Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 12:1-2

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the real meaning of the word "conformed" in Romans 12:2?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the word "conformed" means "the act of an individual assuming an outward expression that does not come from within him and which is not representative of his inner heart life." He emphasizes that this definition comes from lexicographers (authorities on word meanings). He illustrates this using Philippians 2, where the same word is used regarding Christ's incarnation - Christ took on the likeness or form of a servant, assuming an outward appearance that wasn't expressing His divine nature. For Christians, being conformed to the world means putting on an appearance that doesn't represent our true, transformed nature in Christ.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast the words "conformed" and "transformed" in the sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that while "conformed" means assuming an outward expression that doesn't reflect your inner nature, "transformed" means "the act of a person changing his outward expression from that which he has to a different one - an expression which comes from and is expressive of his inner being." He illustrates this with Christ's transfiguration in Matthew 17, where Jesus' divine nature shone through His human appearance. The two words represent opposite concepts: conformation is putting on a mask that hides your true nature, while transformation is allowing your true inner nature to be expressed outwardly.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the fundamental mistake Christians make when trying to deal with sin?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies that Christians often make the fundamental mistake of starting with particular sins or behaviors rather than starting with their whole new identity in Christ. He says, "People come and give the impression, if only I could deal with this particular temptation, if only I could get rid of this particular sin, that all would then be well. But it wouldn't, of course." He emphasizes that trying to tackle sins individually is a piecemeal approach that belongs to morality, not Christianity. Instead, Christians must start by renewing their minds and understanding who they are as new creations in Christ. The particular sins will be addressed naturally as the whole person is transformed.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the relationship between thinking and behavior in Christian sanctification?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes thinking as the controlling factor in behavior. He states, "As a man thinks, so he is, so he does." The transformation of a Christian comes through "the renewing of your mind" - changing how we think before changing how we act. He says, "You start by a new way of thinking. And when you think in a new way, you'll act in a new way. Don't start with your acting. Start with your thinking." This is what he calls "the strategy of the indirect approach" - rather than directly confronting behavior problems, Christianity transforms the mind first, which then naturally changes behavior.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean by "the spirit of the mind" that needs to be renewed?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that "the spirit of the mind" (from Ephesians 4:23) refers not to the mind itself as an instrument or faculty, but to the controlling principle behind it. He says, "The mind as such is rarely just an instrument... What needs to be changed is not the apparatus, is not the instrument. What needs to be changed is the spirit of the mind." He clarifies that when someone becomes a Christian, they don't receive new mental faculties or abilities, but rather "a new disposition" or "a new controlling principle" that directs how those faculties are used. The "spirit of the mind" is "that essence, that ultimate power of control which determines everything else."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones distinguish between Christianity and mere morality?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones distinguishes Christianity from mere morality by saying that morality is concerned only with behavior and reformation of behavior, while Christianity demands "not a reformation of behavior, but a transformation of character." He states that in moral systems, behavior is the starting point, while in Christianity, behavior is "an end product." Christianity starts with the whole person, not with particular actions. Moral systems approach problems directly, while Christianity uses "the strategy of the indirect approach." The essential difference is that Christianity requires regeneration - being born again - because the problem isn't just what we do but who we are at our core.

What illustration does Dr. Lloyd-Jones use to explain how Christians should approach overcoming temptation?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones uses the illustration of jumping over a hurdle. He explains that you don't overcome a hurdle by walking up to it and trying to elevate yourself over it directly. Instead, "the higher it is, the longer will be the run you take before you get over it." You go a long way back, turn your back on the hurdle as if you've forgotten about it, then when you've gone a great distance, turn around and run with all your might to vault over it. This illustrates how Christians shouldn't focus directly on their temptations but should first go back to understand the whole truth about themselves in Christ, then approach their problems from that perspective.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the "whole secret of sanctification"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies that "the whole secret of sanctification is found in this phrase, 'be transformed by the renewing of your mind.'" He explains that sanctification begins not with conduct but with understanding who we are as Christians and letting our transformed inner nature express itself outwardly. He states that this renewal of the mind is "a continuous process" that involves training our minds "to think correctly in the new way." The secret is not trying to modify our behavior but allowing our new identity in Christ to shine through by thinking differently about God, ourselves, and the world.