They Glorified God
A Sermon on Galatians 1:21-24
Originally preached Oct. 3, 1954
Scripture
21Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24And …
Sermon Description
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones opens his sermon by reading from Galatians 1:21-24. Within, Paul addresses the early church, giving a brief overstory of his life, explaining how he used to persecute the church. But after his conversion, when Christians saw him preaching the faith he sought to destroy, they glorified God. This personal history Paul gives, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, is important for many reasons. Firstly, it gives an account of a great historical mover. Even secular thought cannot deny the influence of Paul. But secondly, Paul’s account reveals the power of Christ in a person’s life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points back to perilous moments in Paul’s life, the times he was incarcerated or beaten. But he did not turn from the faith. He praised God, from whom he drew his strength. This is how the Gospel can change a person’s life, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says. Christianity is more than a religion of morals. True Christianity changes a person. He or she becomes a new creation. The early church saw this within Paul, and they praised God for it. Dr. Lloyd-Jones closes his sermon by offering this life changing Gospel. For it is through the Good News that men and women understand Christ’s love and lasting peace.
Sermon Breakdown
- The conversion of Paul was one of the most important events in human history.
- Paul was one of the greatest men who ever lived, as evidenced by his influence and impact.
- Paul's life demonstrates what is possible for all Christians. His joy, peace, and mastery over life and death can be experienced by all believers.
- Paul's transformation was the result of God dealing with him and intervening in his life. God deals with all who become Christians.
- Paul's conversion resulted in a complete change in his life. He went from persecuting Christians to preaching the faith he once destroyed. There is no "in between" - you are either a Christian or not.
- Paul's new life was dominated and controlled by his faith. Christianity is not something you pick up and put down. It controls your thinking, behavior, and all of life.
- Paul's change was evident to others. When God gives someone new life, it is obvious and evident to all.
- Paul's transformation was the result of a new attitude toward the Christian faith. He went from hating and persecuting the faith to preaching it.
- The Christian faith proclaims that Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that we can have eternal life through faith in him.
- We must have the same response to the faith as Paul - belief and obedience. Otherwise we remain in our sins, outside of God's blessing.
Sermon Q&A
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Questions on the Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
What made the Apostle Paul's conversion one of the most important events in human history?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Paul's conversion was one of the most important events in human history because of the profound influence he had on civilization. His missionary journeys led to the planting of Christian churches throughout Asia and Europe, which became one of the greatest factors in the history of civilization. Even secular societies recognize Paul as one of the "master minds of the world" due to the tremendous impact his teaching had on society and mankind as a whole.
What qualities did Paul demonstrate as a Christian that made his life so remarkable?
Paul demonstrated extraordinary zeal and energy in his evangelistic work, traveling day and night, suffering shipwrecks and hardships. He showed remarkable humility despite his prominent position. He displayed infectious joy and happiness even in the most difficult circumstances, like singing praises to God at midnight while imprisoned. Perhaps most impressively, he demonstrated a complete mastery over life's circumstances - he was content in all situations and was not defeated by life as most people are. He faced death without fear, considering it "gain."
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, what is the fundamental misunderstanding many people have about Christianity?
The fundamental misunderstanding is thinking that Christianity is something we choose to take up, rather than something that takes us up. Many people mistakenly believe Christianity is just an occasional church attendance or a religious interest that can be picked up or put down at will. They think it's about joining a church or adding something to their existing life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that true Christianity is about God dealing with us, intervening in our lives, and completely transforming us from the inside out.
What are the essential elements of true conversion according to this sermon?
According to the sermon, true conversion involves: 1. God dealing with us and intervening in our life - "Christianity is not something that you and I take up. It is something that takes us up." 2. A complete change in the entire person - mind, heart, and will 3. Being dominated and controlled by the new life - "You don't manipulate it, it manipulates you" 4. A visible change that others can see - "when a man becomes a Christian, everybody knows it" 5. A new attitude toward the Christian faith - embracing the gospel of Christ's sacrifice for our sins
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones distinguish between the dramatic aspects of Paul's conversion and what is essential for all conversions?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones clarifies that while Paul's conversion was dramatically spectacular (seeing the risen Lord on the Damascus road), these dramatic elements are not essential to all conversions. The details and emotional intensity of conversion experiences may vary greatly among Christians. What is essential is not the drama but the principle - that God deals with a person, completely changes them, and gives them new life. The external circumstances may differ, but the fundamental transformation of the person remains consistent in all true conversions.
What does Lloyd-Jones say is the defining characteristic of the Christian according to Paul's experience?
The defining characteristic is that the Christian is controlled and dominated by the new life they've received. As Lloyd-Jones states, "Christianity is not something that you take up and put down at will." Using Paul as the example, he explains that Paul was constrained by Christ's love - "I'm not controlling myself... I can't help myself." This new life in Christ becomes the controlling factor in the Christian's thoughts, decisions, and actions. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that "there is no value in a Christian profession unless your life is controlled by it."
How does the sermon describe the central content of "the faith" that Paul came to preach?
"The faith" that Paul came to preach centered on Christ's atoning sacrifice. As Lloyd-Jones describes it: "That no man can save himself or make himself acceptable in the sight of God, but that God has sent his only son into the world to redeem us. And he came and suffered our death and our penalty, and was buried and rose again and revealed himself and sent his holy spirit that you and I might be forgiven, that we might have this new life, that Christ might come and change us." The central content is that salvation comes not through our works but through Christ's sacrifice for our sins.
Face to Face with Christ
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.