Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Self-Examination

What does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teach about the purpose of examining ourselves spiritually?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, self-examination is essential for two main reasons. First, we may not be in the faith after all, despite thinking we are. He notes that the apostle Paul was "writing to church members" and warning of "this terrible, appalling danger of self-deception." Second, some people might actually be Christians but "never enjoyed being Christians" because they've "never had certainty" and "never had assurance." Self-examination helps both groups—revealing the truth to those who are self-deceived and bringing peace to genuine believers who lack assurance.

Why does Lloyd-Jones believe self-examination is particularly difficult in the modern age?

Lloyd-Jones explains that self-examination is especially challenging in our modern age because of the many distractions we face. He states, "There was a time when men had no newspapers, they had no books, they had no wireless, they had no television, they hadn't the various things that have come crowding in upon us." In the present age, he notes, "it's almost impossible" to pause and contemplate our spiritual condition because "day following day, and each one passes so quickly." He believes we are "becoming victims of the whole process of life as it is in this highly organized world."

How does Lloyd-Jones distinguish between justification and sanctification in terms of self-examination?

Lloyd-Jones explains that while justification is by faith alone (where we "must not be concerned about our feelings" but must stand on the "bare word of God"), sanctification requires us to look for evidence of spiritual life. He states: "You cannot the whole of your christian life just stand on faith alone. That's the entry into it by justification. But the moment you're in it and have the divine life, well, then, I say the Bible teaches us... that we must begin to look for signs of life." He warns against "beliefism" where people "can say the right things and subscribe to the truth, but their lives deny it completely."

What does Lloyd-Jones teach about the relationship between temptation and being a Christian?

Lloyd-Jones makes a clear distinction "between being tempted to sin and actually sinning." He explains there is "not a word in the scripture which says that because you're a Christian, you're not going to be tempted." In fact, he teaches the opposite—"because you are a Christian, you must expect to be tempted more severely than you ever were before." The key test is our reaction to these temptations: "Do you hate all these thoughts? Are you wretched because they happen? Have you got that sense that they're being thrown at you?" If so, "it isn't you. It's the temptation. It's the devil." The non-Christian "isn't aware that they are temptations" and "rather likes these things."

According to Lloyd-Jones, what are some signs that someone may appear to be a Christian but truly is not?

Lloyd-Jones identifies several signs of someone who appears Christian but isn't genuine: - Their religion is "chiefly a matter of externals" like church attendance - Religion gives them a "social instinct an outlet" - Religion is "a matter of duty rather than delight" - They "control their religion, instead of being controlled by it" - They are "irritated by truth" that searches and tests them - They resent self-examination - They have a certain percentage of their lives set aside for religion but keep control of it

What positive signs does Lloyd-Jones identify as evidence of genuine Christian faith?

Lloyd-Jones provides several positive indicators of true faith: - Religion is "internal" rather than external—"a power within you" - Being "concerned about yourself and your own condition" - Welcoming being searched rather than resisting it - Being "conscious of sin" and no longer being "on the defensive" - Being "troubled by unbelief" and "lack of progress" - Having a "chief desire to know God and the Lord Jesus Christ" - "Hungering and thirsting after righteousness" - Finding religion to be their "greatest delight" - Loving "the brethren" and "the word" - Feeling "utter helplessness and hopelessness apart from the Lord Jesus Christ"

What does Lloyd-Jones teach about the importance of religious experiences in determining if one is a Christian?

Lloyd-Jones cautions against relying primarily on religious experiences, stating "there is no such thing as a standard type experience." While some people have "that sudden, dramatic, climactic change," not everyone does. He warns "there is nothing which is more dangerous than just to rely upon an experience" because "you can have a great and dramatic and climactic experience in your life and still not be a Christian at all." The devil "can counterfeit experiences." Instead of focusing on the type of experience, Lloyd-Jones emphasizes looking for ongoing evidence of spiritual life and transformation.

What does Lloyd-Jones mean by "Jesus Christ is in you" as the fundamental test of being a Christian?

Lloyd-Jones explains that "Jesus Christ is in us through the Holy Spirit," and this is "the thing that separates the reprobate from the Christian." He states, "If Jesus Christ is in us, there will be certain signs of life in us, his life in us." He refers to Paul's teaching that "if any men have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his." The presence of Christ in a believer produces visible effects—internal transformation, delight in spiritual things, love for fellow believers, and a hunger for righteousness. This indwelling presence is the fundamental distinction between true believers and those who merely profess faith.