The Destruction of the World
A Sermon on Matthew 24:3-14
Originally preached Feb. 8, 1959
Scripture
3¶ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take …
Sermon Description
Some make the charge that the gospel failed because the world is not a better place. In this sermon from Matthew 24:3–14 titled “The Destruction of the World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones walks through these questions and how to analyze them from a biblical perspective. First, Scripture never claims that its purpose is to reform the world and make it better. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that this is a teaching derived from an evolutionary worldview in which everything gradually improves over time. Second, in stark contrast to this evolutionary teaching, Scripture actually claims the opposite—that things will continue to get worse until Jesus returns. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that this is another reason Scripture can be trusted. Unlike false worldviews, the Bible can explain and account for the present realities in the world. Third, Scripture explains why things are the way they are—the lust of the flesh. If one is seeking to change the world, make it a better place, and long to see right prevail over wrong, Dr. Lloyd-Jones has one question: “what is your attitude towards God?” In order for anything to change, people must individually address the state of their own sinful hearts, ask forgiveness for sins, and believe in Jesus Christ—only then can true, lasting change take place.
Sermon Breakdown
- The Gospel has never claimed to reform or improve the world.
- The Gospel explicitly states the opposite - that the world will remain in a constant state and even get worse.
- Jesus prophesied trouble, wars, rumors of wars, pestilences, earthquakes, deceit, and hatred of Christianity.
- The state of the world proves the truth of the Gospel, not its failure. The Gospel predicted the world would be this way.
- The explanation for the state of the world is the evil in men's hearts - lust, greed, rebellion against God.
- Acts of Parliament and education cannot change man's lusts and nature.
- Every generation needs the Gospel because every person is born with a sinful nature. There is no inheritance of acquired characteristics.
- The Gospel is about being born again, not moral and social improvement.
- The problem is not the state of the world but the state of our own hearts. The world is just the multiplication of individuals.
- We must examine our own attitude to God and view of Jesus Christ. We need new hearts and natures, not just external changes.
- Jesus calls us to repent, believe in Him, and find rest. We can be saved from destruction and understand the world through Him.
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.