15 Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Luke 10:20

1. What is the key verse that Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on in this sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on Luke 10:20: "Notwithstanding in this, rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you, but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." This verse captures Jesus' instruction to the disciples about what they should truly rejoice in.

2. Why were the 70 disciples rejoicing when they returned to Jesus?

The 70 disciples returned to Jesus rejoicing because they discovered that even the devils were subject to them through Jesus' name. They were elated and filled with joy about the spiritual power and authority they had been given to cast out demons and perform ministry works.

3. What danger did Jesus identify in the disciples' rejoicing?

Jesus identified the danger of rejoicing in spiritual gifts and powers rather than in their salvation. He saw they were focused on the manifestations of power rather than on their relationship with God. This misplaced joy could lead to pride, similar to what caused Satan's fall.

4. What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is a "fatal tendency" for Christians?

According to Lloyd-Jones, the "fatal tendency" is "to rejoice in the wrong things in connection with our spiritual life and experience." This means focusing on gifts, experiences, abilities, or successes rather than on our fundamental relationship with God.

5. How does Lloyd-Jones interpret Jesus' statement about "seeing Satan fall like lightning"?

Lloyd-Jones suggests this could mean Jesus was reminding the disciples that He had seen Satan fall from his position of glory due to pride, implying that the disciples could be vulnerable to the same sin if they rejoiced in their spiritual powers rather than in their salvation.

6. Why are spiritual gifts not a reliable proof of true Christianity?

Lloyd-Jones points out that gifts are not reliable proof of true Christianity because: 1) Judas Iscariot had the same gifts as the other disciples yet wasn't truly saved; 2) Jesus warned that many will claim to have cast out demons in His name but will be told "I never knew you"; and 3) It's difficult to distinguish between natural abilities and spiritual gifts.

7. What does it mean that "your names are written in heaven"?

It means that God has chosen you, redeemed you, and recorded your name in His book of life. It signifies your salvation, your relationship with God as His child, and your eternal security. It means you belong to God and are destined for heaven.

8. What are the dangers of rejoicing primarily in spiritual gifts?

The dangers include: 1) Pride and self-conceit; 2) Making something transient and uncertain the basis of your joy; 3) Causing fluctuations in your spiritual life as gifts come and go; 4) Potentially being deceived about your true spiritual state; and 5) Focusing on self rather than God.

9. How does Lloyd-Jones describe what a Christian essentially is?

Lloyd-Jones defines a Christian as "a man who rejoices in the fact that his name is written in heaven." This focuses on identity in Christ rather than on what a person does or experiences.

10. What guarantees come with having your name written in heaven?

Having your name written in heaven guarantees: 1) God's care and provision for all your needs; 2) Your perseverance and final security in Christ; 3) That nothing can separate you from God's love; 4) Your ultimate destination in the New Jerusalem; and 5) The privilege of seeing God face to face.

11. How can someone know if their name is written in heaven?

According to Lloyd-Jones, you can know through: 1) Genuine faith that Jesus is the Christ; 2) A desire to keep God's commandments; 3) Love for fellow believers; 4) Evidence of the Holy Spirit's fruit in your life; and 5) The internal witness of the Holy Spirit testifying to your spirit that you are God's child.

12. Why does Lloyd-Jones say we should be interested in "principles rather than manifestations"?

Lloyd-Jones argues we should focus on principles rather than manifestations because focusing on the underlying spiritual reality (our relationship with God) provides stability and truth, while focusing on manifestations (gifts, experiences, emotions) leads to instability and potential deception.

13. What connection does Lloyd-Jones make between this teaching and the problem of sin?

He notes that we tend to focus on individual sins (manifestations) rather than on the principle of sin itself. This leads to an incomplete understanding of our sinful condition and can produce self-satisfaction when we avoid certain outward sins while missing the deeper problem.

14. How does Lloyd-Jones relate this teaching to the church at Corinth?

Lloyd-Jones points out that the Corinthian church's problems stemmed from rejoicing in the wrong things - they divided over human leaders and spiritual gifts rather than rejoicing in what they were in Christ. This caused division and pride rather than unity and love.

15. What does Lloyd-Jones suggest is the ultimate cure for instability in the Christian life?

The ultimate cure is to rejoice continuously in the fact that your name is written in heaven - focusing on your relationship with God rather than on changing experiences, feelings, or circumstances. This produces stability because your salvation and relationship with God never change even when everything else does.