Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Questions: The Christian's View of the World

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the Bible's message about reforming the present world?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the gospel does not promise to reform or improve this present world. He states: "The christian message has never promised to reform this world. Never. I defy you to give me a single statement in it which offers that you'll never succeed. It just isn't here." He emphasizes that this is a fundamental misunderstanding many people have about Christianity, believing it's meant to make the world a better place, when in reality, the Bible teaches that this world is "doomed" and "under the judgment of God."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the world's condition according to Scripture?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes the world's condition using Peter's words from 1 Peter 1:24: "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of men as the flower of grass. The grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away." He explains that the Bible teaches the world is a "doomed world," a "condemned world," and a "world that is under the judgment of God." He points out that despite humanity's efforts to improve society throughout history, these attempts have consistently failed because the world contains an inherent "seed of destruction" within it.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the true purpose of the gospel?

The true purpose of the gospel, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is threefold: 1. Not to reform the world, but to rescue individuals from it 2. To separate people from "this present evil world" and place them into the "family of God" 3. To prepare believers for "the world that is to come"

He explains: "What is the business of Christianity? It's this: it is to collect people out of the world, to take hold of them one by one and separate them from this present evil world, this doomed world, this damned world, this world that can't be improved, but they can."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain regeneration in relation to the world's problems?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that regeneration (being born again) is central to understanding why the world cannot simply be improved by human efforts. He states: "The problem in your particular individual case, and the problem in the case of the whole of the world is as deep, it's as terrible, it is as profound as this, that there is nothing that can avail with respect to it, except that a man be born again. He cannot be improved. He cannot be modified."

This divine regeneration is necessary because human nature itself is corrupted by sin, making mere knowledge of right and wrong insufficient for improvement.

Who are "the brethren" in Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon and what distinguishes them?

"The brethren" are those who have been born again and separated from the world while still living in it. Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes them as "the people of God" and "the family of God" who come from all nations, backgrounds, and temperaments.

What distinguishes them is that "they have suddenly come to see this, that their whole outlook had been utterly wrong." Their eyes are opened to see the true state of the world and themselves. They become "sober" (serious and contemplative), they live as "obedient children," and they pursue holiness. While still physically present in the world, they are spiritually separated from it, being "in the world, and yet not of it."

What is the Christian's hope according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

The Christian's hope is not in this present world but in "the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:13). This hope includes:

1. The return of Christ who will "come back to end up time and end up the world"
2. Seeing God face to face ("Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God")
3. Being made like Christ
4. No more sorrow, sighing, or tears
5. Glorified bodies without weakness, infirmity, disease, or pain
6. Living in "a new heavens and a new earth, where dwelleth righteousness"
7. Being with God "forever and forever without end, throughout all eternity"

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast the Christian's perspective of death with the world's view?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts these perspectives by asking his listeners if death is "some awful specter, something that is hateful, something that you want to avoid thinking about because it's so terrible." He suggests this is the world's perspective—viewing death as "the last calamity."

In contrast, the Christian doesn't need to fear death because they understand that "this life is passing" but there is "another life that is coming, which doesn't last a mere 70 to 100 years, but lasts for all eternity." For Christians, "to die," as the apostle Paul puts it, "is gain." Death means "to be with Christ, which is far better."