Saved for Eternity
A Sermon on Romans 14:1-4
Originally preached Nov. 3, 1967
Scripture
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge …
Sermon Description
The Lord alone has the authority to make final judgments on people. In this sermon from Romans 14:1–4 titled “Saved for Eternity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener of this important truth and how they can follow this while still exercising discernment regarding the people they are around and the activities in which they participate. When the Christian makes ultimate judgments about people, they are usurping the authority of the Lord and putting themselves in His place. This is a very dangerous place. What are they to do about the activities of the world that in and of themselves are not wrong? Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides helpful guidelines to consider as one works through this. He proposes that it all comes back to the theme of Christian liberty and that on issues not clearly portrayed in Scripture as sinful, it is a matter of conscience between each person and God. Paul says that one is not to judge or be jealous of those who are using their Christian liberty because ultimately, the Lord is powerful and strong enough to help them stand up. Dr. Lloyd-Jones ties this into the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints, providing supporting examples from Scripture. Listen as he instructs on being discerning about things one should avoid and the effects that freedom in Christ has on such choices.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is dealing with the question of how Christians should view and treat each other in matters that are indifferent or morally neutral.
- Paul argues that Christians should not judge or condemn each other over indifferent matters. Judging other Christians in this way is presumptuous and usurps God's authority.
- Paul illustrates this point using the metaphor of a servant and master. Just as you would not criticize another person's servant, you should not judge another Christian who belongs to God.
- Paul says that God will uphold the Christian who exercises liberty in indifferent matters. God has the power to make that Christian stand.
- This is not referring to God enabling a Christian to stand in final judgment. Rather, it is referring to God upholding a Christian who faces judgment or criticism from other Christians over indifferent matters. God will maintain that Christian in their liberty.
- Paul is trying to reassure weaker Christians who are worried that stronger Christians who exercise liberty in indifferent matters will fall away or make shipwreck of their faith. Paul says there is no need to worry, because God will uphold them.
- The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is an important theme in this passage. God not only saves us but keeps us, and without His power to make us stand we would all fail.
- Many hymns capture this doctrine, expressing confidence that God will lead and keep us all the way to the end, in spite of all obstacles and enemies.
- We should find assurance not in our own strength or pledges but in God's power and faithfulness to complete the work He has begun.
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.