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The Christians Knowledge of God

Ephesians 1:17

Where does one begin in describing their knowledge of God? Do they begin with propositional or theoretical knowledge? While propositional knowledge of God is good and necessary for the Christian life, there is another knowledge that is just as important. As a matter of fact, it is a knowledge which the apostle Paul prays for in Ephesians. It is the kind of knowledge which is immediate and intimate. It is a personal knowledge of God the Father. Such knowledge is at the heart of the evangelical message. The Christian can have personal fellowship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. In the new covenant, the Holy Spirit comes into hearts so that the Christian can have direct knowledge of the love of God and the glory of God. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:17 titled “The Christian’s Knowledge of God,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones follows Paul’s prayer for ordinary Christians to have this exact and experiential knowledge of the true and living God. Listen to this passionate appeal to know Him.

The Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:13-15

How can a Christian be victorious over Satan in spiritual warfare? In this sermon on the whole armor of God from Ephesians 6:13-15, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asserts that it is only in the strength of the Lord and His might. The apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus that they must put on the whole armor of God. The strength that the Lord provides for His people is putting on the armor of God, piece by piece with prayer. We need every piece of armor God provides for us beginning with the integument. We start with a foundation of the revealed truth of God—the girdle. We need the doctrines of the Bible set securely at the base of our protection. Secondly, we put on a righteousness capable of being judged at every angle—the breastplate. The devil aims to fuel our doubts by bringing up past sins and present iniquities. Christians must apply the breastplate of righteousness and protect themselves at every angle by looking to Jesus Christ on the cross. And thirdly, the Christian puts on the preparation of the Gospel of peace—the sandals. As quick as the enemy is, we must be quicker and more agile, prepared in the assurance of our salvation. Will you begin to apply this panoply?

The Wonderful Works of God

What role does the Holy Spirit play in one’s life? Is there any room in prayers for praying for revival and a fresh outpouring of the Spirit? In this sermon on the wonderful works of God from Acts 2:11, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the outlook of the church in his day. The church waxes and wanes throughout church history. At times it is strong in spreading forth in holiness and evangelism, reaching far and wide to exclaim the glories of her great God and Savior Jesus Christ. And yet at other times it wanes in want for a glimpse of the power of God in the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that throughout the Old and New Testaments, the focus of the Bible is on the mighty acts of God. At Pentecost the mighty acts of God were heard in a multitude of languages. Moreover, he points out that the church has reserved little room to pray for revival and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit with power. He implicates this rejection as the main reason for the weaknesses of the church in the modern day, closing itself off from the possibility of revival.

The Answer to the Worlds Problems

John 1:17

In this sermon on John 1:17 titled “The Answer to the World’s Problems,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues for the contemporary answers of the Christian gospel to the common problems of humanity. Why listen to this message of the gospel? It is God’s message. The world is waiting for a message, but there is not much confidence or satisfaction in the conferences of people. Learn of the origin of the world’s problems and the sin that makes all people fools. “The real and only reason to be afraid of death is that to which death leads.” People fear this life, but what about the next life to come? No one should be afraid of people, but of God who can destroy both body and soul. God, who is eternal and all powerful, has given the law, revealing certain things about Himself and humanity’s sin against God. Humanity is polluted and finds prayer a hard task; not only do they sin, but they want to sin. God hates sin, but offers grace upon grace at Calvary: “Grace is undeserved favor...it’s the very thing you and I need.”

Second-hand Religion

John 1:26-33

In this sermon “Second-hand Religion,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from John 1:26–33. He tells his audience that no one can merely receive the fullness of Christ from the tradition of religion. According to John the Baptist, passive participation in Christian tradition gets the soul nowhere. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that following practical religious steps are not enough for salvation. This can include baptism, church attendance, prayer, and even preaching. Dr. Lloyd-Jones communicates that without a true, heartfelt, and deep acceptance of the gospel in one’s soul, one gets no closer to heaven. He also condemns the idea that intellectual appreciation or acceptance are enough to be filled with Christ’s fullness. One who appreciates the Christian for his deep faith is not credited Christ’s righteousness for doing so. One who accepts the existence of God and the truth of the doctrines of the Christian faith is not a believer unless they have repented of their sins and turned to Christ to be filled. In this sermon, listeners are encouraged to be filled with the fullness of Christ by repenting of sins and obeying God’s decrees.

