Patient in Tribulation
A Sermon on Romans 12:12
Originally preached May 20, 1966
Scripture
12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Sermon Description
The Christian should ask themselves if they are “fervent in spirit” and learn to look at their total view of life in this world as Christian people. There is nothing so fatal for the Christian than to misunderstand his or her life in this present world. “The only way a Christian can rejoice is in the life of this hope [Christ].” How are they then to live in this present world? “We must never allow tribulation to do us any harm at all.” In this sermon on Romans 12:12 titled “Patient in Tribulation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asks, “Is your reaction one of grumbling or of patient endurance in the midst of tribulation?” The Christian ought to expect trouble to come their way. Nothing teaches the believer better than tribulations: weakness, pride, and selfishness is brought out in trials. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that these trials yield the fruit of righteousness. Prayer results from tribulation and one ought to quickly seek this refuge. Christians are in the fight of faith; not against the things of this world, but against the spiritual matters. Do not continue in ignorance and self-confidence that pervades common humanity. Rejoice in knowing that truly nothing can separate the believer from the love of Christ, not even the hardest of trials or tribulation.
Sermon Breakdown
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The sermon examines Romans 12:12 - "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer."
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The first point is "rejoicing in hope." This means having the right view of life in this world. Christians should not expect much from this world and should look forward to the world to come.
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The second point is "patient in tribulation." Christians should not be surprised by trials and tribulations. They should expect them. Trials teach us about ourselves, others, and strengthen our faith. They make us long for heaven.
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The third point is "continuing instant in prayer." This means constantly praying and staying in communication with God. Prayer gives us comfort, reminds us of God's presence and care, and provides us strength.
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In summary, as Christians we are strangers in this world. We will face trials and tribulations. But through prayer and keeping our eyes on the world to come, we can overcome.
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.