The Way, the Truth, and the Life
A Sermon on Psalm 107:4-9
Scripture
4They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
7And he led them forth …
Sermon Description
What is sin? In this sermon on sin from Psalm 107:4–9 titled “The Way, the Truth, and the Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses sin and its power but rejoices that hope exists. Sin manifests itself in almost an endless variety of ways, and because sinners fail to recognize this, they often fail to recognize sin when it is right in front of them. Does the Christian recognize sin when it manifests itself in rags but not in an evening dress? This disease has endless symptoms. Sin causes people to lose their way and miss the mark. There is a constant search for the philosophy of life and a need for an outlook that will finally satisfy the question of existence. The city of intellectual satisfaction is immense as is the search for truth and rules for living. Humanity desires security, and in such, provokes law. Listen to the views of modern and classical humanists and discover that there is no hope for the intellect alone. The listener is encouraged to read the autobiographies and biographies of Christians and be convinced that there is no hope of satisfaction apart from Christ. God’s way is simple and humble and it makes all things new.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon examines Psalm 107:4-9 which describes people wandering in a wilderness unable to find purpose or meaning. This represents humanity's search for truth and purpose.
- People start out confident they can find the answers but end up disillusioned and hopeless. Philosophers and leaders don't have the answers.
- There is no truth or purpose apart from Jesus Christ. All other ways end in despair. Christ is the only way, truth and life.
- The way of Christ is simple and direct. Anyone can understand and follow it. It's not just for the intellectual or educated.
- The way of Christ leads to God. Christ's death provides the way. His blood and body provide the path to God.
- The way of Christ provides complete satisfaction. It provides intellectual, moral and spiritual satisfaction. It gives purpose and meaning.
- The sermon appeals to people still searching in the wilderness. Whether young or old, they should turn to Christ. He will deliver them and give them purpose and meaning.
- Though people have wasted years and committed terrible sins, Christ will still accept them if they turn to him. He will forgive them and make them his children.
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.