The Warning
A Sermon on Colossians 1:28
Originally preached Sept. 16, 1962
Scripture
28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Sermon Description
What makes false teachers dangerous? It is the fact that they turn people away from Christ Jesus. In this sermon from Colossians 1:28 titled “The Warning,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns about the dangers of false teachers and the need for the true gospel. There were those in the early church who taught dangerous things, such as the need for other beings to stand as mediators between people and God. The apostle Paul denounces them, and proclaims the truth that Christ alone can save from sin. The gospel is found in Christ’s ability to save sinners, and He is able to save to the fullest. Those who have trusted in Jesus do not need any other Savior, nor do they need another priest to lead them to God. What is the gospel message that false teachers deny? It is the message that all are fallen and in sin. Because of this, they are under the judgement of God. But Christ died for sinners in order that all who believe in Him are saved from the righteous judgement of God. There is no other message of salvation; Jesus is the only way to God.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul sums up his ministry and work as a minister and preacher of the gospel.
- He proclaimed the message of Jesus Christ as the good news.
- The message is clear and meant for all people, not just a select few.
- The message is about the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the meaning of his life, death, and resurrection.
- The message starts with a warning about God's judgment and our need to repent.
- The message teaches about how Jesus died to save us from our sins and reconcile us to God.
- The message aims to present every person perfect in Christ by preparing them for eternal glory.
- Those who believe the message will be made perfect, without sin, to dwell with God forever.
Sermon Q&A
What Did Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About the Apostle Paul's Preaching Ministry?
What is the main text Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is expounding in this sermon?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones is expounding Colossians 1:28, which says: "Whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." The sermon focuses on how Paul summarizes his entire ministry and approach to preaching in this single verse.
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, why did Paul write the epistle to the Colossians?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Paul wrote to the Colossians because of confusion that had arisen in the church. False teachers were going around the early Christian churches, causing confusion among believers. These teachers claimed to be philosophers and were teaching a complicated system that positioned Jesus as merely the highest intermediary in a series of angelic beings between humans and God. Paul wrote to check "this devilish teaching, this denial of the gospel that masqueraded into the name of gospel."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the nature of Paul's message?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes Paul's message as: 1. A proclamation or announcement of good news - not a speculation or philosophy 2. A clear and simple message - not uncertain or vague 3. A universal message for "every man" - not reserved for special initiates 4. A message that doesn't depend on human ability or understanding, but on God's power 5. A message for both the intellectual and the unlearned - "every man" repeated three times
What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the content of Paul's preaching?
Lloyd-Jones identifies the content of Paul's preaching as Christ Himself: "Christianity is Christ." He emphasizes that Paul preached: 1. The person of Christ - "in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" 2. Warning about the judgment of God and our accountability to Him 3. Teaching about Christ's death on the cross as the way of salvation 4. Justification by faith alone - that we are saved not by works but by believing in Christ
What is the ultimate goal of Paul's ministry according to this sermon?
The ultimate goal of Paul's ministry is "that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the gospel isn't merely about forgiveness but about transformation and preparation for glory. The goal is to prepare believers for the final judgment, so they can be presented "perfect without spot or wrinkle" in God's presence. This involves a new birth, new nature, and new power through the Holy Spirit, ultimately preparing people for "the glory that is coming" when Christ returns.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones apply this message to his listeners?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones applies this message by directly challenging his listeners with questions about whether they have: 1. Heard and heeded the warning about judgment 2. Repented and turned to God 3. Trusted completely in Christ alone for salvation 4. Ceased relying on their own good works 5. Started preparing for the glory to come
He ends with a powerful illustration of a young doctor who, upon receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, demonstrated peace because he had believed the gospel message and was prepared for glory.
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.