The Christian Life
A Sermon on Romans 12:1-2
Originally preached Oct. 15, 1965
Scripture
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove …
Sermon Description
What do doctrine and practice have to do with each other? Some Christians doubt the relevance of doctrine to the Christian life at all. For them it’s simply a matter of being ethical and moral and there is no need to understand biblical doctrine for good works. Antinomians, on the other hand, hold to doctrine but live however they please. In this sermon on Romans 12:1–2 titled “The Christian Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says “no” to both. One may claim doctrine however they wish but if it does not change their life, they have not understood the doctrine. Likewise, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, doctrine is key to Christian morals because it provides the right motivation and power to live the sanctified life in Christ Jesus. He contends in this sermon that Paul shows that motives are important and the Christian lives in view of God’s mercy. The strength to perform good works is not simply in one’s own effort but the power that comes from the Holy Spirit. If the doctrine proclaimed in evangelism does not match Christian practice, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the doctrine has been understood. If good works are not informed by doctrine, a person is not truly living the Christian life. Listen as he unpacks the key distinctive of a Christian life.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul addresses the members of the church at Rome as "brethren" showing his humility. He puts himself on the same level as ordinary Christians.
- Paul pleads and beseeches rather than commands the Romans. This shows the apostolic manner and how the church should not imitate the state.
- Paul lays down the principles which govern Christian conduct and behavior in Romans 12:1-2.
- Our conduct and behavior matter greatly in evangelism and showing the world what Christianity is.
- What really matters is not what we do but why we do it. The motives and reasons behind our actions are most important.
- There is a difference between Christian conduct and moral/ethical systems. Christian conduct has reference to God while moral systems do not.
- Some live good lives out of fear of punishment or to earn merit with God. But Christians live for God out of love and grace.
- Paul was once like those trying to earn salvation but came to see it was all "dumb and refuse". Salvation is by faith alone.
- Experiences can promote sanctification but are not sanctification itself. Sanctification is not a passive "abiding in Christ".
- Christian conduct should be the inevitable outworking and result of doctrine. It is not a mechanical obedience to rules.
- The Christian life is not an experience to be received but should be based on understanding. We should not act unintelligently.
- The Christian lives the good life not just to conform to a pattern or because others do so. We need to understand why we live as we do.
- The Christian life is the result of the doctrines of the fall, sin, justification, union with Christ, sonship, perseverance, etc.
- The Christian knows why he lives as he does and the only way to live is through the Spirit, not the law.
- Doctrine shows us why we should live the Christian life and how to live it. We need doctrine and the Spirit.
Sermon Q&A
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Christian Conduct from Romans 12:1-2
What is the primary distinction between Christian conduct and other moral systems according to Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the essential difference is not what a person does but why they do it. He states: "What really matters is not what we do. What matters is why do we do it. It's the why that matters, not the what." The motive behind the behavior is what distinguishes Christian conduct from all other moral and ethical systems. A Christian's behavior flows from understanding the doctrines of faith, while humanists and others have different motivations.
What are the non-Christian motivations for good behavior that Lloyd-Jones identifies?
Lloyd-Jones identifies several non-Christian motivations for good behavior: 1. Humanist/utilitarian reasons - doing good based on "common sense" or what benefits humanity without reference to God 2. Fear of divine punishment - following rules out of fear of God 3. Merit-building - trying to accumulate good deeds to earn salvation or divine favor 4. Mechanical obedience - following patterns without understanding why 5. Conforming to social expectations - doing what others in your circle do
What does Lloyd-Jones say the word "therefore" in Romans 12:1 signifies?
The word "therefore" signifies that Christian conduct must be the logical outworking of Christian doctrine. Lloyd-Jones explains: "Christian conduct and practice and behavior are always to be the outworking of the teaching." This "therefore" refers back to all the doctrinal teaching in the first eleven chapters of Romans - including the fall, justification by faith, union with Christ, predestination, and the final perseverance of the saints. Christian behavior is a deduction from these doctrines.
How does Lloyd-Jones describe the apostolic approach to addressing believers?
Lloyd-Jones points out that Paul addresses the Roman Christians as "brethren" and "beseeches" them rather than commanding them. This demonstrates apostolic humility - Paul puts himself on the same level as other believers despite his special calling. Lloyd-Jones contrasts this with church hierarchies where leaders "lord it over" others, saying: "When the church models her government or anything else on the state, she's violated the New Testament principle." The apostolic approach is characterized by entreaty and humility, not command and authority.
What are the misconceptions about sanctification that Lloyd-Jones refutes?
Lloyd-Jones refutes several misconceptions about sanctification: 1. That it's merely mechanical obedience to a law 2. That it's an experience to be received in a moment 3. That it's a passive "abiding in Christ" requiring no effort 4. That it can be separated from doctrine 5. That it's optional for Christians who have been justified
He argues that sanctification is the inevitable outworking of properly understood doctrine, requiring both understanding and active response.
Why does Lloyd-Jones believe the relationship between doctrine and conduct is crucial for evangelism?
Lloyd-Jones believes this relationship is crucial for evangelism because: 1. The quality of Christian living is what speaks most powerfully to non-believers 2. False evangelism separates forgiveness from transformation 3. True evangelism presents the whole doctrine including law and condemnation 4. When people understand the "why" of Christian living, they live authentically Christian lives 5. The world is watching to see if Christians "put it into practice" beyond just talk
As he states: "I believe that there is nothing more important from the standpoint of evangelism at the present time than the life lived by Christian people."
How does Lloyd-Jones test whether someone has truly understood Christian doctrine?
Lloyd-Jones offers several tests: 1. Does their conduct flow inevitably from their doctrine? 2. Do they resent or resist the New Testament's teaching on sanctification? 3. Do they find God's commandments grievous or burdensome? 4. Can they explain why they behave in a particular way as a deduction from truth? 5. Do they show evidence of being led by the Spirit?
He states: "You say, I've got the doctrine. I've got it taped. I've got it all. Have you? I'll soon tell whether you have or not... True doctrine inevitably shows itself in the life."
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.