Other Sermons

In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “Alive to the Soul,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones draws encouragement from Paul’s life and resilience in the midst of difficult circumstances and takes the listener through how he or she can be at rest in the midst of difficult times. Paul underwent countless sufferings, and yet he was content and at rest in God. What accounts for Paul’s attitude? First, he had recognized the supreme value of the soul. It is a recognition that the soul will last forever and that there is an eternal reality. Second, he lived his life in view of what he called “that day,” the coming day of judgment. Third, above all, Paul had a personal knowledge of Christ and the love of God. He knew that God loved him and would keep His promises to grow Paul in his Christ-likeness, even if that meant difficult circumstances on earth. Yet Paul was at peace with that because he knew it was for his ultimate good. Christians have this same confidence — they have nothing to fear, not even death.

In his sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that the gospel will benefit anyone who believes in Jesus Christ— it is good news for all people. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that the Apostle Paul was a natural pessimist, and yet, he found hope through the gospel. He boldly proclaimed “I am not ashamed.” Scripture’s promises are not dependent upon a person’s temperament or tendencies; it has power for all. Many today hold to a stoic view of life and believe that all are born to die, but this view provides no hope for people. Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts this with the Christian view, using the real-life example of songwriter Horatio Spafford who penned the well-known hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.” Spafford wrote this hymn soon after the tragic drowning of his children and losing most of his wealth. Though all here on earth could be going horribly wrong, and though evil and its results seem to prevail, followers of Jesus have hope. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that this is not automatic — though salvation is received through faith alone, the Christian journey is one in which its followers must play an active part in living out the gospel. He closes by stating that Christianity has no comfort or consolation if one does not believe its truth. Paul’s comfort was deduced from his faith — repent from sins and believe the gospel today in faith.

The Gospel is what enables living well in the midst of difficulty. In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones poses these questions: what is the Gospel, and how does it impact the Christian? Paul’s main principle in this passage is that everything must be examined, including our lives, in the context of the whole collection of Scripture. Just as a doctor would want to address the root cause of an issue instead of merely trying to fix the symptom, so too, the Christian must look to Scripture and see the roots of the sin and seek to weed it out instead of attempting to merely fix the outward manifestations of the issue. Our framework for understanding this depends on our view of life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts the biblical view with the unbiblical, which is based on the principle that everything is constantly in flux and that life is a random accident. In contrast, God’s plan has a purpose and is not based on blind chance — it provides hope and rest, and best accounts for the condition of the world today. For Christians, this provides the hope and foundation needed to face difficult times.

In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “Who Is Man?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tackles deep questions about life from a Scriptural perspective. He shares the good news that one’s existence is not a result of random chance. It has a purpose, and God is in charge. God’s revelation in the Bible shows that humanity is different from animals because they were created with a soul. Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents some common views of humanity today, reminding that people were created to do far more than eat, drink, and fulfill their lusts. Many today chase these activities in hopes that they can be made happy. Yet Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that happiness was never designed to be tied to circumstances — one can find temporary pleasure, but they cannot find lasting happiness. Happiness is dependent upon a relationship with God. Yet, sin separates people from Him. No one can do anything of their own accord — the Bible tells that no one can earn their way to God. Yet, He sent His sinless Son Jesus Christ to die for sins and rise from the dead so that all who put their faith in His sacrifice can be saved.

In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “The Meaning of the Gospel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that many people think they can construct a worldview built from Christianity along with other religions or ways of thought and still experience the same hope as a follower of Christ. But as Dr. Lloyd-Jones illustrates from this Scripture, no one can have the benefits of Christianity without believing and following Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the gospel and its importance for everyone. Jesus, the God-man, entered into time and became God in the flesh. In His living, He showed how one is to live. In His sacrificial death and resurrection, He made a way for people to be made right with God and to have their sins forgiven. All that He claimed to be while alive was proven by His resurrection, showing that He is God and the Lord over all, even death. He established that death is not the end — He has conquered it. One cannot have this hope and confidence unless they trust in Jesus solely as their Savior from sin and following Him as master. He alone can save and give hope.

