Apprehended by Christ
A Sermon on Philippians 3:12-17
Originally preached June 17, 1962
Scripture
12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things …
Sermon Description
What sets the Christian apart from everyone else? In this sermon on Philippians 3:12–17 titled “Apprehended by Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares that it is the Christian’s knowledge and pursuit of Christ that separates them from all others. Christianity is not about external actions, nor is it about passionless religiosity, but Christianity is about Christ Jesus. It was the Apostle Paul who came to know Christ when Jesus appeared to him and transformed him. This was an immediate interaction with the risen Christ who called Paul to a life of service and suffering as a Christian. Jesus calls all believers to forsake their pride and arrogance, and to trust in Him. This sermon asks: “do you have a knowledge of Christ that transforms you? Are you trusting in Jesus or yourself?” In its fallen state, the world trusts in itself to solve all its problems, but the Christian is totally different. The Christian flees all vain worldly wisdom and trusts in God. Only Christianity shows all how they ought to live; only Christianity can provide true answers to life’s deepest questions. This is because only Christianity offers the true hope of the gospel and salvation from all sin and evil.
Sermon Breakdown
- Christianity should be thrilling and exciting. If it's dull, it's not real Christianity.
- Christians are never satisfied and always want more of God. They have an insatiable thirst for Him.
- Christians have a clear aim and goal in life to know Christ. They press toward the mark and prize of knowing Jesus.
- Christians concentrate on the goal of knowing Christ above all else. They are focused on one thing.
- A Christian's whole life is governed by the goal of knowing Christ. Their mind and conduct is ruled by the Bible.
- Christians live this way because of the high calling of God in Christ. They look to Jesus as their example and motivation.
- Christians are encouraged by the examples of saints who have gone before them like Paul, Abraham, and David.
- The ultimate prize of knowing Christ face to face motivates Christians to live a life focused on Jesus.
Other Sermons
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.