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Sermon #SD24

Weary in Well Doing

A Sermon on Galatians 6:9

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Scripture

Galatians 6:9 ESV KJV
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (ESV)

Sermon Description

Christians may grow weary of well doing. Despite being on a correct path, all Christians have experienced spiritual depression. Much of this can be attributed to a “middle period” of the Christian life; a time that comes after much growth and momentum, with the struggle to continue despite feeling routine. In this sermon on Galatians 6:9 titled “Weary in Well Doing,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones outlines some common pitfalls and dangers during this period. Negative voices encourage giving up, resigning to the feelings of hopelessness and artificial stimulants such as alcohol or drugs that provide no lasting hope. For Christians who feel like they are just putting one foot in front of the other, Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages that such feelings are normal. Instead of stalling, look to the word to discover “Why am I weary? What has caused me to feel this way?” Energy for serving Christ and growing in maturity is not from feelings, but from the Savior. Acknowledge that this life is a time of preparation for what is to come, and rest in knowing the Lord will rescue and redeem in due time. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages the listener that the walk will have ups and downs, but they can stand in their faith and not grow weary in doing good.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The apostle Paul is addressing spiritual depression and weariness in Christians.
  2. There are many causes of spiritual depression including:
  3. Physical exhaustion from overworking
  4. Relying on carnal energy instead of the Spirit's power
  5. Wrong motives like seeking thrill or self-glory
  6. Making ministry an identity rather than a calling
  7. There are three dangers to avoid:
  8. Don't listen to suggestions to give up
  9. Don't resign yourself to stay in this condition
  10. Don't rely on artificial stimulants to motivate you
  11. To overcome, examine yourself to determine the root cause(s) of your weariness
  12. Recognize there are phases of growth in the Christian life that bring changes
  13. Remember you are engaged in "well-doing," not a task - this is a privilege
  14. This life is preparation for eternity - maintain an eternal perspective
  15. The harvest of rewards in heaven is certain, so continue laboring faithfully
  16. Consider Jesus, who endured humbly and patiently for the joy set before Him
  17. Look to Jesus for forgiveness, strength, and a renewed passion for His work

Spiritual Depression

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.