What is the Task of The Church?
A Sermon on 1 Timothy 2:3-7
Scripture
3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 …
Sermon Description
Why does your church exist? What is the job of it and your pastor? In this sermon, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to teach from Scripture regarding the proper role of the church. Over the last several decades, many churches have taken on the world’s job of entertaining people. Yet, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones rightly points out, this is opposite of the church’s focus to bring people to a knowledge of the truth. Who is God, and who is man? What is wrong with man? These questions serve to quickly diagnose that we are in trouble and in need of a Savior, and this message, says Lloyd-Jones, is the reason churches exist. As Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” People in the world are wandering about, suffering under the effects of sin. They are often seeking to find lasting joy, peace, and forgiveness in created things that cannot satisfy. Yet, Jesus offers a remedy for all who come to Him in faith and accept His sacrifice for sins on their behalf. Why is it so urgently important, Lloyd-Jones asks, that churches exist to preach this? His answer is simple but pointed: people will stand before God and be judged when they die. The message of hope and forgiveness must be preached, and this is the function of the church.
Sermon Breakdown
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones expresses his privilege at being present for the induction of Reverend Gordon Murray. He has known and admired him for 20 years.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones acknowledges the confusion in the world today, especially in the Christian church regarding the role and purpose of the church and ministry.
- The Bible, specifically 1 Timothy, is the only authority on the role and purpose of the church and ministry. We must conform to its teachings.
- The primary task of the church and ministry is to bring people to a knowledge of the truth according to 1 Timothy 2:4.
- The truth is definite and revealed in the Bible. It is not vague or uncertain as some claim.
- The truth starts with the existence of the one true God, the creator of all things. A lack of belief in God is the cause of the world's problems.
- All people are sinners and estranged from God. They need to be saved and reconciled to God. They cannot save themselves.
- Jesus Christ, the God-man, is the only mediator between God and man. He gave himself as a ransom for sinners through his death on the cross and resurrection.
- It is urgently important that people come to a knowledge of the truth because they must face death and eternity. Only the truth of the gospel can prepare them to face God.
- The truth saves and renews the whole person - mind, soul, and body. It gives peace with God, joy, and a blessed hope.
- The church is the only hope for the world. Proclaiming the truth of the gospel is the highest calling and privilege.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones prays that God will use Reverend Murray and the church to proclaim the truth and be lights in the world.
Itinerant Preaching
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.