In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “God’s Unchanging Purpose, “ Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that Paul was on the cusp of being executed when he wrote this letter. Yet, as Dr, Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches, Paul wrote confidently because he believed the gospel he had written about. Many today try to extract the blessings of Christianity without committing fully to its doctrine, but Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that in order to know the blessings of the gospel, one must believe its truth. The gospel starts with God and His process of redemption established before the world began. Dr. Lloyd-Jones instructs that the foundational truth, and what has been called the “watershed moment” of Christianity, is rooted in history — the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. By rising again, He fulfilled His promise to His disciples that He would live again, and by sending His Holy Spirit after His ascension, He again kept His promise that they would not be without a helper. This is important because it shows God’s purpose. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks again, “Is your life controlled by the fact that you believe in the purpose of God? Does the gospel mean anything to you?” Those who don’t are living apart from its promises and on track to die without its hope.

In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “God’s Way of Redemption,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses his sermon on Paul’s letter to Timothy, where the apostle writes from prison and explains his confidence in whom he has believed. Jumping from Paul’s example, Dr. Lloyd-Jones dives into the importance of the gospel. Salvation is more than living morally and making good decisions. It is more than being a “good Christian.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that salvation is trusting in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for the payment of sins. This is God’s plan for the redemption of all since the natural person is corrupt. They are under the power of sin and its total pollution. Humanity’s very nature can’t help responding to sin, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says. On their own, they are unable to overcome their disposition. Good works offer no assurance. Even the great Christian figures like Paul, Martin Luther, and Charles Wesley did not rely on their works for salvation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that there is a work that saves, but it is not of humanity. The only work that saves is God’s work of sending His Son for humanity’s redemption so they may live eternally.

What is humankind’s greatest need? Many modern thinkers say it is for people to be emotionally well. Others think that it is world peace. But what does the Bible say is humankind’s greatest need? In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “Abundant Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how the letter points out that the abundant life is not about material things nor emotional needs, but it is about being right with God. Humankind’s greatest need is to be made pure and free from sin in order that they might be reconciled to God almighty. For all are born slaves to sin and inheritors of unrighteousness. It is only in the gospel of Jesus Christ that any can be set free from sin and live according to God’s ways. Freedom is found in being made right with God through Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Jesus are now able to live a life of righteousness and holiness. Listen closely as Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers these vital questions: “Where is your hope? Are you like this passing world, hoping in the temporal and transient? Or do you trust in Jesus who has died for sinners?” This sermon concerns the most important truths anyone can ever know.

What is the real cause of all failure and unhappiness in life? How can a person live in this world when the world, the flesh, and the devil are against them? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers clearly: “when one is defeated in life, it is always ultimately due from the fact that he has the spirit of fear.” In this sermon on fear, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explores what the causes, consequences, and cure of this fear are? Is it actually possible to walk without fear, confident that all is truly well with one’s soul? Dr. Lloyd-Jones boldly answers, “Yes!” In this faith-building sermon from 2 Timothy 1, he explains that it is the gift of the Holy Spirit – what He does to the Christian, in the Christian, and what He enables the Christian to do---that makes it possible. God has given to every Christian the Spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind, empowering them to no longer fear. God’s children can walk confidently, knowing whom they have believed until that final day. The one who is not afraid of the final day never needs to be afraid of the things that can happen in this world.

Where a person puts their hope in times of great trial tells much about them. In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “Come, Lord Jesus,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the words the apostle Paul wrote when he was imprisoned and facing death. He encouraged Timothy to stand in the faith that was delivered to the saints: the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul had not lost hope in the face of dire circumstances, but he was encouraging others in the face of his own death. This is what it looks like to trust in Christ until the end. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares how this trust is at the heart of the Christian life and is a source of peace. This is because Christians do not have to trust in politics or any other earthly institution for hope. It is Jesus who will return on the last day and bring the new heavens and the new earth. It is Jesus who will banish all sin and darkness, bringing all Christians’ hope to completion. This sermon asks the questions: “Where is your hope? Are you like many who rest in the things of this world? Or are you like the apostle who trusts in the faithfulness of Christ to deliver him in the greatest times of suffering?” There is no more important question than where one’s hope is.

