The Riches of Christ
A Sermon on John 2:9-11
Originally preached Nov. 7, 1965
Scripture
9When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth …
Sermon Description
Christians have been promised the kind of living water by which they will never thirst again. Are they living lives that reflect this? Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks on the fullness of God and the abundance found in Him from John 2:9–11 in this sermon titled “The Riches of Christ.” First, he speaks about the abundance that is found in the Lord. He never runs out of grace, forgiveness, or mercy, but is ready to extend it freely to those who seek after and believe in Him. It is important to realize that it is His work in the Christian that fills to overflowing. He then goes on to speak about an important truth in the Christian life: experiencing the fullness of God is not a one-time thing, but is meant to increase as the Christian grows in their walk with the Lord. This truth is something Christians can rejoice in and find great hope. The more God’s fullness is received, the greater a desire will be to grow in that fullness. And as Christians grow in that fullness, it will overflow into their every action, causing them to live lives that reflect this beautiful abundance of their Lord.
Sermon Breakdown
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The sermon examines Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. This miracle illustrates the abundant and overflowing life Jesus gives.
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The life Jesus gives is one of full satisfaction, changing our situation from desperation to peace. When Jesus acts, it is evident he has done so. This new life overflows from within us.
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Examples of this overflowing life are found throughout the Bible, from the Psalmist's cup running over to Jesus' promise of rivers of living water flowing from within us. The early church was filled with the Holy Spirit and Paul describes the unsearchable riches of Christ.
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This abundant life is not just for outstanding Christians but for all believers. Throughout church history, from early martyrs to 18th century leaders like Wesley and Whitefield, ordinary Christians have experienced this overflowing life.
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This abundant life is progressive, increasing from glory to glory. It does not end with our initial conversion but continues to grow and develop. The Psalmist and Isaiah describe flourishing into old age. Paul says we are being transformed into Christ's image with ever-increasing glory.
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The abundant life increases our faith. Jesus' disciples believed in him more deeply after witnessing his miracle at Cana. The more we receive of Christ's life, the more we desire him and seek after him. Paul continued to pursue knowing Christ more deeply.
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The effect of this life should be a desire to love and please God more, to be filled with a holy passion for him. We can lean on God's strength and rejoice in his glory, grace, love, and truth.
The Book of John
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.