Apprehended by Christ
A Sermon on Philippians 3:12-17
Originally preached June 17, 1962
Scripture
12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things …
Sermon Description
What sets the Christian apart from everyone else? In this sermon on Philippians 3:12–17 titled “Apprehended by Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares that it is the Christian’s knowledge and pursuit of Christ that separates them from all others. Christianity is not about external actions, nor is it about passionless religiosity, but Christianity is about Christ Jesus. It was the Apostle Paul who came to know Christ when Jesus appeared to him and transformed him. This was an immediate interaction with the risen Christ who called Paul to a life of service and suffering as a Christian. Jesus calls all believers to forsake their pride and arrogance, and to trust in Him. This sermon asks: “do you have a knowledge of Christ that transforms you? Are you trusting in Jesus or yourself?” In its fallen state, the world trusts in itself to solve all its problems, but the Christian is totally different. The Christian flees all vain worldly wisdom and trusts in God. Only Christianity shows all how they ought to live; only Christianity can provide true answers to life’s deepest questions. This is because only Christianity offers the true hope of the gospel and salvation from all sin and evil.
Sermon Breakdown
- Christianity should be thrilling and exciting. If it's dull, it's not real Christianity.
- Christians are never satisfied and always want more of God. They have an insatiable thirst for Him.
- Christians have a clear aim and goal in life to know Christ. They press toward the mark and prize of knowing Jesus.
- Christians concentrate on the goal of knowing Christ above all else. They are focused on one thing.
- A Christian's whole life is governed by the goal of knowing Christ. Their mind and conduct is ruled by the Bible.
- Christians live this way because of the high calling of God in Christ. They look to Jesus as their example and motivation.
- Christians are encouraged by the examples of saints who have gone before them like Paul, Abraham, and David.
- The ultimate prize of knowing Christ face to face motivates Christians to live a life focused on Jesus.
Sermon Q&A
What Does Philippians 3:12-17 Teach About the Christian Life According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
What is the main point Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes about Philippians 3:12-17?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Philippians 3:12-17 presents a clear definition of what it means to be a Christian. In this passage, Paul gives a practical description of the Christian life as one of continual pursuit, never being satisfied with one's spiritual state, and having a singular focus on Christ. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that these verses serve as a test by which people can examine whether they are truly Christians.
Why does Paul say he has not already attained perfection?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Paul acknowledges he has not attained perfection (verse 12) because the Christian life is characterized by a divine dissatisfaction. Though Paul had experienced much of Christ, he recognized there was so much more to know and experience. Lloyd-Jones states: "This lack of satisfaction, this desire for more, this thirst, this hunger, this panting" is "always true of the true Christian." He adds that "if you are satisfied with what you regard as your Christian life, you're not a Christian."
What does it mean to "press toward the mark" according to the sermon?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, "pressing toward the mark" means having a clear aim and purpose in life. The Christian is not someone who drifts through life, but rather someone who knows exactly what they're pursuing. Lloyd-Jones explains: "The Christian is a man who knows that he's been taken hold of by Christ for a specific object and purpose." This mark or goal is becoming like Christ, knowing Him more deeply, and ultimately being conformed to His image. The Christian concentrates on this goal with single-minded determination.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the excitement of the Christian life?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that true Christianity is thrilling and exciting, not dull or boring. He points to Paul's language—"follow after," "reaching forth," "I press toward the mark"—as evidence of the excitement of Christian living. He states: "If you don't feel tonight that you've got here the most exciting and thrilling thing under the sun at this moment, I take leave to doubt whether you know much about it." He laments that many people stay away from church because Christians present Christianity as "the dullest thing in the world."
What does Lloyd-Jones say about the "one thing" Paul focuses on?
Lloyd-Jones highlights Paul's statement about being a "one thing" person. The Christian refuses to be diverted from the primary goal of knowing Christ and becoming like Him. This doesn't mean condemning everything else in the world, but rather not being mastered by them. Lloyd-Jones asks a probing question: "Are you as concerned about the culture of your soul as you are about the culture of your mind?" The true Christian is mastered by "the vision splendid" they've had in Christ Jesus.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the "high calling of God" in this passage?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the "high calling of God" (verse 14) can be translated as "upward calling" or "heavenly calling." He describes it as a call that lifts people out of sin and evil: "It calls you from the world, the flesh, the devil. It calls you from gluttony... drunkenness... fornication... adultery... divorce... selfishness. It calls you from everything that's making this world a hell." This upward calling "elevates, purifies, washes, cleanses, renews" and prepares believers for heaven and "an endless life in glory."
Other Sermons
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.