the Israelites were God's people and he was one of them 5. His special calling to fulfill a function in God's plan 6. The ultimate destiny and heavenly reward of God's people 7. The character and presence of God - "he endured as seeing him who is invisible"

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones compare the assurance of Old Testament saints with New Testament believers?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that New Testament believers should have even greater assurance than Old Testament saints like Moses. He warns against thinking, "If God appeared to me in a burning bush, then I'd be able to act as Moses did." He explains that "what is offered in the New Testament is very much higher than that which is offered in the Old Testament." Because of Christ's finished work and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, believers today should experience an "infinitely higher" assurance than Moses had.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the ultimate secret to the Christian life?

The ultimate secret to the Christian life, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is "to know God, not merely to believe about God, but to know Him." He emphasizes that Christians shouldn't settle for vague, uncertain faith or "hoping against hope" but should experience the certainty that comes from personal knowledge of God. The apostle Paul exemplified this when he said, "I know whom I have believed." This knowledge of God is what enables believers to endure trials and challenges.

What warning does Dr. Lloyd-Jones give about separating the Word and the Spirit?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that "this separation of the word and the spirit is very near to blasphemy." He challenges the notion that believers should "just take it by faith and not worry about our feelings" or rely solely on the written Word. Instead, he asserts that "the spirit upon the word is meant to give us an absolute assurance" - a personal, experiential knowledge of God that goes beyond intellectual belief.