Evangelical Unity
A Sermon on Unity
Scripture
Sermon Description
Evangelical unity is not simply a matter of associations and coalitions, but it is a based on the central doctrines of the faith. In this sermon titled “Evangelical Unity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches that unity is centered on doctrine; the doctrines of the natures of Christ, the sufficient atoning work of Christ, the doctrine of justification by faith, and the doctrine of God’s word. This is a Spirit-empowered supernatural work in the life of believers that unites them to God and to one another. The church cannot sacrifice the truth of the Christian faith and God’s word for the appearance of union, for true evangelical union is found in the non-negotiable doctrines of Christianity. Evangelicals should seek to build up the church around God’s truth as found in His word. To substitute unity in the gospel for worldly unity based on nothing more than human institutions is to compromise the truth of the Christian faith. The pursuit of evangelical union will often cause controversy and division, but this is the inevitable effect of seeking to follow God above people. Evangelicals are not to compromise the glorious truths of God’s word for the fading recognition of sinful people and the world. God commands His church to follow Him no matter the cost.
Sermon Breakdown
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones opens by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the event and notes the differences from the last time he spoke at the same venue.
- The first point of doctrine is the person of Christ - fully God and fully man. This is essential to evangelical belief and is articulated in the Nicene Creed.
- The second point of doctrine is the finished work of Christ on the cross as the only sufficient atonement for sin. Christ's sacrifice is complete and finished.
- The third point of doctrine is that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Justification is by faith, not works. This doctrine emphasizes that salvation is wholly the work of God, not man.
- The fourth point of doctrine is the ministry of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, sanctification, and governing the church. The Spirit enables prayer, preaching, and revival. The Spirit creates unity.
- The fifth point of doctrine is the inspiration and authority of Scripture. Scripture is the ultimate rule of faith and the source of knowledge about Christ and the gospel.
- True unity and fellowship are spiritual, not physical. They are not ends in themselves or comprehensiveness. They are not merely the absence of division. They are living and organic.
- Unity is created by the Spirit, not man. It is the result of the Spirit's work, not human effort or cooperation. The Spirit brings people to see their sin and need for Christ.
- To keep the unity, avoid carnality, worldliness, sin, and wrong doctrine. Defects of character and pride also damage unity.
- The greatest need is revival - when the Spirit comes in power, unity results. Pray for revival, holiness, and surrender to the Spirit.
Sermon Q&A
What is Martin Lloyd-Jones' View on Evangelical Unity and Christian Fellowship?
Based on Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones' sermon, here are answers to key questions about evangelical unity and Christian fellowship:
What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the foundations of true Christian unity?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that true Christian unity is built on doctrinal foundations. He states: "Fellowship is based upon truth of necessity." The order is critical - doctrine first, then fellowship. He references Acts where "they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, then fellowship." Lloyd-Jones insists that unity is not something we create, but something the Holy Spirit creates when people share common convictions about essential Christian truths.
How does Lloyd-Jones distinguish between true fellowship and mere association?
Lloyd-Jones makes a clear distinction between spiritual fellowship and mere physical association. He states: "Unity and fellowship are not something physical, but spiritual." He provides an example where someone might say they have more fellowship with theological liberals than with some evangelicals, to which he responds: "What you really mean by that is that you like certain liberals better than you like certain evangelicals... You're not talking about fellowship." True fellowship, in his view, is based on shared spiritual convictions, not merely enjoying someone's company.
What does Lloyd-Jones identify as common barriers to Christian unity?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies several barriers that break Christian unity: 1. "Defects of character" - pride, ambition, lack of humility 2. "Carnality" - forming factions around favorite preachers or leaders 3. "Worldliness and sin" - bringing worldly values into the church 4. "Wrong doctrine" - departing from biblical truth
He specifically mentions how pride and ambition have been "one of the most prolific causes of evangelical disunity."
What is Lloyd-Jones' view on the relationship between unity and successful evangelism?
Lloyd-Jones challenges the common assertion that unity is essential for successful evangelism. He states: "Too often I think we are being told today that unity is absolutely essential to successful evangelism... to me there's only one answer to that, and that is that it isn't true." He points to historical revivals where God worked powerfully through individuals or small groups rather than through large unified movements. He believes what is essential is not necessarily unity in the sense of large numbers, but "the power of the Holy Spirit."
What does Lloyd-Jones believe is the ultimate solution to Christian disunity?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes that "the greatest need of all at the present hour is revival." He believes that when revival comes, "there is unity in the presence of the power of the Spirit, with men seeing themselves in their sin and having a new vision of the glory of God and the beauty of Christ... Everything is forgotten, and they're one." His solution is not primarily organizational unity or cooperative action, but spiritual renewal: "It isn't to act together primarily. It is to be blended into one by the power of the Spirit."
Itinerant Preaching
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.