The Spirit Fell on the Church

John 1:26-33

Does the Christian need power to live a Christ-filled life, and for evangelism and obedience in the face of persecution? Do they find that they lack boldness to share the gospel? In this sermon on John 1:26–33 titled “The Spirit Fell on the Church,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes how the disciples received power when the Spirit descended on them at various times throughout the book of Acts. He considers that their receiving of the Spirit was not limited to the regenerative work but instead was multifaceted and involved multiple fillings of the Spirit. He elaborates that this is the normal method that God uses to give power to the church and argues that a baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs with any true revival. He determines that revivals are not built on the church’s obedience, but by God sending His Spirit with power to the church. Therefore, the Christian should pray for revival in order that the church would be given great power by the Spirit in order to do the work of the kingdom of God on earth. In a time when the work of the Spirit is debated, listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks clarity into the discussion and encourage prayer for the empowerment of the church.

Preparation of The Preacher

The vocation of a minister is unique. A minister does not leave his work behind, whether late at night or on vacation. A minister is a man who is always preparing; he never frees himself from his calling because everything he does finds relevance to his work. How then does a preacher organize his life in light of this reality? What are some practices that will aid the minster in his preparation for preaching? The key factor, says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, is for the minister to know himself. In this lecture on the preparation of the preacher, from the “Preaching and Preachers” lecture series, Dr. Lloyd-Jones articulates several points for ministers to consider as they labor to prepare for weekly preaching. Under this guiding principle of knowing one’s own temperament and personality, he encourages pastors in the fundamentals of prayer and Bible reading. Also in this lecture, Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges pastors to other kinds of reading. Whether it is devotional reading of the Puritans, or more intellectual material such as theology, church history, or apologetics, the overarching goal is to prepare the minster for his pulpit ministry. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines a blueprint for personal preparation that will benefit the minister as well as the congregation.

Revival Sermon: Diagnosing the Need

Mark 9:28-29

For anyone burdened by the condition of this world and concerned with the present problems of this age, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones introduces a sermon series on revival where he discusses some common misconceptions about apologetics and evangelism in today’s age. In this sermon on Mark 9:28–29 titled “Revival Sermon: Diagnosing the Need,” he acknowledges that there are indeed different times which require different means of action. The church and its members often rush to fix a problem before properly diagnosing the issue. Just as Jesus did in Mark, Christians need to be reminded that they must have understanding in their approach. When they are confronted by the way certain people live, they should be mindful that each case is different. In speaking about apologetics, Dr. Lloyd-Jones discusses a common error of the church trying to make the faith relevant in today’s culture. Some say that newer Bible translations or better church advertising would cause revival. However, are those targeting the root of the modern problem? Revival comes only by the power from God. Anyone who feels burdened or pressed by the condition of this world needs to be in constant prayer for power and guidance for the Lord.

The Shield; Helmet and Sword

Ephesians 6:16-17

What does it mean to put on the whole armor of God? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:16–17 titled “The Shield, Helmet, and Sword,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues his exploration of what the apostle Paul calls the armor of God. Scripture tells the Christian to be strong in the Lord, and Dr. Lloyd-Jones maintains that the strength the Lord provides for His people is in putting on the armor of God, piece by piece with prayer. Christians need every piece of armor God provides, beginning with the integument and continuing with further protection. Christians add faith to their defense so as to quench the enflaming thoughts and ideas of the enemy—the shield. This is the capacity to take particular truths from God’s word and apply them appropriately. Then they think on their final salvation and deliverance from sin—the helmet. This is the Christian’s blessed hope and certainty in complete victory. Finally, they take up the ultimate defensive protection in the Spirit—the sword. God provides His word to defend against spiritual warfare in hand-to-hand combat. If it comes to such a point, they lean upon the phrase, “the Bible tells me so.” This completes the full armor of God.

God's Wrath. Not Man's

Romans 12:19-20

While some popular streams of so-called Christianity claim that becoming a Christian means a care-free life, the New Testament is clear that Christians are likely to have more troubles. In this passage, the apostle Paul assumes Christians faithfully living in this fallen world will inevitably encounter evil against them. In this sermon on Romans 12:19–20 titled “God’s Wrath, Not Man’s,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds Paul’s teaching on the topic. Negatively, Christians are to respond to evil by not avenging. Positively, they are to give place to God’s wrath. But what do these things mean? Why should the Christian never seek personal vengeance and does this teaching support Christian pacifism? What about questions about the wrath of God and how are Christians to understand imprecatory prayers in light of this teaching regarding personal vengeance? In all these complex questions, Dr. Lloyd-Jones brings the Scriptures to bear in a cohesive manner by allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture. Listen to this thought-provoking message as he challenges Christians to a distinct way of life in a world where they will encounter evil.

