Martin Lloyd-Jones Sermon on Spiritual Depression and Faith Questions

What is the main focus of Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones' sermon about faith in Luke 8:22-25?

The main focus of Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon is addressing spiritual depression among Christians who don't understand the nature of faith. He explores the incident of Jesus calming the storm to teach about faith as something that needs to be actively applied rather than functioning automatically. As he states, "There are many Christians who get into difficulties and are unhappy from time to time because they clearly have not understood the nature of faith." He distinguishes between the initial gift of faith that saves us and the "walk of faith" that follows.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones define the trial of faith?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones defines the trial of faith as those difficult circumstances God permits to test and strengthen our faith. He explains, "Our faith will be tried. And James goes so far as to say, count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into divers temptations or trials." He emphasizes that Christians aren't magically protected from troubles but live in the same world as everyone else and may even face additional suffering. The trial of faith often includes situations where God appears unconcerned or inactive while we face difficulties, just as Jesus seemed unconcerned while sleeping during the storm.

According to the sermon, what is the first thing wrong with a Christian being in a state of agitation?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, it is fundamentally wrong for a Christian to be in a state of agitation, regardless of circumstances. He states emphatically: "A Christian should never be agitated. A Christian should never be at his wits end and full of terror and alarm. A Christian should never be in a condition in which he's lost control of himself." This is wrong primarily because Christians are meant to be different from non-believers in their response to troubles. The first problem is that such agitation indicates a lack of self-control, which should be characteristic of Christians.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean when he says "faith is not something that acts automatically"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that faith is not like a thermostat that operates automatically without our involvement. Many Christians mistakenly believe "that it doesn't matter what happens to them, that faith will operate and all will be well." He emphasizes that faith doesn't function magically or automatically. If it did, the disciples would never have been in trouble during the storm. Instead, faith is something we must consciously activate and apply in difficult situations. It requires our deliberate action and engagement rather than passively expecting it to work on its own.

What are the three steps to applying faith in difficult situations according to the sermon?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the three steps to applying faith in difficult situations are:

1. "Refuse to allow yourself to be controlled by the situation" - Don't panic or let circumstances dictate your response
2. "Remind yourself of what you believe and what you know" - Recall God's promises and past faithfulness
3. "Apply all that to this particular situation" - Bring your knowledge of God to bear on your current problem

He summarizes this as: "That's the application of faith... Faith refuses to be controlled, reminds itself of what it believes and knows, and then applies it to the present position."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about the value of even weak faith?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones finds hope in the value of even weak faith. He notes that although the disciples' faith was poor and improperly applied, "they at any rate had the right amount of faith to make them do the right thing in the end, they go to Him." He emphasizes that "even a faith like a grain of mustard seed is all right because it takes us to Him." While Jesus may be disappointed and rebuke us for our weak faith, "he'll never reject us. He'll receive us. He'll bless us. He'll give us peace." This shows the grace of Christ toward those with even minimal faith.

What question did Jesus ask the disciples that reveals the key problem with their faith?

Jesus asked the disciples "Where is your faith?" This question reveals the key problem - not that they lacked faith entirely, but that they weren't applying it in that critical moment. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains: "Where is it? You've got it, but where is it? Where is your faith? You've got your faith, but where is it at this moment? It ought to be here, but it isn't here. Where is it?" The question shows that faith is something we possess but must actively engage and apply to specific situations rather than something that operates automatically.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones distinguish between the gift of faith and the walk of faith?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones distinguishes between the initial gift of faith that saves us and the subsequent walk of faith. He explains: "What makes one Christian is that one is given the gift of faith. We are given the gift of faith by God through the Holy Spirit, and we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and that saves us. But that doesn't mean that we understand the nature of faith." He clarifies that while salvation comes through this gift, "from there on...we have to do certain things about it." The walk of faith requires understanding, application, and active engagement with our faith in daily circumstances.

What does the sermon teach about God's purpose in allowing trials?

The sermon teaches that God allows trials for our ultimate good and spiritual growth. Dr. Lloyd-Jones affirms: "You can be certain of this, that God permits that thing to happen to you because it's ultimately for your good." He references the biblical principle that while trials are "not joyous for the present but grievous, nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness." Trials provide opportunities to prove and manifest our faith, bringing glory to God's name. God uses these difficult circumstances to refine our faith and deepen our understanding of His character.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say he is grateful for the disciples' mistakes?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones expresses gratitude for the disciples' mistakes because he sees himself in them. He states: "I don't know what you feel, but I never cease to be grateful to these disciples. I am grateful to them for every mistake they ever made, for every blunder they ever committed, because I see myself in them." He appreciates that Scripture honestly portrays the disciples with all their "human limitations and fallibility" rather than depicting them as perfect. This honest portrayal helps believers relate to the disciples and learn from their experiences and mistakes.