... We Walk By Faith
A Sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:1-7
Originally preached July 9, 1961
Scripture
1For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 …
Sermon Description
The gospel is essentially practical. The Christian life is one where we walk by faith. Listen to this sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:1–7 as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that a Christian is strikingly different because they know why the world is as it is, while the nonbeliever cannot understand it. Any human is foolish to think that they could be “God.” Conceit has always been one of humanity’s greatest issue. The Christian knows this is not the only world; it is a brief life that prepares them for the one to come. Does Christianity take a pessimistic view of humanity? Look at the condition of today’s world: should people be concerned about the pleasures of this world? Learn what it means to live “concerned for the glory of God” and be willing to be absent from the physical body to be present with the Lord. The earnest expectation of all creation groans in pain until Christ returns to renew all. Hope cannot be based not on this world and life, but on the one to come. This sermon on walking by faith encourages the listener to see how the world looks under the mighty hand of God and become a citizen of God’s eternal city.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon examines 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 and what it means to walk by faith and not by sight.
- The sermon contrasts the Christian view of life with the non-Christian view of life. The non-Christian view seeks pleasure and escapism in the face of difficulties while the Christian view provides meaning and purpose.
- The Christian view provides an understanding of why there is suffering and evil in the world - it is because of man's sin and rebellion against God. The non-Christian view cannot explain suffering and is bewildered by it.
- The Christian has a new view of himself, Christ, God, salvation, and life. Everything is seen in a new way. This new view comes from being born again by the Spirit.
- The Christian sees life as a preparation for eternity. This life is fleeting and transient. The Christian uses this life to glorify God and prepare for the life to come.
- The Christian has an eternal perspective and hope. He knows that if this earthly body dies, he has an eternal body and home in heaven prepared by Christ. He will be with the Lord.
- The Christian hope is not based on escapism from this world but on the resurrection of the body and eternity with God. The troubles of this world are light and momentary compared to the glory to come.
- The task of the preacher is not to usher in world peace but to preach the truth of the gospel. The gospel provides the only answer to life's deepest questions and man's greatest need.
- The gospel calls people to be reconciled to God through faith in Christ. This means acknowledging our sin, turning from self, and trusting in Christ's finished work. We no longer live for self but for Christ.
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.