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Sermon #3152

The Spiritual Outlook

A Sermon on Romans 8:14

Originally preached Oct. 28, 1960

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Scripture

Romans 8:14 ESV KJV
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (ESV)

Sermon Description

What comfort is there for the believer in knowing the Holy Spirit yearns for their sanctification? What privilege do believers have knowing that the Holy Spirit is so concerned for them? This is one reminder by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in his sermon on Romans 8:14 titled “The Spiritual Outlook.” In this message, he explores further what the apostle Paul means by being “led by the Spirit of God.” As the Spirit operates on the mind, heart, and will of the Christian, He gives full and final emancipation from sin. But how may a person know whether the Spirit is leading them? Dr. Lloyd-Jones supplies guidance on this vital question. In short, the Spirit leads Christians to a total new outlook on life; a spiritual outlook. Does the Christian desire God’s glory? What about love for the people of God? How do they respond sin? Do they actively engage in the mortification of the deeds of the body? The Spirit always leads in the direction of the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones both challenges and encourages the church in this teaching on the work of the Holy Spirit.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The main purpose and function of Romans 8:14 is to provide assurance of salvation.
  2. How can we know we are sons of God? We must examine whether we are led by the Spirit of God.
  3. The Spirit leads us by acting upon our mind, heart and will. He does not drive or follow us.
  4. Our general outlook on life shows if we are led by the Spirit. Spiritual people enjoy spiritual things and fellowship with other Christians.
  5. Those led by the Spirit desire to live for God's glory. This is the chief end of man.
  6. There is a desire for greater knowledge of God and Christ. This is shown through reading Scripture, prayer and longing for holiness.
  7. There is concern over lack of love for God. The Spirit leads to this concern.
  8. There is increasing awareness of sin. The Spirit illuminates sin in our lives.
  9. Reaction to sin is one of grief over offending God's love, not just breaking rules. This is a "godly sorrow."
  10. There is increasing sensitivity to sin and temptation. We become more watchful.
  11. There are desires and longings for righteousness and holiness. We hunger and thirst for them.
  12. We take action to mortify the deeds of the body. We avoid sinful influences and provision for sin.
  13. We manifest the fruit of the Spirit like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
  14. We are weaned from the world and long for heaven as we age and mature in faith. We purify ourselves in hope of Christ's return.

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.