Sermon Breakdown

1. Dr. Lloyd-Jones expresses gratitude for the opportunity to preach and for the two ministers being honored. He has known them for many years, even before they entered the ministry.
2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones wants to focus on the nature of the Christian ministry by looking at 2 Corinthians 4:5.
3. In this passage, Paul says "we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." This means Paul did not preach himself like the false apostles, but preached the gospel.
4. There are many ways ministers can preach themselves, like focusing on their appearance, personality, ideas, learning, or results. But Paul did not do this.
5. Paul did not preach himself because he was not worth preaching. He never forgot he was once Saul, a blasphemer and persecutor. He received mercy and his ministry by grace. He was an "earthen vessel."
6. Paul did not preach himself because he was inadequate for the task. The task is to enlighten people's darkness, free them from Satan, show them they are sinners facing judgment, and save them from hell. No man can do this.
7. The problem is not just people's behavior but their spiritual deadness and slavery to Satan. The world is under Satan's control, not just men's. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but spiritual forces.
8. If the gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, lost in darkness and facing eternal doom. The pulpit has an enormous responsibility.
9. Paul did not preach himself because of the glory of the message committed to him. The terms used are "glorious gospel," "treasure," "excellency of the power."
10. The glory is first the glory of the Trinity - the Father, Son, and Spirit planned salvation. The glory of the Father is seen in creation but supremely in the gospel. The glory of the Son is seen in the Incarnation, cross, resurrection, and return. The glory of the Spirit is seen in empowering the message.
11. The glory is also the salvation we receive - pardon, new birth, adoption, assurance, inheritance. This gives joy and hope despite circumstances.
12. The ministry and all Christians are to make known this glory. We must realize people's condition and need the Spirit's power. We must pray for revival.