Called to Preach (2)
A Sermon on Romans 10:14-17
Originally preached March 13, 1964
Scripture
14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How …
Sermon Description
In the sermon on Romans 10:14–17 titled “Called to Preach (2),” Dr. Lloyd-Jones elaborates on the qualities that make a good preacher. He dives into an equally important discussion: how does a person know if he’s called to preach? Reading from this passage, he answers this question by reiterating the biblical definition of a preacher. He says that a preacher is one of God’s ordained ways to spread the good news, for how can people believe without first hearing? But how does a person know if he’s being called? Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that person may feel a pressure they cannot shake, an inclination toward a certain notion. Second, he says that the person must feel a burden for the souls of men and women. It is not enough for a man to want to speak in front of the congregation. This person must also care deeply about the spirits of those to whom he ministers. Lastly, in accordance with the person’s burden for the souls of men and women, the man must be willing to preach the gospel. He must live for it, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says. He must be willing to preach the facts of the good news: Christ’s redemptive death on the cross and the incredible salvation that comes through faith.
Sermon Breakdown
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The sermon examines Romans 10:14-17 verse by verse. The first two verses (14-15) show how the general call of the gospel goes out. The next two verses (16-17) show how the call becomes effective in those who believe.
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Verses 14-15 deal with the question of how people will hear the gospel without preachers to proclaim it. Preaching is God's ordained method for spreading the news of salvation.
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Preachers must be "sent" or commissioned. They do not appoint themselves. The New Testament shows an orderly process for commissioning preachers.
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Preachers feel an internal call to preach and have that call confirmed by the church. The preacher is under the authority of the church.
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The preacher relies on the support of the church. Like the Levites in the Old Testament, preachers devote themselves fully to ministry and depend on the church for their livelihood.
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The preacher's message is about Jesus Christ. Preaching consists of proclaiming the facts about Christ's birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
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The meaning and significance of these facts must also be proclaimed. The preacher explains the meaning of Christ's incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection.
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The preacher's goal is to glorify Christ so that people will come to faith in him and acknowledge him as Savior and Lord.
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.