What is the focus of Christianity? Some say that Christianity is about simply being a good moral person, while others say that it is about religious experiences. In this sermon from 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “His Forever,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that Christianity from start to finish is concerned with the person and work of Jesus Christ. This Jesus was delivered up for humanity’s sins, rose from the dead in victory, and now reigns in heaven. Christians must not be distracted by anything other than Christ, for when Christianity is no longer about Christ, it seeks to be true religion. They must not trust in themselves, but rest wholly in Christ. Christians must understand that their relationship with God is not about their works, but about Jesus Christ’s unchanging love for them. This puts the emphasis away from good works (which are important) and points towards the works of Christ. The Christian ought to live a life of good works not because they are seeking to justify themselves, but because they have already been justified in Christ and are secure because He loves them.

Christmas can come and pass without Christians truly questioning what the season means. This is a tragedy because Christians can easily adopt the world’s view of Christmas if there is not proper effort and diligence. The world will celebrate the season with a vague principle called the “Christmas spirit” – general benevolence and encouragement to each other to be a little nicer than before. Or the world will tout a gospel of peace where nations, political leaders, and governments are addressed about their bombs and armaments. But how does the apostle Paul react to the coming of Christ? What does the celebration of Christmas mean to him? In this sermon on Titus 2:11–14 titled “Christmas: An Event in History,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that Paul reacted with the deepest feelings, emotions, and praise at the appearing of the Son of God. This praise and shouts of joy were because of an actual event in history that took place. God’s grace appeared, not in a teaching or principle primarily, but in a real person whom Paul declares is the great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenges the listener to ascribe to the “facts” of Christmas without losing the joy that the event should bring.

For various and sometimes nefarious reasons, people often isolate the Christmas message of the babe in a manger from the rest of the gospel story. The tendency is to take parts of the whole person and work of Christ and segregate them from the rest. Or perhaps worse, some as children heard the message of gentle and lowly Jesus in a manger and never move beyond; they start at Bethlehem and end with Bethlehem. This is a tragedy that inevitably ends in error, says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. In this sermon on Titus 2:11–14 titled “The Two Advents,” he states that Christians must follow the apostle Paul’s important principle and take the Lord Jesus Christ’s work as a whole. Paul frames the first appearing of Christ in conjunction with His second advent. Placing these two advents side-by-side in his sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones then contrasts them. While the first coming of Christ was humble, lowly, and hidden, the second coming will be glorious and made for all the world to see. Listen as he provides a unique and passionate Christmas message where the listener comes face-to-face with the entire person and work of Christ.

The Son of God appearing in human history is not simply an abstract truth. While the Christmas message objectively happened in the past, the good news does not simply tell facts in history. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that the gospel asks Christians to look at themselves. The gospel forces them to ask who they should be. It challenges people to personally ask “What have I done with the good news?” In this sermon on Titus 2:11–14 titled “The Christian View of History,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones follows the apostle Paul in emphasizing how the gospel teaches how to live the Christian life. Living between the first advent and the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ radically alters one’s understanding of God, themselves, and this world. This results in changed living without the desire for worldly lusts, but instead with a longing for righteousness. A sober view of life takes over ungodly living as one remembers the present time and anticipates the future return of the Savior. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches how to put the gospel into practice in this present age, between the first coming and second coming of the Son of God.

In this sermon on Hebrews 1:1­–3 titled “The Wonder of the Cross,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones exposits the book of Hebrews and carefully explains the great theme of the entire epistle: the glory and preeminence of Jesus Christ. Special attention is given to the latter part of verse three as the author of Hebrew only notes Jesus’s earthly ministry of purification of sin. The purification and cleansing of sin, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, has to be the center of the focus of Christian faith because it perfectly displays the glory and humility of Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also explains the strangeness and the meaning of the cross: the cross is strange to the world because the glory of God is displayed in one of the most humiliating places and symbols in the world. The cross also means to be the fulfillment of all the Old Testament types. In glory and humility, Jesus Christ came to purify and cleanse sins of the world on the cross, putting an end to the Old Testament rituals and offering the ultimate way of salvation. As a result, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, Jesus has now “sat down at the right hand of God,” displaying both His glory as the Son and the finished work on the cross.

