Analysis
A Sermon on Romans 1:1
Originally preached Oct. 14, 1955
Scripture
1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Sermon Description
The strongest building is vulnerable by a weak foundation. How firm is the Christian’s foundation? As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims in this sermon “Analysis” on Romans 1:1, a life built on the word of God and growing in sound doctrine is spared from the storms and threats that devastates many lives. Since the Christian’s union is with Christ and their fellowship with the local church, they grow in righteousness as they learn from the entire counsel of God. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones overviews Paul’s letter to the church at Rome and explains the reason this letter is so important to the Christian life. In it is found certainty, security of salvation, and future glorification that awaits all who are declared righteous and saved by faith.
Sermon Breakdown
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The sermon begins with an introduction to the epistle to the Romans and its importance. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes studying it thoroughly to gain a deep understanding.
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The sermon then provides background on who wrote the epistle (Paul) and who it was written to (the church in Rome). The makeup of the Roman church is discussed, including that it contained both Jews and Gentiles.
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The sermon then discusses why Paul wrote the epistle - to establish and strengthen the Roman Christians in their faith due to false teachings that were spreading. Paul wanted to impart spiritual truths to them.
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The sermon then provides an overview of the structure and content of the epistle to Romans. Chapters 1-11 are doctrinal, chapters 12-16 are practical. Chapters 1-4 focus on justification by faith.
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Chapters 5-8 demonstrate the certainty and security of salvation for believers. This section is not about sanctification but about the assurance of salvation.
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In chapter 5, Paul shows that salvation is God's doing, not man's. He also shows the believer's union with Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
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In chapters 6 and 7, Paul addresses objections and difficulties with his teaching, including whether it promotes lawlessness or antinomianism. Paul shows that while believers have died to the law, sin remains in the mortal body. But believers overcome sin by recognizing their union with Christ.
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In chapter 8, Paul shows how the Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome sin and gain victory over it. The Spirit gives believers a new mind, will resurrect their mortal bodies, enables them to mortify sin, gives assurance of salvation, provides a view of God's ultimate purposes, and helps in prayer.
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Paul then provides a triumphant conclusion, showing that nothing can separate believers from God's love in Christ.
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In chapters 9-11, Paul shows how God's purposes through the Jews confirm the doctrines he has been teaching. God is working out His sovereign plan.
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Paul then praises God for His wisdom, knowledge and ways. To God alone belongs the glory.
The Book of Romans
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.