Are You a Christian?
Originally preached Sept. 27, 1959
Scripture
Sermon Description
How can someone know that they are a Christian? In this sermon on Acts 24:26–29 titled “Are You a Christian?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones presents one of the most important ways one can know that they are living like the apostle Paul. Paul speaks of how Christians can and should live a life that does not depend on external circumstances for happiness. This is because Christians are to find their hope, happiness, and comfort in who God is. Unbelievers are always distressed because they have nothing to trust; they have no firm foundation for life. Paul wished that all men, women, and children trusted in Jesus for their happiness as he did. The Christian message has a very practical application for all of life. It tells that all can be free from worry and fear because of how great God is. This sermon calls each and every one to forsake their sins and believe in Jesus. It tells that there is no other hope in this life, or in the next, other than what is found in Jesus Christ. Only God can grant true happiness.
Sermon Breakdown
- Christianity is practical and helps people in their daily lives. It is not vague or indefinite. Christians know exactly what they believe.
- Christians feel sorry for non-Christians and desire for them to become Christians. They know non-Christians are ignorant of spiritual truths and under the power of Satan.
- Non-Christians live aimless, restless lives without purpose or understanding of life's meaning. They are helpless in times of crisis and without hope.
- Christians have understanding and know the meaning of life, man's purpose, and spiritual truths. They have peace, joy, satisfaction, and independence from circumstances.
- One cannot become a Christian through religion, sincerity, or good works. It is only through believing in Christ's death and resurrection for one's sins. One must repent and believe the gospel.
Sermon Q&A
What Does Paul Mean When He Says "I Would To God That You Were Such As I Am"?
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on Acts 26:29, where Paul tells King Agrippa, "I would to God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds." This passage reveals profound truths about Christianity and the Christian life.
What is the proper translation of Acts 26:29?
According to Lloyd-Jones, a better translation would be: "I would pray to God that both by little and by much, not you alone, but all who are now listening to me today might be in my condition, apart from these chains." This clarifies that Paul's statement was in response to Agrippa's sarcastic remark, which should be understood as "By very little argumentation and demonstration, you'd make me a Christian, would you?"
What does this passage tell us about the nature of Christianity?
The passage reveals that Christianity is:
- Essentially practical - It's not merely theoretical but helps a person in the most difficult circumstances, even prison
- Definite and clear - Paul doesn't say "I hope to be a Christian someday" but confidently states "I am" a Christian
- Transformative - Paul knows he is different from what he once was as Saul of Tarsus
- Compassionate - It makes a person feel sorry for those who don't share this faith
What is the condition of the non-Christian according to Paul?
Lloyd-Jones describes the non-Christian's condition as:
- A state of ignorance and darkness - They're ignorant about:
- Themselves as human beings
- The meaning of life and history
- Their own souls and spiritual nature
-
God and their relationship to Him
-
Under the power of Satan - They are:
- Controlled by evil influences
- Victims of the world, flesh, and devil
-
Not truly free, despite thinking they are
-
In a sinful, guilty condition - They:
- Are guilty before God
- Need forgiveness of sins
-
Face judgment without hope
-
Living a restless, aimless existence - This leads to:
- Pleasure-seeking to fill the emptiness
- Bewilderment in life's crises
- No comfort in suffering
- Fear of death
What is the condition of the Christian according to Paul?
The Christian's condition is characterized by:
- Understanding and enlightenment - They:
- Understand the true nature of humanity
- Know God and their relationship to Him
- Comprehend life's purpose
-
Know their sins are forgiven
-
Peace, rest, and joy - They experience:
- Peace with God
- Intellectual satisfaction
- Heart satisfaction
-
Joy that transcends circumstances
-
Independence from circumstances - They are:
- Free even in chains
- Masters of their conditions, not mastered by them
- Unafraid of death
- Secure in their eternal inheritance
How does one become a Christian?
Lloyd-Jones explains that one cannot become a Christian through: - Nationality or birth in a "Christian country" - Religious practices and rituals - Mere sincerity of belief
Rather, becoming a Christian requires: 1. Believing the truth about yourself as outlined in the Bible 2. Repenting and acknowledging your sin before God 3. Believing the gospel - that Christ died for your sins and rose again 4. Putting your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
As Lloyd-Jones concludes: "O believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be ye saved."
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.