There is no lack of content in Scripture about the cross of Christ. In this sermon given on Good Friday on Hebrews 2:9 titled “The Cross of Christ,” Dr, Martyn Lloyd-Jones presents various questions about this subject and answers them from the Scripture. Who is this person dying upon a cross? Jesus Christ, the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person, humbling Himself by coming in the likeness of a man, sojourning among humanity, and suffering and dying that He might taste death for everyone. What does it mean that He tasted death? On the cross He experienced – in body and soul – everything that is involved in death as the punishment for sin. Nothing was withheld. Why did He suffer such a death? The answer is given in one word: “for everyone.” He took the place of all, bearing the wrath of God for their sins upon Himself. What’s the result of His coming? The glorious result is two-fold: because Jesus suffered and died, He has been exalted, crowned with all glory and honor and power, and He has taken out the sting of death for all believers. He did it because God’s very nature is one of grace, compassion, and love.

In this sermon on Hebrews 2:11 titled “Not Ashamed to Call Them Brethren,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the wonders of Christ and His shared inheritance with the redeemed. The theme of the book of Hebrews is the preeminence of Jesus Christ. The wonder of the gospel is that Jesus is not ashamed to call His people brethren. Though they are but humans, the Lord God calls them brethren because of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims that humans are the sanctified, and Jesus is the sanctifier. Yet He became a little lower than the angels in order to redeem them back to Himself. He became man while not ridding Himself of His Godhood. Because of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial condescension to humanity, His people can share in His wonderful, eternal, and glorifying inheritance. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that although God has made Himself one with His redeemed, He is also entirely separate. Jesus Christ is the bridge of the expansive gap between God and humanity. Jesus made a way for people to come to Him; He made a way for them to be brethren. And Jesus Christ is not ashamed to call them brethren. Dr. Lloyd-Jones wonderfully articulates that when Jesus came, the lawgiver came unto the law. He took upon the form of a servant. Because of this, He can be called Jesus the brother.

Listen to this Christmas message on Hebrews 2:14 as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones remembers He who is our Savior and salvation. Do not think of the Christian life in any general way apart from Christ. Through death, Christ destroyed him who had the power of death. Death lost its sting! Man's greatest temptation is to leave out the “wonderful works of God.” Salvation is the result of God’s activity. There is great trouble when we become doubtful of the person of Christ. Look at the two heresies of Christ. The mystery of godliness is Jesus' being truly man and truly God. We are all sharers of human nature, but Christ's manhood was entirely different. God voluntarily added to what He already was – adding flesh and blood to the Divine. Two natures in the One. He who made all things now knew what it was like to be weak, misunderstood, and even to die. Christ became the captain, author, and composer of our salvation. God had to become man. Christ had to die to save us from the condemnation of the Law. He robbed the devil of the power of death and is our representative at the right hand of God. He can sympathize with you, blessed be His name.

Attending church is not sufficient for salvation. The greatest sin of the modern person is that they live as if they own themselves, but they do not. In this sermon on Hebrews 6:7–8 titled “A True Belief,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones declares that no one is their own and He focuses on the illustration of two fields. The whole world was created by God and made for Him. Every life will go on to judgment in relation to their response to this gospel. The value of one soul is such that no one can put too much emphasis on listening. Those who reject this word are utterly hopeless. It is the reaction to the treatment of the gospel that distinguishes Christians from the rest of the world. Listeners are encouraged to contrast the dramatic difference between the two products that are produced and examine that which pleases the creator of this world. The natural life alone is useless before God. The marks of a true believer are repentance and belief in this message of God’s salvation in Christ. It is not enough to simply know the gospel. Everyone must deny themselves and take up their cross, following Him and leaving everything else.

The Christian was always meant to have full assurance and happiness. In this sermon on the assurance of hope from Hebrews 6:11–12 titled “A Full Assurance of Hope,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones dives into the epistles and discovers how they were written for the assurance of believers. He also focuses on the circumstances of uncertainty that surrounded these believers and what hope they received. Dr. Lloyd-Jones touches on the three assurances of faith, understanding, and hope, with special focus on the full assurance of hope. He encourages the preaching of sanctification by preaching the hope and the glory of Christ. This is not a message that is subjective to human feelings. Christianity is primarily and essentially other-worldly and the Christian should put aside earthly prospects to follow Him. The Christian is encouraged to know of the “first fruits” and meditate on the Scriptures. “Endure by seeing Him who is invisible.” Faith is the substance, and hope is the outcome of this faith. What is meant by the “state of hope”? When all else gives way, Christ is the solid rock that can be stood upon. God provides the diligence and faith that is necessary. Look to Him and have full assurance unto the end.