What Does Martyn Lloyd-Jones Mean by "Unction" in Preaching?

What is the meaning of "unction" in preaching according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, unction in preaching is a special pouring of the Holy Spirit upon the preacher - an access of power that God gives through the Spirit. He describes it as "something that God gives through the spirit to enable one to do this work in a manner that lifts it up beyond the efforts and endeavors of men to a position in which the preacher is being used by the spirit and becomes the channel whom the spirit uses." It's not simply preparation or knowledge, but divine power that comes upon the prepared minister.

How does Lloyd-Jones distinguish between preparation and unction in preaching?

Lloyd-Jones teaches that both preparation and unction are necessary - it's not "either/or" but "both/and." He uses the illustration of Elijah on Mount Carmel who "built the altar, cut the wood and put it in pieces, took the bullock and cut him in pieces and put it on the wood. And then he prayed for the fire to descend. And the fire came." The preparation must come first, but without the divine fire, it remains ineffective. He warns against two extremes: those who rely only on preparation with no expectation of spiritual power, and those who despise preparation and trust only in unction.

What biblical examples of unction does Lloyd-Jones cite in his sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones cites numerous biblical examples of unction: - John the Baptist who was "filled with the Holy Ghost" for his ministry - Jesus himself being "anointed to preach the gospel to the poor" - The disciples who, despite spending three years with Jesus, were told to wait in Jerusalem until they were "endued with power from on high" - Peter being "filled with the Holy Ghost" multiple times in Acts (at Pentecost, before the Sanhedrin, etc.) - Stephen being "full of the Holy Ghost" before his martyrdom - Paul writing that his preaching was "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" - John in Revelation saying "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day"

According to Lloyd-Jones, how does a preacher know when they have this unction?

Lloyd-Jones explains that the preacher becomes aware of it through: 1. Clarity of thought and speech 2. Ease of utterance 3. Great assurance and confidence while preaching 4. Awareness of a power not your own "thrilling through the whole of your being" 5. A sense that "you are not doing the preaching" but rather "you're looking on" as the Spirit uses you

He describes it as a situation where "you rarely feel that you are not doing the preaching. You're looking on. You're literally looking on at yourself as this is happening. It isn't your effort. You are just the instrument, the channel, the vehicle, and the spirit is using you."

What historical examples of preachers with unction does Lloyd-Jones mention?

Lloyd-Jones mentions numerous historical examples including: - Luther, whose room "seemed to be filled with light" - Hugh Latimer and John Bradford during the Reformation - Robert Bruce in Scotland - John Livingston, who saw 500 conversions from one sermon - Cotton Mather in early America - Jonathan Edwards and David Brainerd - Gilbert Tennant - George Whitefield and John Wesley - Howell Harris and Daniel Rowland from Wales - D.L. Moody, who received special power walking down Wall Street - David Morgan, who experienced remarkable power for two years during the Welsh revival

How does Lloyd-Jones say we should seek this unction in our preaching?

Lloyd-Jones offers four key directives for seeking unction:

1. "Seek Him" - Make pursuing the Holy Spirit's power a priority
2. "Expect Him" - Prepare and preach with expectation that God will move
3. "Yearn for this power" - Have a deep spiritual hunger for divine enablement
4. "When the power comes, yield to Him" - Be willing to set aside your prepared sermon if necessary and "let him manifest his power in you and through you"

He emphasizes that "nothing but a return of this is going to avail us anything" and that this anointing "is the supreme thing" in preaching.

How can congregations recognize when a preacher has this unction?

According to Lloyd-Jones, when a preacher has this unction, the congregation "know it at once. They can tell the difference immediately." He explains that hearers: - Are gripped by the message - Become serious about spiritual matters - Are convicted of sin - Are lifted up spiritually - Know that something unusual and exceptional is happening - Begin to delight in the things of God - Want more teaching and instruction

He quotes Paul saying "our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance," indicating both the preacher and hearers recognize when this power is present.

What does Lloyd-Jones believe about the permanence of this unction?

Lloyd-Jones teaches that this special anointing is not necessarily permanent. He gives the example of David Morgan who had remarkable power for two years, then said, "I went to bed one night like this lion, filled with the power that I'd enjoyed for the two years. I woke up the next morning and found that I'd become David Morgan once more." Lloyd-Jones explains, "The power came. The power was withdrawn. The lordship of the spirit, you can't commend this. You can't order it. It is entirely the gift of God." He notes that "revivals are not meant to be permanent," but preachers should still seek this unction each time they preach.