Two Views of Life
A Sermon on 1 Peter 4:1-5
Originally preached Jan. 1, 1961
Scripture
1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of …
Sermon Description
They are only two kinds of people in this world: those that live according to Christ and those that live according to the principle of sin. In this sermon on 1 Peter 4:1–5, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds the teachings of the Apostle Peter on the divide between the way of the world and the way of Christ. Because all are born in sin and depravity, they are, by nature, slaves to darkness and sin. They live a life that is for the passing pleasures of this world, not for what is eternal and godly. Those who have been saved by Jesus have been saved out of this world and are no longer slaves to immorality and sin. They live for Christ and not for themselves. These two ways of living correspond to two eternal destinies and for those who do not believe in the Gospel, there is only wrath and judgment. But for those that repent and believe upon Jesus, there is salvation and true peace. In this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks not only of humanity’s wretched condition, but also of God who gives grace freely to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon begins by focusing on 1 Peter 4:1-5 which discusses living for the will of God versus living for the lusts of men.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones then discusses how life can be divided into three sections: time past, the present moment, and the rest of our time. The rest of our time is limited and will eventually end.
- There are two ways to live the rest of our time: according to the will of God or according to the lusts of men. Living for the lusts of men is a wasted life focused on excess and worldly pleasures. Living for the will of God is a life focused on sacrificing for others as Christ did.
- At the end of life, there will be a judgment where we will be judged based on how we lived our lives. We will either inherit the kingdom of God or be left outside.
- On our own, we would continue living for the lusts of men as we always have. But Christ's sacrifice provides a way for us to be forgiven of our past sins and given new life to live for God. We can be born again and given a new nature.
- If we believe in Christ, we will live the rest of our time differently - for the will of God rather than the lusts of men. We will be new creatures with a new life and outlook.
- The world will not understand the change in us, but it is the miracle of God through being born again by the Spirit.
- Though the rest of our time on earth is short, if we believe in Christ we can live it for God's will and have eternal life with Christ after death.
Sermon Q&A
What is Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teaching About How Christians Should View Time?
Based on Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon on 1 Peter 4:1-5, here are key questions and answers about how Christians should view time and life from a biblical perspective.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggest we should divide our understanding of time?
According to Lloyd-Jones, we should divide our understanding of time into three parts: "Time passed" (our past life), "the present" (this current moment), and "the rest of our time" (the remaining portion of our life on earth). This division helps us realize that our time on earth is finite and limited, with a definite endpoint determined by God.
What are the two possible ways of living the "rest of our time" according to the sermon?
The sermon presents only two possible ways to live the remainder of our lives: 1. Living "to the lusts of men" or "the will of the Gentiles" - a life centered on worldly desires, pleasures, and self-gratification 2. Living "to the will of God" - a life patterned after Christ, focused on God's purposes and self-sacrifice
Lloyd-Jones emphasizes there is no middle ground or third option - we either live according to worldly values or according to God's will.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones characterize the worldly way of living?
Lloyd-Jones describes the worldly life (living to "the lusts of men") as: - Entirely without spiritual content - Focused solely on this world with no thought of eternity - Characterized by "lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings and abominable idolatries" - Centered on self-gratification and personal desires - Ultimately profitless, wasteful, and destructive
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say characterizes the Christ-centered life?
The Christ-centered life (living to "the will of God") is characterized by: - Being spiritually-minded, recognizing we're "strangers and pilgrims" in this world - Following Christ's example who "suffered for us in the flesh" - Self-sacrifice rather than self-gratification - Disciplined living rather than excess and riot - Living for others rather than oneself - Seeking to do God's will above personal desires
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the judgment that follows our earthly life?
Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that after "the rest of our time" comes death and judgment. He stresses: - Everyone will give an account to "him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead" - This judgment is unavoidable and inevitable - We will be judged based on how we've spent our time on earth - Our eternal destiny will be determined at this judgment - Without Christ, none can stand in this judgment as all have sinned
How does Lloyd-Jones say we can change from living for "the lusts of men" to living for "the will of God"?
Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this transformation: - Is impossible through human willpower or New Year's resolutions alone - Becomes possible only through Christ's work for us - Requires a new birth and new nature given by God - Comes through believing in Christ and His sacrifice for our sins - Results in such a dramatic change that others will "think it strange" that we no longer live as we once did - Is the work of the Holy Spirit in us, not our own effort
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones think it's important to consider these matters at the start of a new year?
Lloyd-Jones sees the new year as an opportunity to: - Reassess how we're living and using our time - Recognize the folly of the world's approach to special occasions - Consider the reality that our time is limited and steadily decreasing - Make proper spiritual preparation for the judgment that awaits us all - Embrace the possibility of a genuinely transformed life through Christ
Lloyd-Jones contrasts this meaningful reflection with the world's tendency to "bluff itself" with shallow New Year's celebrations and resolutions that bring no real change.
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.