MLJ Trust Logo Image
Search
Sermon #2035

The World that Wants Peace

A Sermon on Acts 4:31-35

Originally preached Dec. 19, 1965

Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
Play Sermon
btn-play
Download Sermon Add to Queue Add to Playlist

Scripture

Acts 4:31-35 ESV KJV
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no …

Read more

Sermon Description

All the turmoil and strife in the world has its root in humanity’s sinful rebellion against God the creator. When humanity rejects God as ruler and rebel, they lose any hope of true peace and happiness. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains in this sermon on Acts 4:31–35, all hope is lost because the world rejects the Creator who is the source of all blessings. When people reject God as ruler, they set themselves up as their own rulers. This leads to anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, and hatred. Because sin is the root of all the troubles, all plans to bring peace and harmony to the world that reject God and His view of the world are doomed to fail. This is the current state of the world. There is suffering and pain on a massive scale across the globe that people seek to fix. But Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that it is the fallen nature that produces these ills. And it is only the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings renewal and true change. It is only by the transformation of hearts and minds that the world will come to know peace and experience joy. This is the great promise of the gospel: the renewal and transformation of the whole world under the reign of Christ.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The sermon opens by introducing Acts 4:31-35 which describes the early Christian church. Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that this passage provides a picture of what true Christianity should look like.

  2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones acknowledges that the world is currently in a state of trouble and confusion. He argues that the Bible provides the only solution and answers for the world's problems.

  3. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that the events of Pentecost led to the apostles preaching the gospel with power. This preaching brought the early church into being. The church was formed as a result of the apostles' witness and testimony about Jesus.

  4. Dr. Lloyd-Jones highlights that the early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. They met in each other's homes, shared meals together, and praised God. This exemplifies what the true church should be.

  5. Dr. Lloyd-Jones draws attention to Acts 4:32 which states that the believers were one in heart and soul. No one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but they shared everything in common. This demonstrates the unity, generosity, and fellowship that should characterize the church.

  6. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that this type of fellowship and community could only be produced by the gospel. Nothing else has the power to create such a state. This fellowship proves the truth of the gospel.

  7. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks why the world lacks peace and unity. He argues that the fundamental problem is mankind's broken relationship with God. As long as people are wicked and sinful, there can be no peace. Peace is impossible apart from righteousness.

  8. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that the world's attempts at creating peace inevitably fail because they never address mankind's root problem - sin and separation from God. They adopt superficial solutions and believe peace can be achieved through human reasoning and effort alone.

  9. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that peace is never something that can be directly pursued or achieved. Rather, it is a byproduct of righteousness. Righteousness is the root that produces peace. The world is trying in vain to sow peace rather than righteousness.

  10. Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims that only Christ can give true peace and fellowship. Christ came to bring peace through His death and resurrection. He reconciles us to God and gives us new hearts and natures that make peace possible. The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of peace in believers' lives.

  11. Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that once people are born again, they are united in Christ. They see themselves, others, and the world differently. They recognize that any good in themselves or others is due solely to the grace of God. This removes pride and brings unity.

  12. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that believers see this world as temporary and passing. They are journeying to an eternal inheritance. This eternal perspective brings unity and generosity. They share a common purpose and destiny.

  13. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by urging the world to listen to the message of Christmas - the good news of peace and goodwill. This is the song the angels sang at Christ's birth. Believers should join in singing this song and spreading this message of hope.

The Book of Acts

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.