We Love the Brethren
A Sermon on John 1:12-13
Originally preached May 12, 1963
Scripture
12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Sermon Description
Every person has a family, but not everyone has a family that is unified. The Christian has a family that is built on unity and love. In this sermon on John 1:12–13 titled “We Love the Brethren,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones applies one more test of assurance for the Christian by expounding on the brotherhood of believers. Every Christian has experienced regeneration, adoption, sanctification, and many other experiences. Although Christians may have separate circumstances, every believer is unified by their experience, interests, and hope. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones sheds light on the fact that every believer possesses a discernment that the unbeliever cannot possess. Moreover, the believer has an affinity for their brothers and sisters in the faith. Even as the believer gains a love for their fellow believer, they sense a distance between themselves and unbelieving friends and even family. This is, Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns, what is meant by Jesus when he said, “I have not come to bring peace but the sword.” The Christian should expect to be met with resistance and even persecution from unbelieving friends, family, and even local governments. Until they are safely home in heaven, the brotherhood of believers provides encouragement, exhortation, and renewed hope.
Sermon Breakdown
- We must be able to recognize our brethren in Christ. There are certain marks and signs that identify them as children of God.
- We have a sense of belonging with other Christians. There is an immediate unity and bond between believers.
- We have been separated from our old relationships and joined to new relationships in Christ. Our new birth in Christ has changed all of our relationships.
- We share the same interests as other Christians like an interest in the kingdom of God and heaven.
- We speak the same spiritual language as other Christians. We recognize the same spiritual accent and idioms.
- We prefer the company of other Christians over unbelievers. We enjoy fellowship with other believers the most.
- We are concerned for the wellbeing of other Christians. We bear their burdens, help them in times of need, and suffer when they suffer.
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.