The Spirits Help

Romans 8:26-27

It is common for prayers to feel empty, as if the enemy stops the words from being heard by the Savior. Sometimes Christians find themselves groaning, not able to put into words what they need from God. They lose their confidence that they even belong to God. In this sermon on Romans 8:26–27 titled “The Spirit’s Help,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that these groanings are actually additional proof of their sonship and one of the very reasons God sends His Holy Spirit to His people. He comes alongside to help them in their weakness, to be their advocate, and telling them what to pray when they come before the Father. He intercedes for the Christian who utters wordless groanings which God hears, understands, and approves because it is God who sends the Spirit to work these things in His people. He only sends his Spirit to true believers. If, therefore, one finds themselves giving vent to these groanings, be encouraged. It is proof of a true relationship with God because it is the Spirit that produces these groanings. Christians should rejoice as they belong to Him.

The Fullness Experienced

Ephesians 3:19

In this sermon on Ephesians 3:19 titled “The Fullness Experienced,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that the fullness of Christ that Paul speaks of is not a theoretical idea, but it is at the very heart of the Christian life. For all Christians should live a life that is marked by the transforming presence of Christ and His gospel. Christians live this life by pursuing Christ and seeking to come to a deeper understanding of who He is. It requires self-examination of one’s heart and actions. It is primarily by reading God’s word and seeking Him in prayer that believers come to a greater knowledge of who they are and their relationship to Christ. This requires Christians to subject themselves wholly and completely to God’s word and Holy Spirit. This includes their emotions and desires, as well as their mind and intellect. As this happens throughout the lives of Christians, they grow in both their knowledge and love of God and Jesus Christ. For this reason, Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener to grow in sanctification daily by taking up one’s cross and forsaking sin and unrighteousness. This is one of the most important marks of a true Christian. They continually seek God throughout their lives and strive to know him more every day.

Tests of Christian Profession

Ephesians 1:15-16

How does one know they are saved? The world calls anyone a “Christian” even if they are associated with theism or morality in a Western context. The title has lost its distinctiveness due to the evaporation of its first century meaning. This is a problem for the church, as it is difficult to know who is truly a Christian and who is deceived or ignorant of the meaning. What then is the test of salvation? In this sermon on Ephesians 1:15–16 titled “Tests of Christian Profession,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones suggests the apostle Paul provides the ultimate test as he is giving thanks and petitioning in prayer on behalf of the Ephesians. There are just two things necessary: faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints. Within these two tests, Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds not only the significance of the terms used by Paul, but also the apostolic order in which they occur. It is faith in the Lord Jesus, then love for all the saints. Paul is uninterested in vague sentimentality in the church. Faith (in the biblical sense) in the person of Jesus Christ is non-negotiable. Only after this, but definitely following it, is love for all the saints. Faith and works are joined here.

The Church and Her Future

Acts 12:5

In this sermon on Acts 12:5 titled “The Church and Her Future,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones lays out a strategy for how the church can prevail during persecution. One of the most critical parts in this battle, he says, is to identify the character and power of the forces against the church. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages Christians that nervousness is behind the appearance of confidence of those opposed to the gospel. This nervousness is driven by their rebellion against God and awareness that God opposes sin. This is seen today, and it is also seen in how Christians were treated in the New Testament. The second strategy Dr. Lloyd-Jones alerts the listener to is the utilization of prayer. The early church employed this tactic early and often, and God rewarded their diligence. However, it is not enough to just petition God for things. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks a serious question—“do we really believe in God’s power to accomplish that of which He is capable?” If so, Christians truly have nothing to fear. Wherever they are currently in their walk with Christ, this sermon will give hope and encouragement to stand one’s ground and trust the Lord while living in the midst of a hostile culture.

Be Up and Doing!

Ephesians 4:24

Just how does a Christian shed the sins that characterize their past? In this sermon on Ephesians 4:24 titled “Be Up and Doing!” listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how this is done by applying the truth of God’s word throughout every area of one’s life. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for Christians to take time to study Scripture and commune with God in prayer. This is to be done in a community of believers, the church, and individually. However, there are many who claim to be Christians and putting off the old self. But as Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns, for them it is nothing more than an external action and a façade. Often, they do it every Sunday so that they will look holy and pious, but it is spiritual hypocrisy and self-deception. For true sanctification and holiness is something that comes from the heart that has been transformed in the gospel, truly knowing Jesus Christ as their Savior. True Christians do not perform good works simply so that they would appear righteous, but they desire to seek God from a new heart that has been filled with love. This spiritual seeking is genuine and true.

