Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 8:14

What does it mean to be a son of God according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, being a son of God involves several key aspects. First, it means we have been adopted into God's family and have been born again with a new nature. It involves a similarity or likeness to God in mind, outlook, and behavior. He emphasizes that sonship means God has a special, particular love for believers that differs from His general benevolence toward all humanity. As sons, we enjoy God's special interest, His planning for our future glory, His protection, His provision, and His readiness to hear our prayers. Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that this sonship is not universal but is specifically for those who are led by the Spirit of God.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the way Christians are "led by the Spirit of God"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that being "led by the Spirit" is a continuous, passive process where believers are directed by the Holy Spirit. He is careful to clarify that "led" does not mean "forced" or "driven." Rather, the Spirit leads through persuasion, not against our will or by brute force. He contrasts this with Psalm 32:8-9, where God says He will guide with His eye, not with bit and bridle like a horse or mule. The Spirit leads by speaking to us, persuading us, and guiding us along the path to our heavenly Canaan. This leading is similar to how God led Israel through the wilderness with the cloud and pillar of fire, but now it's spiritual rather than physical guidance.

What is the difference between how a Christian is led versus a non-Christian according to the sermon?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, non-Christians at the lowest level are guided merely by their own desires, impulses, lusts, and passions. Others are guided by "the mind of the world," simply following what everyone else does without thinking for themselves. Some non-Christians at their best are led by their own reason and common sense, but never anything higher. In contrast, Christians are led and guided by the Holy Spirit of God. While Christians aren't perfect, the main tendency and direction of their lives is dictated by the Holy Spirit. The distinguishing mark is not perfection but the governing principle of one's life - for the Christian, it's the Spirit's leading rather than self-direction or worldly influence.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggest we approach God in prayer based on our sonship?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that our sonship transforms how we approach God in prayer. Because we are God's children, we should come to Him with childlike confidence and simplicity rather than with craven fear or uncertainty. While we should maintain reverence and godly fear, we should also approach with boldness, knowing we have access to the Father. He warns against cold, formal prayers, suggesting they don't reflect true understanding of our relationship with God. He says, "We have passed from judgment into life. We are the children of God," and therefore we can come "boldly with confidence and assurance unto the throne of grace." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that God is more ready to give than we are to receive, and knows what we need before we ask.

What is the purpose of God's chastisement of His children according to the sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that God's chastisement of His children is part of His fatherly care and is always for our benefit, not for His pleasure in punishing us. Referencing Hebrews 12:6-10, he states that God chastises us "for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness." The purpose is our sanctification and preparation for glory. While we may not like chastisement at the time (just as natural children don't like discipline), we should understand that God puts us through these experiences to prepare us for the glory He has awaiting us. Lloyd-Jones encourages believers to see even in "moments and days, perhaps years of chastisement, the loving hand of God upon us," and to turn our times of pain into occasions that give us assurance of our relationship to our Father.