His Workmanship Alone
A Sermon on Colossians 1:12
Originally preached Nov. 18, 1962
Scripture
12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Sermon Description
In this sermon on Colossians 1:12 titled “His Workmanship Alone,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the necessity of praise in the life of all Christians. There is no other response they could give after receiving this great salvation that made them a Christian. In His grace, God brings His people out of the world and its sinful ways and offers forgiveness and adoption through His Son. One must never think that they can be saved by their own works or merits, for all are in sin and saved only by grace. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that no one can contribute anything to their salvation. This is why Christians are to worship out of a heart of thankfulness and praise. The greatest tragedy is that there are those who do not praise God because they do not know Him. This sermon calls all to forsake themselves, trust in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and rest in His mercy. There is no other way of salvation but through Jesus Christ.
Sermon Breakdown
- The first point is that the Christian's characteristic note is always a sense of thankfulness and gratitude to God.
- The second point is that we should give thanks unto the Father because our salvation is altogether and entirely of the grace of God. It is the free gift of God.
- The third point is that we should give thanks unto the Father because of what he has done to enable us to enjoy this great salvation.
- The fourth point is that we should give thanks unto the Father because of the glorious character of the salvation.
Sermon Q&A
Understanding Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Message on Giving Thanks to the Father
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the main focus of his sermon in Colossians 1:12?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on the verse "Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet, to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." He explains that this verse serves as a connecting link between the general introduction of the gospel that Paul gave in the earlier verses and the more detailed exposition that follows. The sermon emphasizes how our salvation comes entirely from God the Father and why we should be thankful for it.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say Christians should give thanks to the Father?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Christians should give thanks to the Father for two main reasons: 1. Because our salvation is entirely of the Father - "He has made us meet" means that God has done all the work, not us 2. Because of what He has done to enable us to enjoy this salvation - sending His Son, providing redemption through His blood, and qualifying us to share in the inheritance
As Lloyd-Jones states: "The gospel of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, in the first instance and primarily does not ask us to do anything. It is primarily an announcement of what God has done for us."
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the first characteristic of a true Christian?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies thankfulness and gratitude to God as the first characteristic of a true Christian. He states: "The first great characteristic of the Christian, the true Christian, always is a sense of thankfulness and of gratitude to God." He points to numerous biblical examples where people responded to God's goodness with praise and thanksgiving - from Mary's Magnificat to the angels' proclamation at Christ's birth to the heavenly worship in Revelation.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the concept of being made "meet" or fit for the inheritance?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that God has to make us "meet" (fit or qualified) for the inheritance because we are naturally unfit for it. He describes our natural condition as: 1. Being "under the power of darkness" 2. Being "under the wrath of God" 3. Being "enemies of God" in our minds 4. Having a nature that would find heaven boring rather than delightful
Only God can transform us and make us suitable for the heavenly inheritance. As Lloyd-Jones puts it: "If God hadn't made me fit, I'd never be fit."
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as a common misunderstanding about Christianity?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies a prevalent misunderstanding that Christianity is primarily about what we do rather than what God has done. He states: "This idea is as current tonight as it's ever been, that the message of Christianity is a call to us to do something, to put ourselves right, to put the world right." He strongly refutes this, saying: "No, I am saying that the very first principle of Christianity is to deny that completely. It's the exact opposite. In the first instance, this is an announcement and a proclamation of what God has done."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the "inheritance of the saints in light"?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes the inheritance of the saints in light as: 1. Entering into the kingdom of God and Christ 2. Being taken out of darkness into light 3. Belonging to God who "is light and in whom is no darkness at all" 4. A place where there will be no tears, death, sorrow, crying or pain 5. A realm of God's glory where "the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign forever and ever"
He quotes extensively from Revelation chapters 7 and 21 to paint a picture of this glorious inheritance.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the purpose of the Old Testament in relation to God's plan of salvation?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the Old Testament shows God's consistent action throughout history, preparing for the coming of Christ. He traces God's plan from creation through Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David, showing how God preserved a line through which the Messiah would come. He emphasizes: "It wasn't the Jews that produced the Messiah. It was God who produced them, and the messiah out of them and through them and in spite of them." The Old Testament demonstrates that salvation has always been God's work from beginning to end.
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.