A Little Lower than the Angels
A Sermon on Psalm 8:4
Originally preached Dec. 1, 1957
Scripture
4What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Sermon Description
The Bible tells that creation is evidence for the Creator. It shows His majesty and power. However, people have failed to see His majesty in His creation. People should be able to appreciate the beauty of creation, but instead miss seeing God’s glory in it by only seeing facts. In this sermon “A Little Lower than the Angels,” from Psalm 8:4, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks on the failure to see God in His creation, specifically His creation of humanity. He begins with the question “What is man?” to show how humanity has learned to answer this question apart from the creation of God. Some overestimate humanity, putting people above God. Others underestimate humanity, thinking of the human race as nothing of importance at all. He then moves on the biblical and right view of humanity: that it has been created in God’s image. People were made to glorify God and be in communion with Him. However, humanity turned its back on God by becoming slaves to sin, causing a distorted view of who they are. The good news is that Jesus came to save them from sin and help them become the people God created them to be in His image. He concludes by encouraging the Christian to see this truth and glorify God for it.
Sermon Breakdown
- The psalmist is describing man's insignificance in light of God's creation. He asks "What is man?" in view of the grandeur of the heavens.
- There are two mistaken views of man today:
- Man is overestimated. He is seen as a "colossus" who needs no God.
- Man is underestimated. He is seen as insignificant and determined by forces outside his control.
- The Bible presents three views of man:
- Man as he was originally created: made in God's image, with dignity and dominion over creation.
- Man as he is now: fallen, sinful, and contradictory. Though still bearing God's image, he is dominated by sin.
- Man as he can be: redeemed and restored through Christ.
- Man was originally created perfect, in God's image, with a spiritual nature, intellect, will, and moral uprightness.
- Man's fall into sin corrupted but did not destroy the image of God in him. Man is now weak, frail, and sinful, though still great.
- The world is in its present state because of man's sin. Man has brought God's curse upon himself and upon creation.
- God sent His Son to redeem man and restore him to his original state. Christ, though divine, became man so that man could be remade through Him.
- Christ came to forgive our sins, give us new life, make us God's children, and make us heirs of the new creation.
- Those who receive Christ's work will inherit the new creation. Those who reject Him will perish with this present world under God's judgment.
- We must ask ourselves whether we know God's care, whether Christ has visited us, and whether we have received new life in Him. Our eternal destiny hangs on our answer.
Sermon Q&A
What Does Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About Human Nature in Psalm 8?
What is the central question that Psalm 8 asks according to Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Psalm 8 asks the central question, "What is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou visitest him?" This question about human identity and significance has become particularly relevant in the modern age where scientific discoveries about the vastness of space have caused people to reconsider humanity's place in the universe. Lloyd-Jones believes this question is the most urgent one we should be asking as we contemplate scientific advancements.
How does Lloyd-Jones contrast the scientific worldview with the biblical view of humanity?
Lloyd-Jones contrasts two approaches: the purely scientific outlook sees only "brute facts" when looking at the universe, missing the immaterial, spiritual dimensions. He cites Charles Darwin's autobiography, noting how Darwin lost his appreciation for beauty, music, and poetry through his concentrated focus on material facts. The biblical view, however, sees both God and human significance when contemplating the heavens. Lloyd-Jones doesn't denounce scientific study itself but warns against "the exaltation of the scientific method into a philosophy of life" that excludes spiritual realities.
What are the two contradictory modern views of humanity that Lloyd-Jones identifies?
Lloyd-Jones identifies two contradictory modern views about humanity: 1. The overestimation of humans - seeing humans as colossal beings who have mastered the universe through scientific achievements, with no need for God 2. The underestimation of humans - viewing people as insignificant specks in the vast universe, mere biological mechanisms determined by forces beyond their control, "a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing"
He argues both views are wrong because they're partial, containing elements of truth but missing the complete picture of humanity.
How does Lloyd-Jones describe humanity in its original created state?
According to Lloyd-Jones, humans were originally created "a little lower than the angels" or "just short of divinity." He explains that being made in God's image means humans were given: 1. A spiritual nature - designed for communion with God 2. A psychical nature - with intellect and will that enables self-consciousness and reasoning 3. Physical uprightness - even the human body reflects dominion over creation 4. Moral excellence and perfection - without sin or blemish
In this original state, humans were lords over creation with perfect communion with God.
How does Lloyd-Jones explain the current contradictory state of humanity?
Lloyd-Jones explains that humanity's present contradictory state results from the Fall. When humans sinned against God, they didn't completely lose the image of God (which explains our remaining capabilities), but they lost the most important aspects: fellowship with God, spiritual susceptibility, and moral uprightness. This explains why humans are simultaneously capable of remarkable achievements while living self-destructively - we are "a genius and a fool at the same time." The Fall didn't just affect humans but dragged down all creation with us.
What hope does Lloyd-Jones offer in light of humanity's fallen condition?
Lloyd-Jones offers hope through the gospel message: God hasn't abandoned His creation or left humanity to its own destruction. Instead, God sent His Son Jesus Christ, who became "a little lower than the angels," taking on human nature to redeem humanity. Through Christ, humans can be forgiven of sin, receive a new nature, become children of God, and inherit the future world. Lloyd-Jones points to the promise of "a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness" where redeemed humans will live with Christ eternally.
How does Lloyd-Jones describe the way to participate in humanity's redemption?
According to Lloyd-Jones, to participate in humanity's redemption and inherit the future world, one must: 1. Recognize their sinfulness and unworthiness 2. Acknowledge the "folly and enormity" of their sin before God 3. Believe the gospel about God's Son Jesus Christ 4. Turn to Christ and cast themselves upon His mercy 5. Forsake their sins and follow Christ
Those who do so will be saved from the coming destruction and enjoy eternal life in the new creation with Christ.
Old Testament
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.