The Message of the Bible
A Sermon on Romans 15:4
Originally preached Dec. 10, 1961
Scripture
4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Sermon Description
It is a great error to think that the Bible is just another ancient book. In this sermon on Romans 15:4 titled “The Message of the Bible,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares about the unique nature of Scripture as the very word and revelation of God. God’s revealed will to His people is found in the pages of the Old and New Testaments. This should cause all to read Scripture as one divinely gifted message that has been given for the edification and building up of all believers. All must believe Scripture because it is the very word of God and carries the fullest authority possible. What does God reveal to His people in Scripture? The one overarching theme in Scripture is the salvation of God’s people by His Son, Jesus Christ. Scripture must be read as one whole work by one author with one message. This message is one of victory and salvation wherein Jesus Christ dies upon the cross for the salvation of all who believe and the redemption of the whole world. Jesus is making all things new by His death, resurrection, and rule. When one comes to Scripture, they should come to learn about God and what He has accomplished through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Sermon Breakdown
- The Bible is God's word and oracle to us. We must approach it with the right attitude - believing it is God's word, accepting its authority, and submitting to it.
- The Bible comforts us through instruction and teaching, not directly. It enlightens our minds so we can understand the world and have hope.
- The Bible teaches us about the world's condition. It is in turmoil because of man's sin and rebellion against God. Man cannot solve the world's problems - only God can.
- The Bible teaches us what God has done about the world's condition. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from sin and reconcile us to God.
- The Bible gives us hope for the future. God will defeat evil and usher in a new perfect world with no sin or suffering. Jesus will return to judge the world and restore creation.
- This hope gives us comfort, consolation and encouragement. Though the world is in chaos now, we know God is in control and will fulfill his good purposes.
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.