The Authority of the Gospel
A Sermon on 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Originally preached Feb. 12, 1961
Scripture
1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight …
Sermon Description
What authority comes with the gospel? What authority did the apostles have to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ? In this sermon on 2 Corinthians 4:1–6 titled “The Authority of the Gospel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the authority of Scripture and how God uses His word to command the church to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth. The gospel is not the product of clever human reasoning or philosophy. It is the work of Jesus Christ that is revealed in holy Scripture. No one can find it by searching for it, but they can only know the gospel because God has graciously chosen to reveal it through His revelation. This is why the church of modern times must be like the apostles and proclaim the gospel to all; they must share the good news that Jesus has died for sinners and rose from the grave for their justification. This sermon calls all to examine themselves to see if they have believed in this message of salvation from sins. There is no other way to be saved than by believing in Jesus Christ.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is writing about himself and his ministry in 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 to defend himself against criticisms and questions about his authority.
- Paul does everything in the sight of God, who he will have to give an account to. This is one reason why Paul preaches the way he does.
- Paul preaches not to please men or for personal gain, but to please God and serve others. This is another reason why Paul preaches the way he does.
- Paul preaches the gospel, not himself. He preaches Christ as Lord and himself as the Corinthians' servant.
- The gospel may be veiled to those who are perishing, as the god of this world has blinded their minds.
- Paul preaches Christ as the image of God, who illuminates the knowledge of God's glory.
- God's light has shone in Paul's heart to illuminate the knowledge of God's glory in Christ.
- Paul wants to call attention to why many stumble at the gospel and are outside the Christian faith.
- One of the most common reasons people stumble is the question of authority - why should they believe and submit to the gospel?
- Paul is handling and ministering the word of God, the truth, not his own ideas. This is the basis of his authority.
- The word of God and the truth are unlike any other message - they are from God, not man. This is what makes the gospel unique and gives it authority.
- The gospel is revelation from God, not something man discovered through searching. God revealed the gospel to Paul.
- The gospel finds its origin and authority in Jesus Christ, who revealed himself to Paul and gave him the message to preach.
- Paul's message was the same as the other apostles' because they all received it from the same source: Jesus Christ.
- We should listen to and believe the gospel because it is the word of God, not man's word. It is revelation of truth from God, not human discovery.
Sermons on Authority
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.