The True Wisdom
A Sermon on Jeremiah 9:23-24
Originally preached Oct. 15, 1961
Scripture
23¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that …
Sermon Description
In Dr. Martyn-Lloyd Jones sermon on Jeremiah 9:23-24, he explores the consistent nature of man throughout time. Our inherent nature, both in biblical times and now, is to live life for ourselves and enjoy ourselves however we see fit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states, “man doesn’t change at all; human nature is consistent.” And just as human nature never changes the Bible never loses relevance. It is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. The verse at hand, Jeremiah 9:23- 24, provides a clear description of the ego of men. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that man glories and puts his final confidence in himself. Man is inherently confident and believes he needs no help and is self-sufficient. Man certainly possesses good things such as wisdom, riches, and strength; however, once a man puts his final confidence in any things such as these, he is lost. Dr. Lloyd- Jones gives the example of fire. Fire can be a wonderful thing that provides warmth; however, if left unattended it can consume your house. Similarly anything a man possesses must be tempered, for there is only one person that we can place our faith and final confidence in and that is Jesus Christ. Many turn to philosophy for their final confidence and others turn to knowledge. But neither of these can truly supply an answer to mans purpose or real need. No, the only thing we can put our trust in is God. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones puts it, “many attack God but none succeed in ceasing his plans.” Why should we trust ourselves and our own abilities when everything is in the control of God? Instead, we should put our faith in him and we should glory in God’s might and ability to lift us up. If we do so, we will be given the infinite wealth and power of God. If God is for us who can be against us?
Sermon Breakdown
- The prophet Jeremiah warns against trusting in human wisdom, might, and riches.
- Men tend to glory in and rely upon these things, but they are inadequate and insufficient.
- The cause of the world's troubles is that men glory in themselves and rely upon themselves rather than God.
- Human wisdom cannot enable a man to know himself, God, the meaning of life, or how to live morally. It cannot explain why the world is as it is or help in facing death.
- Human might and power fade, are limited, and cannot overcome spiritual forces of evil or stand before God's power.
- Riches cannot buy happiness, health, wisdom, love, or life. They do not help in facing death or judgment.
- Men fails to realize his inadequacy and the insufficiency of the things he relies upon. He does not see his need for God.
- The solution is to know and glory in God, who exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness.
- We must not only understand God intellectually but know him personally through faith in Christ.
- Those who know God gain true wisdom, power, and riches in him. They have eternal security and hope despite earthly circumstances.
Old Testament
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.