True Worship

John 4:13-14

What does it mean to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth? How does this look in the life of a Christian? These are both very important and relevant questions that the Christian should be asking themselves. Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses these questions through the story of the woman at the well in John 4:13­–14 in this sermon titled “True Worship.” He begins by defining worship as an act of bowing down, which means that Christian worship should move them to fall on their knees in awe before the Lord. Worship is when adoration of the Lord and Savior is all that can be done. He goes on to express how the Christian is moved to this kind of worship when they spend time in prayer and submit themselves completely to the teaching of Scripture. God is the one who teaches how to worship and He leads in that worship. He concludes by challenging with these questions: “are we worshiping ignorantly? Do we truly know the God we worship?” The Christian must guard against ignorance and truly seek after the God they worship. Because while worship is an external act, it is most importantly a reflection of the internal state of being in awe of God.

O God; Thou Art My God

Psalms 63:1-3

Adversity is the quickest way to reveal the value of one’s faith. What are Christians like when they find themselves in the wilderness of suffering? In this sermon on Psalms 63:1–3 titled “O God, Thou Are My God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines David’s prayer as he turns to God in the midst of trouble. Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates a core Biblical truth: adversity always drives the true believer to God. In times of suffering, the non-Christian is annoyed and curses God. In contrast, the believer has just the opposite response. He turns to God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this is because the true believer has discovered God’s lovingkindness to be better than life. Like a love-sick person, the believer is satisfied with nothing this world can give and is utterly miserable without God’s love. But with God, they can face anything. Nothing compares in value to God’s lovingkindness. Listen and find complete satisfaction in this intimate knowledge of God. The psalmist’s response to adversity should also be that of the Christian with lips that should praise Him. Rejoice in God. He will never let His child go.

The Inner Man

Ephesians 3:16

In this sermon on Ephesians 3:16 titled “The Inner Man”, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the profound importance of the transformed inner man. He begins by pointing out Paul’s manner of prayer for the Ephesians. Paul begins by praying for the spiritual needs of the Ephesians and then goes on to pray for specific things that the Ephesians need. He does not pray that his own circumstances would be changed, nor that the circumstances of the Ephesians would be changed. Instead he focuses on spiritual need and specific needs. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then expresses the importance of the inner man and the heart, the center of the believer. For if the center (the thinking) and the heart of a person is set right, then everything else will fall into place. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that it is not that when one becomes a Christian that suddenly everything in the world is set right. The world is fallen and sinful, consequently full of disease and tribulation of many kinds, so that cannot be. Rather, when one becomes a Christian, they are being renewed daily in the inner man though the outer man is wasting away (2 Corinthians 4:16). The joy of the Lord is now their strength no matter the circumstance or the state of his outer self.

Patient in Tribulation

Romans 12:12

The Christian should ask themselves if they are “fervent in spirit” and learn to look at their total view of life in this world as Christian people. There is nothing so fatal for the Christian than to misunderstand his or her life in this present world. “The only way a Christian can rejoice is in the life of this hope [Christ].” How are they then to live in this present world? “We must never allow tribulation to do us any harm at all.” In this sermon on Romans 12:12 titled “Patient in Tribulation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asks, “Is your reaction one of grumbling or of patient endurance in the midst of tribulation?” The Christian ought to expect trouble to come their way. Nothing teaches the believer better than tribulations: weakness, pride, and selfishness is brought out in trials. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that these trials yield the fruit of righteousness. Prayer results from tribulation and one ought to quickly seek this refuge. Christians are in the fight of faith; not against the things of this world, but against the spiritual matters. Do not continue in ignorance and self-confidence that pervades common humanity. Rejoice in knowing that truly nothing can separate the believer from the love of Christ, not even the hardest of trials or tribulation.

The Privileges Given to Israel

Romans 9:4-5

It is significant for the Christian to know how to approach God, to enter His presence, to take petitions and prayers to Him, and how to render service to the true and living God. Unlike the Gentile nations, Israel was given specific instructions on this. God had shown them special favor, despite their small number and unimpressive abilities. Moreover, God gave them promises. Through the fathers (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David), the children of Israel were children of promise. Unlike their pagan neighbors who worshipped idols, the apostle Paul says they were brought into a covenant. Why is the apostle Paul emphasizing this unique privilege of the children of Israel and what is his purpose? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer this question in this sermon on Romans 9:4–5 titled “Children of the Promise.” There is a tragedy in the story of the Jews, one that the Christian must acknowledge. They were a people of such hope and promise and yet they missed it all. Despite that, Christ’s coming was abundantly clear in the Scriptures, most of the Jews could not see it. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones traces the promises made to Old Testament Israel and the tragedy that followed.