Reactions to Suffering
A Sermon on Romans 8:18
Originally preached April 21, 1961
Scripture
18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Sermon Description
How should Christians react to suffering? This is a difficult question, but it is also an important question. All who live in this world suffer from the effects of sin and death. Even Jesus Himself suffered while He was on earth. In this sermon on Romans 8:18 titled “Reactions to Suffering,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns against the wrong reactions to suffering in life. Whether one is angry at God or doubts His goodness, the Christian is prone to lose their trust in the face of suffering. But the Bible tells that suffering is never purposeless, nor is suffering the ultimate fate of those who trust in Christ. The greatest hope is not in worldly social reform or in political campaigns, but it is in the reality that Christ has died for His people and is making all things new. Rather than looking to themselves in times of suffering, the Christian must look to Christ who has died in their place so that they might be redeemed from sin and its curse. This hope is only possible for those who believe in the gospel.
Sermon Breakdown
- Christians should not be surprised by suffering. Suffering is inevitable for Christians.
- Christians should not be shaken or cast down by suffering. Do not doubt salvation or God's love.
- There is no promise of relief or improvement from suffering in this life. Suffering will continue.
- There is no call to change conditions or improve them. We are called to be law-abiding, not abolish suffering.
-
The teaching is not merely resignation. It is positive, triumphant and glorious.
-
The teaching on suffering is unique. No other religion or philosophy addresses it like Christianity.
- The teaching is deduced from core Christian doctrines. It is the logical conclusion from what came before.
- The teaching is only for Christians. Unbelievers have no comfort and only warning.
- Christianity is not a feeling but a reasoned faith. We must think through and apply doctrine.
- We must reason from doctrine to overcome suffering and the devil's attacks.
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.