Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Questions and Answers: "For I Know Whom I Have Believed"

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

Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on 2 Timothy 1:12: "For the which cause also I suffer these things. Nevertheless, this I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." He emphasizes the importance of understanding this verse within its context, noting that "nothing is more dangerous than to extract texts out of their contexts."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones stress the importance of context when studying Scripture?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones stresses context because isolated verses can be misunderstood or misapplied. He states that this particular verse "can only rarely be understood if it is taken in its own context and setting." By examining the surrounding passages (verses 6-14), we better understand Paul's message to Timothy about facing fear with faith and maintaining sound doctrine.

What was Paul's personal situation when he wrote these words to Timothy?

Paul was writing from prison with "his life in the hands of one of the most capricious despots and dictators that the world has ever known, the emperor Nero, who might decide at any moment to put him to death." Despite this dire situation, Paul remained confident and unshaken in his faith, which is what makes his testimony so powerful.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones define Paul's statement "I am not ashamed"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Paul uses a figure of speech called "litotes," where a negative is used to express a positive. When Paul says "I am not ashamed," he doesn't merely mean he's not embarrassed by the gospel but rather that he is "exalting in it," "very proud of it," and in "a gloriously happy condition." It means Paul hasn't been put to shame or found his faith inadequate in his trials.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the two fundamental worldviews?

He identifies two fundamental worldviews: 1. The non-biblical (or extra-biblical) view - Based on speculation, sees the world as an accident or chance, with no ultimate purpose or design. 2. The biblical view - Sees the world as created by God with purpose and design, with God still actively involved in his creation.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones argue that starting with specific problems before understanding the whole is problematic?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones uses a medical analogy to illustrate this point: "The great principle outlined here by the apostle... is that there is nothing more fatal in life than to start with particular problems and to discuss them immediately and directly." Like a doctor who must understand anatomy before treating symptoms, we must understand the whole biblical worldview before addressing specific problems. "The individual problems of life can only be understood in the light of the whole problem."

What is Dr. Lloyd-Jones' critique of modern approaches to moral and social problems?

He criticizes modern approaches for forgetting first principles and fundamental questions. Using juvenile delinquency as an example, he notes that commissions study whether it's caused by poverty or affluence, but they don't ask the fundamental questions: "What is man? Why does anybody want to behave like that?" He states, "The whole tragedy of the modern age, the whole confusion of the modern men, is due to the fact that he's in too much of a hurry."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe God's relationship to history?

He describes two types of history: "the history that God permits, and the history that God produces." The first is "what man does in his folly," while the second is "the intervention of God." These two histories will continue until they eventually "coalesce and there will be an end." He emphasizes that "the world is not an accident. It didn't start as an accident. It won't end as an accident."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say gives him hope despite the problems of the world?

He finds hope in God's continued interest and involvement in the world: "I know of nothing that enables me to live tonight but this, that God so loved the world that he sent into it... his only begotten son." It is the knowledge that God is sovereign, that Christ has come, and that God is "still interested, still concerned" that provides the foundation for facing all of life's problems.

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, what is required before our individual problems can be solved?

Before we can solve individual problems, we must accept the complete gospel worldview: "The vital question is, do you believe the gospel? Don't start with yourself. Start with yourself in the light of God if you like. Start with God and see yourself under God and then believe the whole revelation and you will find peace and rest for your soul." He argues that personal problems can only be properly addressed when placed in the context of God's larger story.