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Sermon #3139

Controlled by the Spirit

A Sermon on Romans 8:5-8

Scripture

Romans 8:5-8 ESV NASB KJV
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on …

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Sermon Description

What are some characteristics of a true Christian? In this sermon on Romans 8:5–8 titled “Controlled by the Spirit,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is adamant that Paul is contrasting a Christian and a non-Christian and outlines several key points that should set a Christian apart. Paul’s primary object is to establish the final certainty for all who are in Christ. A Christian is one who is habitually dominated by the Holy Spirit and minds things of the Spirit, which is not something done out of duty. They also do not set their mind on religion, religious phenomena, or theology. Rather, they are fully committed and guided by the Spirit. A true Christian is concerned about themselves as a soul first and foremost. This means that their identity is in Christ and His work of salvation, not in a person’s human identity, career, family, or hobby. A Christian is also aware of their own sinfulness and concerned about the state of this world. These traits and more show someone who is guided by the Spirit as a true Christian.

The Book of Romans

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.